Unique Powys events such as the annual bog snorkelling could be included on a new Unesco-backed register of the UK's cultural heritage.
Seasonal celebrations such as the Royal Welsh Show, as well as traditional Eisteddfodau, are also among the events which could be considered for addition to the register, which was revealed today.
It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts, practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities.
Seasonal celebrations taking place at St David’s Day, the Royal Welsh Show, St Dwynwen's Day and the tradition of holding Eisteddfodau, where all cultural activities including singing and spoken word are conducted in the Welsh language, could be included.
OTHER NEWS:
- Heartbreak as burglars took presents - while family were at girl's carol service
- Shops plan as part of Welshpool canal wharf redevelopment approved
- Football fraternity saddened by death of Powys icon ‘Fil Wiz’
Traditions that are central to Welsh culture, identity and communities, from the Urdd, to the playing of the Welsh harp and the spoken word art of Cerdd Dafod are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory.
Modern day events like bog-snorkelling in Llanwrtyd Wells and the famous Elvis Festival in Porthcawl could be registered alongside more long-standing activities such as singing in male voice choirs, the Government said.
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: “We have a huge number of wonderful traditions and customs in Wales that help make our nation unique and distinct and it’s great that many of these will now be formally recorded and recognised.
“It’s important to preserve and protect living heritage, as well as physical landmarks and heritage sites, to pass onto future generations and maintain our special Welsh culture.”
By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to recognise our most important crafts and traditions in the same way as we have considered our physical heritage sites such as the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward I, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, and the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here