Gwilym Bowen Rhys Returns To S4C With New Basque Country Series

Folk singer Gwilym Bowen Rhys is returning to S4C with a new four-part series that sees him travel to the Basque Country to explore its distinctive culture and begin learning the Basque language.

Titled Gwlad y Basg Gwilym Bowen Rhys (Gwilym Bowen Rhys's Basque Country), the series launches at 20.00 on 5 January and will also be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer with Welsh and English subtitles.

Following his previous journey to Patagonia to meet Welsh-speaking communities, Gwilym now heads to northern Spain and southwestern France to discover more about the history, traditions and musical heritage of Euskal Herria. As part of his travels, he visits San Memes Stadium, home of Athletic Bilbao, and meets local residents — including a Basque speaker who has already learned Welsh. Throughout the series, Gwilym shares his love of music by singing in both Welsh and Basque.

Reflecting on his connection with the region, Gwilym said: "My music has taken me to many parts of the world, but there’s nowhere that has charmed me as much as the land called Euskal Herria, a small corner of northern Spain and southwestern France.

"I came here to sing 10 years ago, and I've returned here many times, but I have so much more to learn about its history, its culture, its traditions and its musical scene. And I’ve also started on the journey of learning the language."

Sioned Geraint, S4C's Children and Learners Content Commissioner, said the programme would resonate with viewers in Wales at the start of the year. She said: "At the start of a new year, many people will set resolutions for the year ahead and some even choosing to learn a new language.

"Gwilym Bowen Rhys's journey around the Basque Country is one which will be familiar to a number of people in Wales who fully immerse themselves in Welsh culture as they learn the language."