A CAMPAIGN has been launched to find out more about the musical traditions of the Carmarthenshire area.

Menter Dinefwr has launched a campaign to celebrate the musical traditions of the county – from the Towy Valley to the Amman Valley and everywhere in between.

Music has always been an important part of life in the Dinefwr area and Menter is hoping to stage an exhibition to allow people to learn more about the role played by music in the community.

Anyone who has stories, experiences and items relating to music in the community is urged to get in touch with Menter Cymru.

The research and interpretation of work for the exhibition – which is set to open at the end of September this year – will be carried out by volunteers and will be digitised and uploaded to the People’s Collection Wales.

Elen Haf Jones, heritage officer for Menter Dinefwr, said: “Music has contributed enormously to the cultural landscape of Dinefwr. We are therefore calling on people to rummage in their attic or under the stairs cupboard for hidden treasures that help tell that story.

“Items may include photos of local artists, bands or groups, programmes of concerts, services, music festivals or eisteddfodau; to name just a few.

“I look forward to working with an enthusiastic and passionate team of volunteers to preserve local music heritage.”

The campaign was inspired by Anne Williams, Tŷ Gwyn’s collection which records all things music in Llandeilo. Some of the collection is at Hengwrt and more is planned to be uncovered through the campaign.

Owain Gruffydd, Menter Dinefwr’s chief executive, said: “Following the resounding success of the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Llandovery, this is the perfect opportunity for local people to reflect, share memories and celebrate the contribution of music to life in Dinefwr.

“As someone who has been quite involved in the musical scene in the area, I am aware of the wealth of talent, history, and tradition here.

“We are therefore calling on people in Dinefwr and beyond to share their collections and stories, so that the exhibition reflects a variety of experiences throughout the decades.

"We look forward to seeing the outputs form an exhibition in September, thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

The campaign is part of the Hengwrt heritage centre project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hengwrt is a community centre and business hub in Llandeilo which opened in 2021 after significant renovation work by Menter Dinefwr and is now home to Menter.

It also has a Welsh merchandise shop, meeting and conference facilities, heritage and visitor centre, offices and hot desking space.