Assembly in search of Welsh Idol

The National Assembly for Wales is trying to find a Welsh Idol and is asking for the help of the public.

The Assembly is launching the quest to find the nation’s favourite Welsh person on January 31 with the help of the pupils of Ysgol Pen-y-Garth. The school’s choir will launch a special song for St David’s Day. After their performance the children will be the first to vote.

During February, visitors to the Senedd will be asked to name their favourite Welsh person.  Schoolchildren visiting the Assembly on educational visits will use the activity to learn about voting and the democratic process as part of their learning programmes. People from other parts of Wales will be able to send their suggestions to the Assembly at Welsh Idol, National Assembly for Wales, FREEPOST SWC 3358, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1GY. A shortlist of ten will then be announced in time for voting for Wales’s favourite to begin on St David’s Day. Voting will continue until later in the year.

Welsh Idol will form part a wide range or activities in the Senedd to mark St David’s day. The National St David’s Day Parade will end at the building, for the first time in its history and the marchers will be greeted by the Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas. Performances from Côr CF1, Cwmni Dawns Caerdydd (Cardiff Folk Dance Company) Fitzalan School Steel Pan Band and activities including free face painting, colouring in, and Welsh learning taster sessions will take place in the Senedd from 12.00 onwards.

The Parade, which is organised by volunteers with the backing of the National Assembly for Wales and Cardiff Council, will start from the National Museum of Wales at 1.15pm and end at the Senedd at 2.15. Everybody is invited to join the parade or welcome the marchers when they arrive at the Senedd. Further information is available at www.stdavidsday.org