Alumnus becomes new National Poet for Wales

School of Welsh congratulates former student, the bard Ifor ap Glyn, on his new role.

Ifor ap Glyn has been named by Literature Wales as the new National Poet of Wales, following on from Gillian Clarke.

Ifor will take up his new role, the fourth National Poet for Wales, on May 31 2016 at an event with his predecessors, Gillian Clarke, Gwyn Thomas and Gwyneth Lewis, during the Hay Festival.

Born in London to a Welsh family, the poet, presenter and Director of Cwmni Da, now lives in Caernarvon. Twice a winner of the National Eisteddfod Crown (1999 and 2013), Ifor also spent a year as the Welsh Children’s Poet (2008-2009).

Ifor studied for a degree in Welsh and Welsh History at Cardiff University between 1980 and 1983 and some of the staff remember him well.

Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh, who taught Ifor, said: “I’d like to congratulate Ifor on this special honour. We are very proud of his connection with the School.

“The School of Welsh has long been a breeding ground for some of Wales' greatest writer. It is a pleasure to see one of our former students achieve such significant public recognition. We wish him well in his new role and hope we can welcome him back to the School in the near future.”