AN ORGANISATION which supports use of the Welsh language is seeking help with compiling a list of places where Santa will be speaking Welsh this Christmas.

Mentrau Iaith are planning to compile and share the list of such special appearances by Santa or Siôn Corn as he is known in Welsh, so that children can chat to him in their mother tongue.

With a visit to see Santa a popular Christmas tradition across the UK, the organisation wants to help spread the word about any opportunities for youngsters to chat to Santa through the medium of Welsh.

The Mentrau Iaith create opportunities where anyone and everyone can enjoy using Welsh every day within their communities and sharing details of visits from Santa through the medium of Welsh is part of their remit.

Aled Evans from Menter Iaith Cwm Gwendraeth Elli said: "Santa is a magical character, who lives far away, and yet he connects with all the children of the world in their first language. Being able to feel comfortable and natural with Santa is a special part of the experience, and that can only happen through the child's mother tongue.”

Last Christmas, visits to grottos had to go virtual due to Covid, and so online visits were organised by local Menter Iaith organisations across Wales.

One parent from Menter Iaith Flint and Wrexham said: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the Siôn Corn Zoom sessions. Unfortunately we’re not Welsh speakers like our kids so couldn’t understand most of what was said but Charlie definitely could and looked somewhat starstruck. Thank you so much for arranging this and providing such a long and professional call.”

With this year looking set to be a combination of virtual and face to face Santa's grottos, the Mentrau Iaith want to know where throughout Wales will there be a Welsh speaking Santa or Siôn Corn. Anyone who is involved with or aware of such an event is asked to contact their local Menter Iaith to share the details.

They will then share the list. So, whether Santa will be visiting a garden centre, a village hall, a Christmas fair or via an online event, please contact the local Menter Iaith to let them know.

For more details of Menter Iaith locations visit www.mentrauiaith.cymru or https://mentrauiaith.cymru/dod-o-hyd-i-fenter/.