26 March 2007

 A children’s entertainment roadshow starring Hana the agony aunt duck, from S4C’s brand new pre-school animation series, Holi Hana, is to hit the road this week, visiting ten locations across Wales.

Hana and her friends, Planed Plant presenter Gareth Delve and S4C children’s characters Dwmplen Malwoden from Pentre Bach and Cliff Ceffyl from Ribidirês will start the roadshow today, 26 March in Bridgend.

The show is being organised by Twf, a project which aims to encourage parents to introduce Welsh to their child from birth, with the support of S4C. TWF is encouraging parents and grandparents to bring along their youngsters – babies and nursery-age children – to the show, which is being held for free. The project’s representatives will be on hand to offer advice and support and a warm welcome is extended to all.

Holi Hana, broadcast for the first time on S4C on Monday, 2 April at 7.00am, sees Hana and her duckling son Francis help young animals solve a range of problems. The stop-motion animation is being made in Cardiff by Calon. The 25-minute live roadshow, which features music and audience participation, will be based along the same lines, with Hana helping Gareth and her fellow characters solve different problems.

Meryl Pierce, Project Development Officer, Twf said, “We see this as another great way of introducing Welsh to young children in a fun and enjoyable environment.”

Rhian Gibson, S4C’s Director of Commissioning, said, “This is the fifth year for S4C to collaborate with Twf and we’re delighted to support the organisation’s important work with this entertaining roadshow. Hana the duck has already attracted considerable attention and this will be a good opportunity for youngsters across Wales to get a taste of the new series as well as other S4C children’s programmes.”

For further information contact TWF on 01745 585120.

Notes for Editor

TWF is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and managed by the Welsh Language Board. Twenty field workers are responsible for working in partnership with midwives and health visitors to share information with parents on the advantages of being bilingual.

TOUR DATES

Monday 26 March

10.00am Bridgend Recreational Centre, Bridgend

1.30pm Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Hall

Tuesday 27 March

10.00am Queen’s Hall, Narbeth

1.30pm Catholic Hall, Cardigan

Wednesday 28 March

10.00am Glan Wnion Leisure Centre, Dolgellau

1.30pm Glasdir, Plas yn Dre, Llanrwst

Thursday 29 March

10.00am Theatr Fach, Pencraig, Llangefni

1.45pm Theatr Elwy, St Asaph

Friday 30 March

10.00am Dyffryn Trannon Hall, Trefeglwys

1.30pm Riverside Community Centre, Builth Wells