27 February 2014

With two weeks to go until the first ever St David Awards, TV presenter Gethin Jones has been unveiled as the presenter of the historic evening which will be held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday 13 March.

The St David Awards is the new national awards scheme created by the Welsh Government which recognises and celebrates the exceptional achievements of people in Wales. The First Minister, Carwyn Jones called for people from across Wales to recommend someone they feel deserves recognition for their outstanding achievements.

The awards will be given to people who make a real difference to the quality of life in Wales.

The First Minister said:

“We may be a small country but the achievements and endeavours of ordinary people are considerable - people who work tirelessly for others and make a real difference to the quality of life in Wales, and expect nothing in return. It is those achievements that I believe should be recognised and celebrated through these St David Awards.”

Gethin Jones says he is honoured to be part of the historic event. The presenter from Cardiff says;

"It is a real privilege to be asked to host the first St David Awards Ceremony. There are so many exceptional talented people in Wales doing their bit for our country and I am proud to have the opportunity to be part of presenting them to the nation and learning more about their amazing stories and contributions."

The St David Awards is held at the Dora Stoutzker Hall, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff on Thursday 13 March.

And Welsh language broadcaster S4C is to provide a platform for the awards with a special programme reflecting the best of the evening's events.

Broadcast on the same evening as the awards, Angharad Mair presents the programme Gwobrau Dewi Sant which brings together the highlights of the proceedings, with focus on the winners and their prizes. We will also enjoy some of the musical performances which are part of the ceremony - including students of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

English language commentary will be available on the TV coverage, via the red button service.

In addition, in the run-up to the awards, S4C's weekday magazine programme Prynhawn Da will offer an opportunity to get to know the finalists; learning about their achievements and why they were nominated for the award.

S4C Content Commissioner, Gaynor Davies, says;

"The St David Awards are an event for the whole nation which celebrates achievements within our own communities. I'm very glad that S4C is able to provide a national platform for the awards, on its inaugural year, giving everyone the chance to be part of the event and putting the finalists and their achievements centre stage."

The programme Gwobrau Dewi Sant will start on S4C at 8.25pm on Thursday 13 March. The programme will break at 9.00pm for the evening news, Newyddion 9, before returning for a further hour of highlights at 9.30pm.

Go to the St David Awards website stdavidawards.org.uk to find out more about the awards and the finalists nominated in each category.

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