MARK Drakeford will be making a surprise appearance at Other Voices Cardigan next month, the Tivy-Side has learnt.

The First Minister of Wales will be taking part in Clebran: Connected Imagination, a celebration of the enduring cultural and musical ties between Ireland and Wales, taking place at Cardigan’s Theatr Mwldan from November 3-5.

Each afternoon writers, musicians, journalists, artists, poets, politicians and academics will join in conversations about how we perceive our world, language and culture.

On the second day of the event - Friday, November 4 at 4.15pm - Mr Drakeford will make a special appearance as a guest speaker, joined by the celebrated poet Mererid Hopwood and acclaimed traditional fiddle player/violinist Aoife Ní Bhríain to form a panel hosted by TV and radio broadcaster Huw Stephens in order to explore the value of culture, creativity and connection, and the identities of people, nations and diasporas.

Giving his reaction to last month’s announcement that Other Voices Cardigan was coming back, Mr Drakeford said: “It’s so good to see the return of Other Voices to west Wales to showcase some of our best musical talent.

“I’m so glad that we are re-establishing this exciting event in the calendar.

“It’s a symbol of the importance of our cultural and business connections with our friends in Ireland.”