Mount Snowdon is to officially be renamed after thousands of people signed a petition to have it changed.
Snowdonia National Park Authority has confirmed that Wales’ tallest mountain – which stands at an imposing 3,560ft at its highest point – is to now be known by its official Welsh language title, rather than by the English name it has been known as for much of its existence.
The peak will now be known as Yr Wyddfa, which is said to be pronounced like ‘er with-va’.
While the English name ‘Snowdon’ comes from the Old English ‘snaw dun’ meaning “snow hill”, the mountain’s new Welsh name ‘Yr Wyddfa’ means ‘the tumulus’ or ‘the barrow’ – which, according to Arthurian legend, could refer to the cairn which was said to have been thrown over the legendary giant Rhitta Gawr after his defeat by King Arthur.
It’s not only the famous peak that’s got itself a new name either, as the whole of Snowdonia is to be renamed as Eryri National Park too.
The confirmation of the new names comes after a motion to ditch the English versions in official usage was put forward by Gwynedd Councillor John Pughe Roberts in April 2021 and a petition urging the National Park to formalise this suggestion was signed by an impressive 5,000 people.
And so, on Wednesday 16 November, officials at the National Park voted in favour of the move to Welsh names “as a mark of respect for our cultural heritage”.
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Speaking on the historic day, Naomi Jones – Head of Cultural Heritage at the Snowdonia National Park Authority – said: “Many public bodies across Wales have moved to use both the Welsh and English names, or the Welsh name only, when referring to Yr Wyddfa and Eryri, as have many of the mainstream English-language press and filming companies.
“This is very encouraging, and gives us confidence that this change in the Authority’s approach will be accepted for the benefit of the Welsh language and as a mark of respect to our cultural heritage.
Mount Snowdon is to officially be renamed after thousands sign a petition to change it / Credit: Flickr
“We have historic names in both languages, but we are eager to consider the message we wish to convey about place names, and the role they have to play in our current cultural heritage by promoting the Welsh language as one of the National Park’s special qualities.
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“By referring to our most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names we give people from all over the world the opportunity to engage with the Welsh language and its rich culture.”
Despite the changes, the National Park will still be legally obliged to use both the Welsh and English names in official documentation.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
17th November 2022 
