A Wrexham music duo is striking a chord with their Welsh language journey. Husband-and-wife folk-pop band Igloo Hearts are studying Welsh at Coleg Cambria‘s Yale site. After personal loss, TV success and a new creative project, the language has become central to their music and their lives.
How Igloo Hearts Started Learning Welsh
For Katie MacGregor, an accountant by profession, the journey began alongside her mum. The pair signed up for evening classes after an impressive 858-day streak on Duolingo. “It was something Mum and I could do together; we would do our homework, have a giggle and really enjoy it,” she said.
Shortly afterwards, Igloo Hearts were invited to audition for the S4C talent show Y Llais (The Voice). Katie had previously appeared on Channel 4’s The Piano. Their first audition came just weeks after she started lessons.
Tragically, her mum was then diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer and passed away in March. “Our lives were turned upside down, but we kept going through her treatment, and Welsh gave us both a focus,” said Katie. “She loved Welsh rugby anthems and was so supportive.”
A Chair Turn on Y Llais
When the duo reached the chairs stage of Y Llais, Ywain Gwynedd (Yws Gwynedd) turned for them. S4C then aired the next stage on Mother’s Day. By then, sadly, Katie had lost her mum.
“She inspired me to keep going,” said Katie. “Now we’re speaking Welsh at home, watching Welsh television and listening to music. We’re immersing ourselves in the language and culture.”
James, who works in aerospace, has since joined Katie at Cambria. For him, performing and writing through Welsh has become increasingly important. “I have some catching up to do, but Cambria is playing a major part in our journey,” he said.
A Supportive Place to Learn
James admits the early stages can feel daunting. “It can be intimidating when you’re at an early stage, but everyone has been so supportive,” he said. “We want to champion Welsh-language music and just keep progressing and trying.”
Their tutor, David Fagan, is himself a former Welsh learner. He began studying while working as a lawyer so he could communicate with Welsh-speaking clients. This summer, he received the Gwobr Dechrau Arni (Starting Out) award at the National Eisteddfod.
“Everyone has their own reason for taking up Welsh, and everyone develops differently,” said David. “Katie and James are doing so well. There is no pressure; you build the basics, grow in confidence and find your own way, so let the language come to you.”
The Revamped Camu Centre
Cambria’s revamped Camu Welsh Centre of Excellence at Yale is strengthening that community spirit. It features modern classrooms, new social spaces and a café. It also has state-of-the-art technology designed to create an immersive environment for learning Welsh.
The centre welcomes people of all abilities. So, whether you’re a complete beginner or rebuilding your confidence, there’s a place for you. You can find out more about Welsh courses at Coleg Cambria on the college’s website.
For Igloo Hearts, the centre has become a second home. It’s where they practise, meet fellow learners and test out new ideas. As a result, their confidence is growing week by week.
A Welsh-Language Creative Project
Igloo Hearts have also secured support for a Welsh-language creative project running until the end of 2026. Working with NEW Sinfonia, The Gentle Good and Menter Iaith, they’ll deliver workshops for Welsh speakers and learners. The aim is to remove fears about not being “fluent enough”.
The project includes a Welsh-language songwriting masterclass from The Gentle Good. It will then end with an intimate concert showcasing work created through the programme. With only a few weeks of the year left, now is the time to get involved.
“We’d love this project to encourage people to come along, have a go and not worry about being perfect,” said Katie. “Ultimately, we would love to record a body of work in Welsh. This feels like the beginning of something really exciting.”
A New Album on the Way
The duo’s debut album, Eyes Closed Against the Sun, came out last November. Now they’re working on a follow-up for next April. They hope it will include an original Welsh-language song.
To discover more about their music, album and live shows, visit igloohearts.com. You can also follow their progress on social media. We’ll certainly be listening out for that first Welsh song.
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