Evan James (poet) were taken many years apart. Evan James (poet) Evan James (also known by the bardic name "Ieuan ap Iago") (1809 – 30 September 1878), a weaver and poet from Pontypridd, originally from Caerphilly, Wales, wrote the lyrics of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" ("Land of my Fathers"), the national anthem of Wales. James, a weaver by trade, employed several people at his mill on the bank of the River Rhondda. According to family legend, his son James James, was walking one day in January 1856 on the banks of the river when the melody for "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" came to
Maesteg Noteworthy mixed choir, and Take Note contemporary vocal group, the most untraditional of the Maesteg choirs. Maesteg Children's Choir hosts many concerts throughout the year, and Curtain Up Youth Theatre has been performing musicals since the turn of the millennium. Maesteg Amateur Operatic Society recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. The Llynfi Valley Amateur Dramatic Society has been performing plays in Maesteg Town Hall for 35 years. Artist Christopher Williams was born in Maesteg in 1873. Six of his paintings are on display in Maesteg Town Hall. The Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in Maesteg, in