The first programme in the long-running Noson Lawen series was shown on S4C in 1982 and since that time the programme has become one of S4C's prime light entertainment offerings with a faithful viewing audience eagerly awaithing each new series.
It is estimated that 250 programmes of the show (roughly translated as "Fun Evening") have been transmitted to date, with no sign that its appeal is diminishing. During the show's 23 years' existence, the image and content has gradually developed to reflect changing tastes and moods; for many years the audience was seated on straw bales and the performing stage was originally a farm trailer.
By now, sophisticated outside broadcast units, lighting rigs and purpose built sets descend on locations throughout Wales - be they large farm buildings or leisure centres, or occasionally the plush surroundings of a TV studio - in order to provide the participating audience, and the viewing public, with a first class itinerant light entertainment experience.
The basic concept of the Noson Lawen however is still the same as in the pioneering days of 1982; an MC who has the audience in stitches while guiding them through the evening's events; first rate singers and musicians of many musical genres - whether folk, classical, pop, jazz, country - inspired choral singing and a guest comedian at home before a live audience.
New faces are given an opportunity to share the stage with many of Wales' top performers, but probably the main element which sets Noson Lawen apart from other shows is the fact that it takes top class entertainment out into local communities; the audience is the Noson Lawen.