Singer's Taff's Bar virtual debut

Virtual performer Alaw Llewellyn and the 'real' Meinir Gwilym

A singer-songwriter will appear as her virtual self when she makes her online debut in parallel world Second Life.

Meinir Gwilym believes she is giving the first Welsh language gig in Second Life, the online site with 12m members.

The 7 March show is in Taff's Bar, run by multimedia company CC4 director Phil Stead on his virtual island, Cymru.

"I wasn't sure what to expect, but rehearsals have been great fun," said the Anglesey singer, who will be playing from studios in Y Felinheli.

Meinir, who is from the village of Llangristiolus, will appear on stage represented by her avatar called Alaw Llewellyn.

"It's becoming a more and more popular way of performing," said Meinir.

"People like Suzanne Vega and the Pet Shop Boys have played in-world, and it's a real thrill for me to be able to do the first ever Welsh language gig."

Meinir Gwilym will be watched by Second Life's avatars

Mr Stead said they had been running live gigs for a while.

"We have a global audience, and most gigs attract between 100-150 people," he said.

"They attend the virtual gig via their avatars, and then play the concert at home through their PC speakers.

"This is a perfect way for Meinir to broaden her appeal and reach a new audience."

She released her first album in 2002 and has appeared at major live events including Bryn Terfel's Faenol Festival.