Cofio Dewi Sant is the Welsh version of the song St David’s Day which was originally recorded by Mike Peters and the Flesh and Blood Orchestra in December 1999 as part of the soundtrack for the play Flesh and Blood written by Helen Griffin. In a final text message to long time friend and opera singer Rhys Meirion, Mike asked Rhys to record a version of the song in Welsh ready for St David’s Day 2026. The result was filmed for a special television program broadcast on S4C Welsh TV on St David’s Day 1st March 2026 – Neges Olaf Mike Peters (Last Message Mike Peters).
Just a month before Mike’s death, Rhys received one last message from Mike asking him to create a Welsh version of his song St David’s Day. During the program filming Rhys approached Jules Peters at The Red in Dyserth to get her views and see if Dylan and Evan Peters would like to a part of recording a new version. Dylan and Evan agreed and they joined Rhys at Sain Studios to record the track. The same place Mike had recorded his first solo releases in 1993 – Back Into The System. For the recording they were joined by Osian Williams from Candelas and bassist Aled Wyn Hughes of Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog who also engineered the recording. Vocal harmonies were added by the Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir, the nearest local male voice choir to Dyserth area.
Reflecting on the challenge ahead, Rhys described Mike as “quite the hero” for him. He said: “Over the years, Mike and I had become friends, after our paths crossed on many occasions, which is possibly unusual for a classical singer like me, and a rock singer like Mike. “Mike had been battling cancer for over 30 years, and despite that, he always had a smile on his face, and that was a great inspiration to me when I had my own cancer diagnosis.”
Jules Peters said: “I’m sure it’s going to be emotional. I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m looking forward to it. “St David’s Day is an emotional song at the best of times and whenever I hear it, it would always move me to tears, there’s something in the cord changes”.
2026 Sain Studios recording
Running length 3:28
Written by Mike Peters / Rhys Meirion
Musicians & Credits
Evan Peters – Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Rhys Meirion – Lead Vocals, Electric Guitar
Dylan Peters – Piano, Hammond Organ
Aled Wyn Hughes – Bass Guitar
Osian Williams – Drums, Backing Vocals
Trelawnyd Male Voice Choir – Backing Vocals
Recorded at Sain Studios, Caenarfon, Wales
Engineered by Aled Wyn Hughes
Cofio Dewi Sant official video click image for video on S4C official Youtube channel
