The full list of Gorsedd honours for the 2025 National Eisteddfod

North Wales Live

2 days ago

An actor who has appeared in The Crown and one of the Star Wars movies and a journalist who has interviewed President Donald Trump are among a host of people to be honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at this year's National Eisteddfod.
The leader of Plaid Cymru, an international footballer, two prominent broadcasters and several long serving Eisteddfod volunteers will also be invested during a colourful ceremony to be held on the Eisteddfod Maes on the outskirts of Wrexham in August.
Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones, played the lecturer who schooled Prince Charles in the Welsh language in the Crown and Captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
He has also appeared in series such as 'Un Bore Mercher', 'Dal y Mellt', and 'Game of Thrones'. Recently he has been a prominent part of projects to remember 90 years since the Gresffordd Disaster, which is part of the area's mining history. As well as being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year.
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Maxine Hughes is now a familiar name and face to many, not only for her journalistic work, but also for her role as 'official translator' for the owners of Wrexham football club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Originally from Conwy, she now lives and works in Washington DC, following a spell with the BBC and an international English news channel in Turkey.
She tries to support Welsh journalism as much as possible and has held sessions on journalism for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also lead the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year.
Rhun ap Iorwerth is best known as Anglesey's Senedd Member and since 2023 as leader of Plaid Cymru. Before that, he was a broadcaster and one of the most prominent journalists in Wales. Over the years he has been active in his community, a school governor, a leader at local events and concerts, and a supporter of various organizations including a period as a sponsor of the charity Awyr Las.
He was also, until recently, a youth coach at Llangefni Rugby Club. His former BBC colleagues, Dewi Llwyd and Dylan Jones, will also be invested into the Gorsedd this year. Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, reported on some of the biggest news stories in Wales and the world for almost half a century and was the face of S4C's election programmes.
Until his recent retirement, Dylan Jones, Denbigh, presented various news programmes on radio and the football preview show 'Ar y Marc' since 1992. He began commenting on football matches in 1986, and became a news reporter after commenting on the Hillsborough disaster.
Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales and especially in Wrexham. Playing for the Wrexham Club Academy from the age of 12, she played for two seasons for Everton before rejoining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level. She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women.
The Aykroyd brothers, David and Nigel, from Bala are also honoured by the Gorsedd. They run a highly successful nightwear, daywear and swimwear company, which is an important employer in rural Wales. The contribution of the brothers has improved the arts, a number of initiatives and local sports, with the support that has driven CPD Y Bala to the Welsh Premier League and facilitated their European achievements, but one example of the contribution of the two to their local community.
Three long serving volunteers are also being honoured by the Gorsedd this year. The Eisteddfod wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without Keris Jones, Llangollen, busy volunteering and stewarding. She has been a vital part of the festival for 50 years. She has also volunteered at the Urdd and Llangollen Eisteddfod for many years. In addition, Keris is very active in her community, and passionate about everything Welsh. For the Eisteddfod family, Dylan Wyn Jones, Mold, is 'Dylan Carafáns', and that is because he led the organization of the Eisteddfod's caravan field for many years. A mathematician and information technology specialist by profession, he spent two decades working across Europe before returning to Wales to ensure a Welsh language education for his children. And Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, is known to generations of Welsh children as the bubbly and infectious leader of the Urdd Jamborees. He has contributed extensively to the world of education in North Wales. A versatile musician, he is the conductor of Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay.
Tony Thomas has been a member of the National Eisteddfod's technical staff for over 40 years. His most impressive ideas are the word 'Eisteddfod' in big red letters and the colorful welcome arch near the entrance. Gorsedd Recorder Christine James, a former Archdruid, said these honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales. 'In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards' arrangements for honouring new members they all enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes. 'Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes,' she said.
The National Eisteddfod will be staged in Wrexham from 2-9 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.cymru.
FULL LIST OF 2025 GORSEDD NOMINEES
BLUE ROBES
Rhun ap Iorwerth is best known as Senedd Member for Anglesey, and since 2023 as leader of Plaid Cymru. Before that, he was a broadcaster and one of the most prominent journalists in Wales until the desire to serve his locality and the people of Wales led him into the world of politics. .
David Aykroyd Every community benefits from individuals who contribute to improving everyday life, and David Aykroyd is a special ambassador for the town of Y Bala. With his brother, Nigel, he runs a highly successful nightwear, daywear and swimwear company, which is an important employer in rural Wales. The contribution of the brothers has improved the arts, a number of initiatives and local sports, with the support that has driven CPD Y Bala to the Welsh Premier League and facilitated their European achievement.
Nigel Aykroyd With his brother, David, Nigel's contribution to the town of Bala has been huge over the years, not only through their successful company which employs a large number of local people, but also by supporting the community. Since the end of the 1990s their company has been providing a Welsh language nursery in the town, which has now, with the support of the brothers, developed as the Y Bala Family CentrE which offers a valuable service to the community.
Glesni Llwyd Carter (Wrexham), contributes significantly to the language and culture of Wales. In terms of her occupation, she manages all the family work of the North Wales and Dyfed Powys courts, and has improved Welsh speakers' access to justice in times of family crisis, and trained magistrates to provide services in Welsh, positively influencing the professional field and the wider community. In addition, Glesni was instrumental in supporting and encouraging a number of cultural projects locally, and she has an endless dedication to the Welsh language in the Wrexham area.
Bill Davies Originally from Porthmadog, Bill Davies, Cardiff, has supported local and national eisteddfods all over Wales over the years. He was general secretary of the Llandegfan Bro Eisteddfod for over 20 years, chairman of the Anglesey Eisteddfod, 2008, and is now a member and trustee of the Cardiff Cathedral Eisteddfod, acting as the vice chairman. He is also vice-chairman of Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru. He worked in the field of human resources throughout his career, across Wales, he served on a number of bodies and organizations here, including the S4C Authority and the Employment Tribunals of Wales, and he continues to act as chairman of the trustees of the Baptist Union of Wales.
Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, (Llanerfyl), has been the chief executive of Mudiad Meithrin since 2014, and the organisation has grown and developed significantly under her guidance and vision, contributing heavily to the Welsh Government's aim to secure one million Welsh speakers. Her work expands and develops the accessibility, availability and affordability of childcare provision and Welsh-medium playwork which is essential from the point of view of the prosperity of our children and the future of our language.
Geraint Evans, (Bbrry), promotes the Welsh language in every area he is involved in, whether that be the world of education, business or culture. He was chairman of the governors of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg for the school's first ten years, and since 2011 he has been chairman of Cardiff and the Vale College Corporation, one of the largest colleges in the UK with over 30,000 students. He has run several successful businesses and has volunteered in the business and education sectors across Cardiff and the Vale, as well as nationally.
Llinos Griffin supports the communities of Croesor, Llanfrothen and Penrhyndeudraeth than Llinos Griffin. She has produced dozens of community films to promote local businesses and organisations, together with the 'Byw.Bod' project which brought local independent enterprises together to offer experiences and services to attract visitors to the area and introduce them to the Welsh language.
Rhian Griffiths, Cardiff, has made a huge contribution to the tennis world in Wales over the last fifty years. Originally from the Wrexham area, Rhian has represented her country at all levels, from the under 14 team to the over 60 team. Since 2022, he has won 11 singles titles and 12 doubles titles in ITF tournaments. As well as representing Wales, she is also part of the UK over 60 squad.
Jane Harries, Bridgend, is a campaigner for peace and justice, and has played a leading role in building Wales as a nation of peace. She was secretary of Cymdeithas y Commod and has supported young people to develop the Urdd's message of Peace and Good Will. She was also secretary of the Welsh Peace Academy Initiative group. As a member of the Quakers, she is confident that peace and reconciliation is possible in Wales and beyond, and has contributed significantly to building a better society.
Maxine Hughes is now a familiar name and face to many, not only for her journalistic work, but also for her role as 'official translator' for the owners of Wrexham football club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Originally from Conwy, she lives and works in Washington DC, following a spell with the BBC and an international English news channel in Turkeyl. As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also be the Leader of Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham this year.
Tomos Hughes, Cerrig-y-Drudion, has made an outstanding contribution to his local community through his voluntary work and employment with the Welsh Ambulance Service. Over the years, Tomos provided essential first responder services, and his dedication led to the installation of over 850 defibrillators across the north.
Dylan Jones, Denbigh, was a prominent journalist with the BBC in Wales. During his career he has presented programs such as 'Taro Naw', 'Pawb a'i Farn', 'Taro'r Post', 'Post Cynta', 'Over Breakfast Saturday' and 'Post Prynhawn', and he has presented the football program 'Ar y Marc' continuously since 1992. He commented on football matches from 1986, and after commenting on the Hillsborough disaster, he was invited to be a news reporter in north east Wales, working on some of the biggest stories of the last thirty years in Wales and around the world.
Dylan Rhys Jones, Abergele, believes that using the Welsh language in a professional context such as the law is extremely important, and he has contributed significantly to the law, academia, and the media in promoting the Welsh language and culture. He is perhaps best known as the defence lawyer for serial killer Peter Howard Moore. This intense and challenging case inspired his book, 'The Man in Black', which presents his unique perspective as Moore's lawyer.
Dylan Wyn Jones, Yr Wyddgrug, is 'Dylan Caravans', and that is because he led the organisation of the Eisteddfod's caravan field for many years. He was also responsible for the festival stewards for almost 20 years, building a special relationship with hundreds if not thousands of volunteers over the years. He is a keen volunteer himself, and supports and promotes a large number of local Welsh organisations.
The Eisteddfod wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without seeing Keris Jones, Llangollen, busy volunteering and stewarding, and that for fifty years. She is a huge part of our competitors' experience and her loving care of them as they prepare for their heat is a vital part of the festival's ethos.
Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales and especially in Wrexham. She is the Welsh face and voice of that revolution. Playing for the Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, she played for two seasons for the Everton club before rejoining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level. She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women.
Nia Wyn Jones, Llangefni, made to confirm the status of the translation profession through her work as the systems manager of Cymdeithas Cyfieithuri Cymru, and as a result contribute to the normalisation of the language in so many areas.
Richard (Dic) Jones, Mold, was a policeman with North Wales Police from 1958 to 1991, finishing his career as an Inspector in the Mold area. After retiring he threw himself into voluntary work and since 2007 he is a familiar face to thousands of Eisteddfod goers as one of the chief steward's team at the National Eisteddfod.
Dewi Llwyd, a journalist and broadcaster who is a familiar voice to most of us in Wales, Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, has reported on some of the biggest news stories in Wales and the world in Welsh for almost half a century. He was the face of S4C's election programmes, and presented the channel's main news programme together with the discussion program 'Pawb a i Farn' for years. His contribution to the world of Welsh journalism, and thereby to our language and culture, is huge.
Dr Lyndon Miles has served the communities of the north west for 34 years. Originally from Dowlais, he received his medical education in Sheffield before moving to Bangor where he worked as a GP. Enthusiastic about improving services for people in disadvantaged areas, he led the community to establish a Healthy Living Centre, Maesgeirchen.
Gethin Rhys, Cardiff, has served Wales and its religion, politics and society with his mental acumen and with his dedication to see a just community without prejudice in our country. In his position as Cytûn policy officer he has presented evidence and suggestions to various Government committees and denominations, to churches and individuals in order to improve policies and relationships. He is a sharp theologian, a patient but determined politician and a gentle and intelligent sociologist.
Enlli Môn Thomas Since the first appointment of Professor Enlli Thomas, Abergwyngregyn, as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Bangor University's School of Psychology, the Welsh language has been central to her career as a lecturer and researcher. Her contribution to the Welsh language within the organisation, and nationally, has been significant.
Tony Thomas is one of the technical staff of the National Eisteddfod, and has worked in the storehouse in Llanybydder for over 40 years. Tony has a real interest and pride in the Eisteddfod and wants the experience on the Maes to be memorable for the visitor. His most impressive ideas are the word 'Eisteddfod' in big red letters and the colourful welcome arch near the entrance.
Clare Vaughan Originally from Abermorddu near Wrexham, where she grew up in a non-Welsh speaking household, Clare Vaughan has settled in Cwm Hyfryd in Patagonia. She worked as a Welsh teacher in schools in the Wrexham area before being appointed as a teacher in Patagonia.
Professor Simon Ward, Cardiff, is director of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, and is an expert in translational drug discovery. He has led multidisciplinary project teams and medicinal chemistry groups through drug discovery projects through to clinical studies, bringing multiple molecules to clinical development for a variety of diseases. He was instrumental in promoting the importance of discussing science in Welsh, especially by encouraging students to pursue further studies and publish in Welsh.
Gareth Victor Williams, Mold, has played a key role in the field of youth and education in north east Wales for years. He worked as a teacher of additional learning needs in a school in Denbigh, where he established and developed Welsh-medium education, before working as a consultant teacher for children with hearing impairment.
Menna Williams, Llangernyw, has volunteered her time to train generations of children and youth for over 50 years in her local area. She continues to train many of the area's youth to perform on local and national stages. She is one of the founders of the Llangernyw branch of Ferched y Wawr, and has been President of the branch three times over the years. He volunteered on behalf of the organisation, promoting the use of the Welsh language in Ysgol Feithrin.
GREEN ROBES
Gwyn Anwyl, Anglesey, is one of the Gorsedd fanfarers, and plays a key role in all of the Gorsedd ceremonies since 2021. He is assistant headteacher at Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones. He is a member of the Beaumaris Band and regularly competes with the band, including in the Eisteddfod.
Geraint Cynan, Cardiff, has contributed to the musical culture of Wales for almost half a century, as a member of many bands, a composer and arranger of folk, contemporary and classical tunes, a music director for theatre companies, and a music arranger for some of our most popular television programmes.
Gareth William Jones, Bow Street, gave a lifetime of commendable service to the world of education, as a drama teacher, Dyfed Library service cultural activities officer, and lectured in the Welsh Language Department of Trinity College, Carmarthen. He wrote ten novels for children. He also led a thriving drama company in Rhydypennau for many years.
Mark Lewis Jones one of our leading actors, who has his roots deep in his childhood. He has appeared in many series such as 'Un Bore Mercher', 'Dal y Mellt', 'The Crown', 'Game of Thrones' and is also known for his roles in major films such as 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' and 'The Far Side of the World'. Recently, he has been a prominent part of projects to remember 90 years since the Gresffordd Disaster, which is part of the area's mining history. As well as being honoured by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year.
Mared Lewis, Anglesey, has and continues to give diligent service to her area, to Wales, the Welsh language and our culture for years. The author of seven novels for adults, she has also contributed several novels for learners as part of the 'Amdani' series. She is active with the local paper, 'Papur Menai' and with the Anglesey Eisteddfod.
John Morgans has contributed greatly to the ecumenical life of the churches in Wales through his rich ministry, especially in the community of Pen-rhys in the Rhondda. He is a strong believer in social justice, and was very active among the communities of the south Wales valleys during the miners' strike. He has learned the Welsh language and is supportive of all kinds of Welsh artistic activities..
The contribution of Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham, in the field of higher education over the last quarter of a century has been a crucial one for the Wrexham area, initially as the leader of the Theatre, Television and Performance Department at the University of Wrexham, before she was appointed Head of Welsh Language Provision there. She received an award for outstanding contribution to Welsh-medium higher education from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol last year.
Professor Ann Parry Owen, Aberystwyth, is a first class academic who specializes in the Welsh language, grammar and poetry of the Middle Ages. Having received her secondary education in Llangollen, she now works at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies and has contributed extensively to a large number of research projects over the years; she is also a senior editor with the University of Wales Dictionary.
Professor Emeritus Hywel Wyn Owen, Llandegfan, is well known as an expert on Welsh place names. Originally from Penbedw, he was a Latin and English teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold, before moving to train teachers at Coleg Normal in Bangor. He established a Place Names Research Centre at the university where he was appointed director and awarded a personal chair. There he was responsible for the digitization of the Melville Richards Archive, now one of our nation's treasures. He was president of Cymdeithas Enwau Lleoedd Cymru, the Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland and the English Place-Name Society, and is a member of the Welsh Language Commissioner's panel on place names.
Ceinwen Parry, Treuddyn, Yr Wyddgrug, has devoted himself completely to promoting our language and culture in an area which is only ten miles from the border. He has been the secretary of the Treuddyn Cathedral Eisteddfod since 1985, and despite trying to retire a year or so ago, he still does a lot of the work. He supported to the utmost every good cause in the area and especially in securing a suitable financial fund from the village as the National Eisteddfod came to Wyddgrug twice and the Urdd to Flint in 2017.
Shân Eleri Passmore Cardiff, is honoured for her service in the world of large and small eisteddfodau over a long period. Before moving to Cardiff in 1981, Shân was the secretary of the Maenclochog Cathedral Eisteddfod for several years. Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru was very fortunate to have her as Development Officer for a time, and she also worked for the Urdd and the National Eisteddfod.
Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, is known to generations of Welsh children as the bubbly and infectious leader of the Urdd Jamborees. He has contributed extensively to the world of education in the North. He was active in training children and youth in the schools, and also led the Urdd Department and Household in Abergele. A versatile musician, he is the leader of a mixed choir, Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay.
Rhys Roberts, Blaenau Ffestiniog for promoting and reinforcing the arts among young people in his local community. He works hard and often voluntarily to ensure that young working class people have opportunities to develop skills within the arts, including music, film making, organising gigs and arts events. He is also a member of the band, Anweledig, which has re-formed to play at this year's Eisteddfod.
The soprano, Jessica Robinson, Crymych, graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with a first class honors degree, distinction in her MA Opera Performance and received the Aneurin Davies memorial award, the Mansel Thomas award, the Margaret Tann Award, and the Elias Soprano award. She was also the first representative to reach the final of Singer of the World for 20 years and the first Welshwoman in the competition's history.
Stephen Rule, Coed-llai, Flintshire, is perhaps better known as his digital persona, the Welsh Doctor. He has over 80 thousand followers on his Instagram account and all of his films highlight his passion for the Welsh language and his tireless desire to promote it. A Welsh (second language) teacher by profession, he offers advice and support to learners and unconfident Welsh speakers all over the world with his infectious enthusiasm and his understanding of the origin of names, the meanings of sayings, the mutations, grammar and syntax. He is one of the best communicators for our language and culture.
The dedication of Dylan Williams, Caernarfon, to teaching, inspiring and attracting interest in the world of music is very high, especially among young boys. He strongly believes in giving all children the opportunity to receive instrumental lessons and emphasizes that music should be fun for everyone! He has taught children in Caernarfon region schools over the years, leading the region's junior band, the Gwynedd and Môn Senior Brass band, and has had great success with Ysgol Brynrefail, Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen and Ysgol Bontnewydd. He is also the principal horn of Seindorf Arian Deiniolen, who are keen competitors every year.