Who will be honoured by Gorsedd of Bards at National Eisteddfod?

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2 days ago

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 between August 2 and 9.
Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones, played the lecturer who schooled Prince Charles in the Welsh language in the Crown.
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 honored by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year.
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.
As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also lead the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham.
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.
His former BBC colleagues, Dewi Llwyd and Dylan Jones, will also be invested into the Gorsedd this year.
Llwyd, from 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, from 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 re-joining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level.
Wrexham AFC women's team star Lili Jones. (Image: Wrexham University) 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 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.
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A versatile musician, he is the conductor of Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay.
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.
She said: "'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."
FULL LIST OF 2025 GORSEDD NOMINEES;
BLUE ROBES
GREEN ROBES