Latest news with #Eisteddfod
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar House to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2027
The 17th Century house has been called home to some of the most powerful and influential families in the area, with its stunning 90-acre grounds making it a perfect site for the Eisteddfod. Llio Maddocks, the Urdd's Art and Eisteddfod Director says: 'I am so pleased to see Newport City Council and the whole of Gwent community's support to hosting the Eisteddfod in 2027. "Tredegar House looks like the perfect site for us organisers. One of the most important elements of Eisteddfod yr Urdd is the fact that it's a travelling festival and therefore visit areas that have never hosted the festival before. "I very much look forward to working with the Council and local community over the next two years to provide valuable experiences for children and young people of the area.' 'We are delighted that Tredegar House has been confirmed as the venue for Eisteddfod yr Urdd's first ever visit to Newport in 2027', said Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications. 'Hosting more major events and increasing the use of Welsh in our cultural offer are both parts of our long-term cultural strategy for the city. Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales's largest cultural events, will help us as we work to deliver on both of those goals. 'We're keen to involve as many businesses and community groups, both in the city centre and across Newport, as possible in the celebrations, so that as many people as possible experience the buzz of a major cultural event. We cannot wait for our city to play host to visitors from across Wales and beyond in two years' time.' Lizzie Smith Jones, National Trust Cymru General Manager for Tredegar House said: 'We're incredibly proud to be welcoming Eisteddfod yr Urdd to Tredegar House and parkland in 2027. It's a huge moment for Newport and our community - we're looking forward to playing our part in the celebrations of Welsh language, culture and creativity, and championing Wales' future generations.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Plaid Cymru's Urdd Eisteddfod 'free entry' pledge
The promise supports continued free access to the annual youth festival - which is coming to Newport in 2027 - for families who might otherwise be unable to attend. Heledd Fychan MS, Plaid Cymru's spokesperson on the Welsh language and culture, said: "The importance of Eisteddfod yr Urdd to the Welsh language and culture cannot be understated. "The festival supports young people from across Wales to immerse themselves in the Welsh language and develop their language skills. "Eisteddfod yr Urdd has always, and continues to, play a prominent role in increasing not only the numbers of Welsh speakers but increasing the daily use of Welsh. "That is why a Plaid Cymru Government will ensure that the Eisteddfod can be enjoyed by all, by supporting free access to families from low-income backgrounds." Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025 has already seen a record 119,593 registrations and a 42 per cent increase in competitors who are Welsh learners. Ms Fychan said the figures highlight the festival's vital role in supporting the use of Welsh beyond the classroom and building confidence among new speakers. She said a Plaid Cymru government would prioritise continued backing for Urdd Gobaith Cymru and its work. Ms Fychan said: "Plaid Cymru remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting and growing the Welsh language, and the work undertaken by the Urdd is central to that vision. "Free entry for low-income families to Eisteddfod yr Urdd is something we have long campaigned for and would be funded by a future Plaid Cymru government."
Pembrokeshire Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Môn Mam Cymru to welcome extended Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd in 2026
MON MAM CYMRU will welcome an extended Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd as the festival returns to the Island next year. It was announced today (Friday 30th May) at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr, Parc Margam a'r Fro, that Urdd Gobaith Cymru intends to extend the festival to seven days in 2026. This comes in response to an increase in the number of individuals that register to compete as well as the demand for more competitions. Llio Maddocks, Director of Arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru said, 'The Eisteddfod yr Urdd is an ever-evolving festival, and we listen to our members. We've seen more registrations to compete than ever before and a demand for additional stage competitions, and we're so pleased to see the positive impact the festival is having by increasing opportunities to engage with the Welsh language outside the classroom.' 'In response to this demand and to ensure we continue to be an inclusive organisation to each and every child and young person in Wales, we'll be expanding the Eisteddfod to a seven day festival.' Since 1929, Eisteddfod yr Urdd has provided invaluable opportunities for children and young people in Wales to showcase their talents, develop new skills and socialise with others from every part of Wales. Today, it's one of the biggest youth festivals in Europe, and Eisteddfod yr Urdd welcomes around 100,000 visitors every year. The festival was last held in Anglesey back in 2004. The Leader of Anglesey County Council, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the announcement at the Eisteddfod. He said, 'Welcoming this unique festival – that will now last seven days when it comes to the site in Mona – will be a significant boost to the Welsh language, our young people and the economy.' 'As a County Council and Island, we are truly looking forward to welcoming Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd in a year's time. There is nowhere better than Anglesey to stage this Welsh event for the young people of Wales, and following today's announcement, we will have a full week of competing.' 'I'd like to thank Urdd Ynys Môn's Executive Committee and all volunteers for working tirelessly to ensure that Anglesey will, once again, be an exemplary home for this special festival in 2026.' He added, 'I look forward to seeing children, young people and families from all across the country visiting Anglesey.' The competing will begin on the Saturday before Whitsun and will last until the Friday of that week, with Gŵyl Triban moving to the first weekend, and the broadcasting partnership will continue with S4C. The Chair of Urdd Ynys Môn's Executive Committee, Manon Wyn Williams, said, 'The increase in the annual number of individuals competing in the Eisteddfod yr Urdd is extremely encouraging, and means that more children and young people take advantage of valuable opportunities through the association'. 'This is all thanks to tireless efforts of the Urdd's coaches, teachers, volunteers, and hard-working staff across Wales. As a result, extending the Eisteddfod to seven days is an exciting and important development. It's a privilege that we on Anglesey are welcoming this experimental Eisteddfod, and it's an opportunity to look at the festival's structure with a fresh pair of eyes, working with children and young people in Wales as we do this. We are all extremely excited to welcome everyone to the Island in a years' time!' Anglesey County Council's Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, added, 'There is significant local enthusiasm, and people are eager to welcome this unique youth festival to the Island. It's a great opportunity for us to show Anglesey at its best. We will continue to work with the Urdd and local committee, with the aim of welcoming the Eisteddfod, and people from across Wales, here in 2026.' Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd will be held during the last week of May, as usual, corresponding with the half term school holiday. The festival is held either in the South or the North of Wales, alternating each year.
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Historic Tredegar House to Host Eisteddfod yr Urdd Casnewydd 2027
The Urdd is excited to announce that the location of Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2027 will be Tredegar House in Newport. The ancient 17th Century house was home to the Morgan family, later the Tredegar family who were one of the most powerful and influential families in the area. The mansion sits on stunning 90-acre green grounds, making it a 'perfect site' for the Eisteddfod. Llio Maddocks, the Urdd's Arts and Eisteddfod Director: 'I am so pleased to see Newport City Council and the whole of Gwent community's support to hosting the Eisteddfod in 2027. Tredegar House looks like the perfect site for us organisers. One of the most important elements of Eisteddfod yr Urdd is the fact that it's a travelling festival and therefore visit areas that have never hosted the festival before. I very much look forward to working with the Council and local community over the next two years to provide valuable experiences for children and young people of the area.' 'We are delighted that Tredegar House has been confirmed as the venue for Eisteddfod yr Urdd's first ever visit to Newport in 2027', said Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications. 'Hosting more major events and increasing the use of Welsh in our cultural offer are both parts of our long-term cultural strategy for the city. Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales's largest cultural events, will help us as we work to deliver on both of those goals. 'We're keen to involve as many businesses and community groups, both in the city centre and across Newport, as possible in the celebrations, so that as many people as possible experience the buzz of a major cultural event. We cannot wait for our city to play host to visitors from across Wales and beyond in two years' time.' Lizzie Smith Jones, National Trust Cymru General Manager for Tredegar House said: 'We're incredibly proud to be welcoming Eisteddfod yr Urdd to Tredegar House and parkland in 2027. It's a huge moment for Newport and our community – we're looking forward to playing our part in the celebrations of Welsh language, culture and creativity, and championing Wales' future generations.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Urdd Eisteddfod 2025: Second day winner announced
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The winner of Drama Medal at the 2025 Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr, Parc Margam a'r Fro, was announced yesterday (Tuesday May 27.) And the prize was won by Elin Undeg Williams from Betws Gwerfil Goch, Denbighshire It is exactly fifty years since the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Drama Medal was introduced as one of the main ceremonies - at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Llanelli in 1975. This year the competitors were required to write a play or monologue suitable for performance for any medium for no more than two actors, and no longer than 15 minutes. According to the judges, Heiddwen Tomos and Sêra Moore Williams, 14 plays were received in a 'very high standard' competition, with both judges 'very pleased with the promise and confidence show in all the plays.' Elin is 18 years old and studying Welsh, History and Religious Education at Ysgol Brynhyfryd. She plans on studying Law and Professional Welsh at Aberystwyth University in September. She is a keen member of Uwchaled Young Farmers Club and is looking forward to competing as a member of Aelwyd Llangwm at the Eisteddfod the end of the week. Elin would like to thank her teachers in the Welsh Language Department at Ysgol Brynhyfryd for being so supportive and thank her family for everything. The judges said: 'This is a timely play with clever dialogue around a difficult situation. From the first reading we both loved the play. There are special moments that really touch the heart. The writing is special and captivates the reader. "There is a real depth and understanding of characters that could easily be identified with. The message is gripping and the tenderness between the two characters sustains the play.' Second in the competition was Ffred Hayes from Cardiff, and Mali Grigg from Bangor in third place. Both are members of the latest Cwmni Theatr yr Urdd (Urdd's Youth Theatre Company) production Ceridwen . Elin will be given the opportunity to spend some time with Theatr Cymru and receive further training with the BBC. Elin received a special medal created by jeweller Rhiannon from Tregaron. The drama Medal is given by The Welsh Drama Society. Elin's work will be published by Cyhoeddiadau'r Stamp Publications immediately after the ceremony. It will be available to buy in pamphlet format at the Eisteddfod or from local bookshops across Wales. Owain Sparnon has created the artwork for the cover; he's local to the Eisteddfod area and was one judges in the main art awards this year. The first, second and third in the competition will have the opportunity to attend the Olwen Course at Canolfan Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre in memory of Olwen Dafydd, thanks to the Olwen Griffith Trust. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
