Latest news with #UrddGobaithCymru
Pembrokeshire Herald
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Top Welsh tenor shares heartfelt thanks after receiving intense cancer treatment
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.
South Wales Argus
3 days 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
3 days 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.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Young boy brings his mam to tears in beautiful moment that captured Welsh hearts
Young boy brings his mam to tears in beautiful moment that captured Welsh hearts One little boy stole hearts when he emotionally told audiences "I love my mam loads" Viewers loved Guto (Image: S4C ) One sweet little boy stole the hearts of a TV audience when he burst out crying on national TV. Young Guto Bell was given the award for the individual recital competition for Years 3 and 4 at the Urdd Gobaith Cymru, which is being held at Margam Park this half term. Guto Bell had tears running down his facel when he accepted the award, declaring he didn't actually want to perfom. Accepting the award from Welsh presenter Mari Lovgreen, in Welsh and while crying, Guto admitted he was nervous about taking part. He said: "Thank you mam. I said that I didn't want to recite but then I tried my best for mam." He then declared: "I love my mam loads" before getting a hug from Mari. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Guto's mum was in the crowd at the Urdd Eisteddfod and was clearly moved by her son's sweet words. S4C, who captioned the video "Guto Bell, ti werth y byd," - he's 'worth the world', wrote that "We can't stop crying this is what Eisteddfod yr Urdd is all about." Presenter Mari, who gave Guto a big cwtch, said: "You're worth the world. "You've made mam so proud and you both are going to remember this forever. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent "You can be happy now and celebrate. No more crying. Hold that trophy up! "Go on Guto!" The live audience of the Urdd Gobaith Cymru also found Guto's speech very touching, as did viewers at home when it was broadcast on S4C. One said: "This was the sweetest thing I've ever seen! Such a star. We were all crying!" Another added: "Awe so sweet." A third said: "Bless his little heart". Urdd Gobaith Cymru take place in Margam Park until Saturday, May 31. The festival brings together young people to compete in events in categories including music, literature and performing arts. The festival is organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales' largest youth movement, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2022. Article continues below
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everything you need to know about this year's Urdd
The steel town of Port Talbot is ready to welcome thousands of visitors to Eisteddfod yr Urdd, an annual celebration of Welsh language and culture. This year there are more Welsh learners competing than ever before, according to Urdd Gobaith Cymru. The festival will take place in Margam Park from Monday 26 May to Saturday 31 May. Locals have said the festival will bring much-needed positivity to the town, following the closure of the blast furnaces at Tata steel last year. The Urdd Eisteddfod is held every year at different locations across Wales, usually to coincide with the spring half term. The festival brings together young people to compete in events in categories including music, literature and performing arts. The festival is organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales' largest youth movement, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2022. The organisation has announced a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year's festival, which includes a significant 42% rise in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year. Since announcing in 2023 that the festival would be held in Port Talbot, the steel town has seen a lot of change. In January 2024 it was announced the blast furnaces at Tata Steel would be closing, meaning the loss of nearly 3,000 jobs across the UK but most of those in Port Talbot. Students at local school Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur hope the Eisteddfod will be a chance to celebrate the area's history. Rosa McLean, 14, hopes the Eisteddfod will bring more tourism to the area. "It's really exciting, I've lived in Port Talbot all my life so I feel like I'm more involved in it [Eisteddfod]," she said. "It's been quite quiet here, so I think the Eisteddfod will brighten the situation with the steelworks." Tickets for lower income families or children under the age of three are free. As a part of the Urdd's message of peace and goodwill, the organisation said they were "committed" to continue to appeal to low income families. General admission per day ranges from £23 for an adult to £15 for a child or £12 for a competitor. More information about tickets, including who is eligible for free entry, can be found on the Urdd's website. Margam Park is a stone's throw away from the M4. Exit at junction 38 if you are travelling from the west and junction 37 from the east. In May a train was named after the Urdd's mascot, Mistar Urdd, to encourage people to use public transport to get to the festival grounds this year. Organisers have also confirmed details for the shuttle bus service running between Port Talbot (Parkway) train station to the Eisteddfod Maes throughout the week. The service is free to the public, running between 06:30 BST and 21:56 or 23:26, depending on which day. Port Talbot steel used to make Urdd crown and chair Newport to host first Urdd Eisteddfod In pictures: The Urdd Eisteddfod
