Latest news with #UrddNationalEisteddfod
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford dancers win at Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw 2025
Children and young adults from Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd took part in the Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw in Margam Park from Monday, May 26 to Saturday, May 31. Overall, the school achieved four 1st places, five 2nd finishes and two 3rd places. Winners of the under 10's competition. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Founder of Jennifer Maloney, Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd said: 'I am very proud of the children. They have done so well. I have been teaching for 49 years, and I will celebrate my fiftieth anniversary next year. 'I first started in 1976, so I have taught lessons to thousands of children over the years. I love seeing the younger children perform, who are as young as four years old, and it gives them a lot of confidence. I feel so proud to see them on the stage. 'At the same time, when I see the older students perform who range from 17 to 25 years old, I find it overwhelming because I have taught them since the age of four and I'm proud to see them dance to such a high standard. It gives me so much pleasure. 'I am 74 years old this year, but I have such a good team with me, and I am so grateful for their help. I hope this will continue in the years to come.' The under 25 dancing group from Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd teaches children from eight different schools, including five comprehensive ones. The organisation meets twice a week for lessons on singing, dancing and reciting. However, during preparation for the Urdd National Eisteddfod, they practice four times per week. Alys won best performance of the competition. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) Jennifer continued: 'We have previously taught people like Alex Jones from the One Show, Alexandra Roach and Simon Watts. They have all said they wouldn't be in the position they are now without the lessons they had with us growing up. 'The parents of the children are very supportive. We have to ask parents to bring the children to each practice. They love seeing their children on stage. It's a big honour for them. 'The Urdd National Eisteddfod is so important for Welsh culture. It's important for children to keep their Welsh language.' Winners of the under 12 action song. (Image: Adran/Aelwyd Penrhyd) To celebrate her 50th anniversary, Jennifer and 65 of her dancers will go and perform in Pantagonia, a Welsh colony in Argentina, during Easter next year. Urdd National Eisteddfod Therw is a celebration of Welsh language, culture and young talent, which sees around 15,000 children compete every year.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Eisteddfod mascot Mistar Urdd has train named after him
Train named after Welsh festival mascot 12 minutes ago Share Save Eleri Griffiths BBC News Share Save BBC Mistar Urdd was welcomed on the train as part of the unveiling in Port Talbot on 7 May ahead of the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod A train has been named in honour of the Welsh mascot Mistar Urdd in celebration of the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod. It was unveiled in Port Talbot on Wednesday ahead of the annual Welsh-language youth festival of literature, music, and performing arts which will be held at the nearby Margam Park later this month. The new fleet of CAF Class 197 trains, have been running across Wales and the borders since 2022 as part of Transport for Wales' £800m investment. Urdd Gobaith Cymru's mascot Mistar Urdd officially welcomed the train with First Minister Eluned Morgan, Urdd CEO Siân Lewis and pupils from Neath's Ysgol Ty'r Ynn. Urdd Gobaith Cymru is Wales' largest youth group, providing a wide range of opportunities in sports, arts, volunteering, apprenticeships and outdoor activities - all through the medium of Welsh. One of its key events is the Eisteddfod yr Urdd, a youth festival featuring more than 400 competitions in music, literature, performing arts, and more. One of the festival's most recognisable figures is its red, green and white character, Mistar Urdd, who was introduced in 1976. Morgan said it was "great" as Mr Urdd has a "special place in the hearts of so many of us in Wales and will bring a smile to the faces of passengers". Lowri Joyce, from Transport for Wales, said she was proud to give the "iconic" Welsh character a big "Croeso Cynnes" onto the rail network. First Minister Eluned Morgan and pupils from Ysgol Ty'r Ynn were invited to the naming ceremony
