Latest news with #WrecsamNationalEisteddfod
South Wales Argus
09-08-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh language commissioner's charity of the year named
The announcement was made on Friday, August 8, at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod. Efa Gruffudd Jones, Welsh language commissioner, said: "We are delighted to announce that Cancer Research Wales is this year's Welsh language commissioner's charity of the year. "The work they do makes a significant contribution to our understanding of this illness, an illness that affects all of us in one way or another." The commissioner selects a charity each year through an internal staff vote. The partnership aims to raise awareness of Cancer Research Wales' work while raising funds to support the charity. Iwan Rhys Roberts, from Cancer Research Wales, said: "We are extremely grateful to have been chosen as Charity of the Year by the Welsh language commissioner's office. "By 2030, it is estimated that one in two of the population in Wales will be affected by cancer."
South Wales Argus
05-08-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Vision for future outlined by Welsh Language Commissioner
Efa Gruffudd Jones spoke at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod today (Monday, August 4) and shared her plans for the next five years. Her recently published strategic plan focuses on children and young people, health and care, and the workplace as priority areas for action. Ms Jones said: "I have stated on several occasions that my ambition as Commissioner goes beyond a narrow interpretation of what is expected of me by the Welsh Language Measure, and I am keen to lead an organisation that does more and contributes more significantly to wider language planning work. "What has been outlined in our strategic plan and manifesto clearly shows the direction we want to take and our ambition in terms of the language." The commissioner presented her vision during a panel event in the Cymdeithasau pavilion. Deio Owen, president of the National Union of Students Cymru, welcomed the focus on younger generations. Mr Owen said: "It is disappointing to see statistics that are constantly published showing a decline in the number of Welsh speakers. "But that doesn't equate to using the language consistently. "I welcome the commissioner's intentions to prioritise children and young people and also the workplaces as young people have access to Welsh throughout their school days." The panel included representatives from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the National Union of Students Cymru, and Wrexham University.
Business News Wales
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Business News Wales
Welsh Language Commissioner To Outline Vision for the Next Five Years
At the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones is set to outline her vision for the next five years while also looking forward to the next term of the Senedd. Her five-year strategic plan published earlier in the year identified children and young people, health and care, and Welsh in the workplace as three priorities to address from now until the end of her term as Commissioner. She also recently published a manifesto with clear priorities that she hopes all parties will consider adopting before the Senedd Cymru election in 2026. According to Efa Gruffudd Jones, there is a crucial period ahead of us in the context of the Welsh language: 'I have stated on several occasions that my ambition as Commissioner goes beyond a narrow interpretation of what is expected of me by the Welsh Language Measure, and I am keen to lead an organisation that does more and contributes more significantly to wider language planning work. 'What has been outlined in our strategic plan and manifesto clearly shows the direction we want to take and our ambition in terms of the language. I am keen to work to strengthen Welsh language provision and services in our priority areas, working closely with key partners. 'The Eisteddfod week offers a chance to continue those collaborative discussions and hopefully I will have the opportunity to discuss with many of our partners in the field.' Joining Efa to consider the Commissioner's priorities will be representatives from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the National Union of Students Cymru and Wrexham University as well as the Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, Osian Llywelyn. Broadcaster and presenter Iwan Griffiths will chair the event. According to one of the panel members, Deio Owen, president of the National Union of Students Cymru and one of the youth trustees of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, these areas need to be addressed: 'It is disappointing to see statistics that are constantly published showing a decline in the number of Welsh speakers. Having said that, from my experience young people's attitudes are certainly very positive towards the language and the Commissioner's recent research supports that. But that doesn't equate to using the language consistently. 'I welcome the Commissioner's intentions to prioritise children and young people and also the workplaces as young people have access to Welsh throughout their school days but what happens then when they enter the world of work or when they continue their studies? I look forward to contributing to the discussion at the Eisteddfod and having the opportunity to contribute more broadly as the conversation continues, hopefully, in the months ahead.' The five priorities outlined in the manifesto are as follows: Language duties – increase the number of Welsh language services available to the public by extending Welsh language standards to priority areas Community language planning – extend the Commissioner's influence by strengthening the promotion standards as a framework for the co-ordination of intensive community language planning Workplaces – establish a specialist unit in the Welsh Language Commissioner's office to increase the use of Welsh in workplaces Health and clinical care service – transform clinical care in Welsh through intensive investment and action in priority areas The education workforce – establish a five-year Welsh language training framework as a mandatory element of training as a teacher in Wales The Welsh Language Commissioner will have a stand at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod and anyone is welcome to drop in for a chat or to ask a question. A series of activities will be held there throughout the week.
Leader Live
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Eisteddfod 2025 festival village recreated in Minecraft
Computing academics from Wrexham University have developed a new Minecraft world that digitally recreates the Welsh cultural festival, giving children and teenagers a chance to experience the Eisteddfod in the game's environment. Dr Shafiul Monir, associate dean for international and partnerships in the faculty of arts, computing and engineering at Wrexham University, said: "We wanted to create a platform that not only showcases the vibrancy of the Eisteddfod but also promotes digital skills and access for young people. "Minecraft is a powerful, creative tool, and by using it to celebrate Welsh culture, we're building both virtual and cultural communities. "By using a widely accessible and familiar game such as Minecraft, the project bridges the gap between tradition and technology, making Welsh culture more engaging and approachable for the next generation." Children will also be able to contribute by adding their own activities and landmarks, making the experience interactive. In addition to the Minecraft world, a "time machine" installation will be on display at the physical Eisteddfod site. The 'time machine' installation will be on display at the physical Eisteddfod site (Image: Supplied) Created by the university's School of Art in collaboration with the engineering department, the time machine invites attendees of all ages to record their predictions for the future of the Welsh language. Dr Monir said: "While the time machine is a fantastic way of ensuring the legacy of the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, as it encourages people of all ages to look ahead and think about the future of the Welsh language." The recorded messages will be digitally stored and revisited in future years, forming a 'living archive' of aspirations for the language. The "time machine" itself has been built with recycled materials such as buttons, fans, and discs salvaged from the university's former engineering block, which is currently being demolished to make way for new facilities. The installation will play a part in the Eisteddfod's closing event on the main stage on the final Saturday of the festival at 10.30pm. Dr Monir praised the teamwork behind the two initiatives. He said: "I'd also like to take this opportunity to recognise some of our incredible team members, who have worked tirelessly on both initiatives. "For Minecraft, I want to call out lecturers, Matthew McDonald-Dick, Rachel Rowley, Daniella Povey and Teri Birch from our computing and games team. "While, for the time machine – a big shout out to master sculptor, Robin Connelly from our School of Art. "It's been a true team effort." Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham University's head of Welsh development and vice-chair for culture of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod Executive Committee 2025, said: "Both the Minecraft game and Welsh language time machine are excellent examples of how digital innovation can support the Welsh language and promote inclusivity. "It's been incredibly inspiring to see staff from different disciplines across the university come together with a shared purpose – to make the Eisteddfod even more engaging and accessible to more children, young people, and families. "These fantastic projects not only highlight the role of STEAM subjects in cultural engagement but also support our university contributing to the Welsh Government's goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, and leaving a legacy for us as a university. "I'd like to thank our incredible team of academics, who have fully embraced and got involved with the National Eisteddfod preparations to create some wonderfully engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. "We are so excited for the festival to get underway now." READ MORE: Plans to demolish former cafe on A55 near Holywell Trustees appointed to support 'UK City of Culture 2029' ambitions in Wrexham Following the festival, the "time machine" will be relocated to Wrexham University's Creative Industries Building, where students will be encouraged to use it and record their own hopes for the future of the Welsh language. The Eisteddfod Minecraft village is now live and can be accessed by searching for the following server details in the game: Server Name: EisteddfodIP Address: 198.244.179.144Port: 2117
Business News Wales
25-07-2025
- Science
- Business News Wales
University to Showcase Welsh Language and Culture at Wrecsam National Eisteddfod
Wrexham University's Welsh language offer will be showcased and celebrated at the upcoming Wrecsam National Eisteddfod. At this year's National Eisteddfod, which is taking place from 2-9 August, the university will be offering a range of engaging and educational activities, as well as leading talks and panel discussions on a wide range of topics. Some of the panel discussions taking place include: A focus on the university's Welsh at Work scheme, where audience members will hear about staff members' experiences of learning the language, with insights from staff with all levels of Welsh proficiency – taking place on Sunday, August 3 from 2pm. A talk on the transformative impact that football has on communities, with a focus on Wrexham AFC Foundation, led by Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football and Coaching Science, followed by a question-and-answer session – taking place on Tuesday, August 5 at 2pm. A panel discussion on securing a Welsh language future in sport – led by Sara Hilton, Manon Rees O'Brien from Actif North Wales, Bethan Woolley from Football Association of Wales, Elgan Williams from Wrexham AFC Foundation, Sport Wales, and Gwyn Derfel from Welsh Rugby Union – taking place on Tuesday, August 5 at 2.45pm. Ffion Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy, will be giving a talk on how ultrasound technology can determine the vowel systems of Northern and Southern Welsh speakers. This is linked to an ongoing piece of research being conducted by Wrexham University academics. The talk is taking place on Thursday, August 7 at 2pm. A spotlight on the university's soon-to-be completed Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC), North Wales Growth Deal's first construction project – and the opportunities it will create for young people in North Wales in the high value manufacturing sector. The panel discussion will take place on Friday, August 8 at 2pm. Other activities include the chance for visitors to offer a glimpse into the future of the Welsh language by stopping off at the university's time machine in the Science and Engineering tent and sharing what they think the future holds for the language, as well as the opportunity for children to play a game of Minecraft. A group of 10 Welsh learners and native speakers is taking part in the group recitation competition on the Thursday of the event after months of preparation and rehearsals, where they will recite the poem, 'Gêm Bêl-droed' by Bryan Martin Davies. Elen Mai Nefydd, the university's Head of Welsh Development, said: 'Excitement has been building ever since it was announced that Wrecsam would be hosting this year's National Eisteddfod – and it's been a complete joy to see how our staff and students have rallied around in preparation for it – and give visitors a croeso cynnes. 'This the first time in 14 years that Wrecsam has played host, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our Welsh language offer through some brilliant activities and panel discussions, and also demonstrate our ongoing commitment to creating a truly inclusive environment where everyone can celebrate and engage with our Welsh heritage, as well as contributing to Cymraeg 2050 – the Welsh Government's goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.' Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, added: 'Our university community is proud and delighted that we will have such a strong presence at the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod. 'The Eisteddfod is a cornerstone of Welsh identity, celebrating the language, music and cultural traditions. With Wrecsam being the host of this year's event, it underscores the importance of promoting and preserving our city's vibrant heritage. 'We are incredibly proud of our rich Welsh heritage and culture, as well as the language and proudly integrate that into everything that we do, it's an essential part of who we are as an institution. 'Our overarching aim is to contribute to developing and strengthening Wales' future workforce by building and championing a Welsh and bilingual education and training system. Our involvement in the National Eisteddfod is more than a celebration for us, it's also a reflection of our strategic goals and commitment to the community that we serve.' Wrexham University is also this year's headline sponsor for the Maes B – the Welsh medium music festival aimed at young people, which takes place alongside the National Eisteddfod.
