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Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The best pictures from the National Eisteddfod 2025 in Wrexham
This year it was Wrexham's turn to shine and host the National Eisteddfod, and what a show it put on. The event, which ran from Saturday, August 2, to Saturday, August 9 saw huge gigs, performances, and plenty of fun had. Performances took place across the week from Welsh language artists and dancers from across the country. The annual event was in Pontypridd last year and will move to Pembrokeshire in 2026. Highlights of the week were passionate speeches by actor Mark Lewis Jones, who was the president. Wrexham Football Club's co-owner Rob McElhenney even showed off his Welsh language skills by singing Yma o Hyd. Fans gathered to watch Wrexham's match of the new season and their Championship campaign, on the Maes, and were treated to an extra-special commentary with the English language track turned down and substituted by Nic Parry and former Wales international striker Malcolm Allen. Dafydd Iwan performed at the Eisteddfod for the last time this year, ending a run of performances at every one since 1965 and father-of-three Tudur Hallam was awarded the Chair for his emotional poems about his cancer diagnosis last year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The Eisteddfod finished on Saturday night, with a stage performance that included an epic battle between male voice choirs and a spectacular performance by disabled acrobats, and Dafydd Iwan was coaxed onto the stage to join a final (final) rendition of Yma O Hyd. Here are the best pictures from the National Eisteddfod 2025:
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Eisteddfod volunteers to step down after Wrexham event
Cledwyn Ashford, from Cefn-y-Bedd, along with Iolo Povey from Dyffryn Nantlle and Dylan Jones from Mold, have collectively given 56 years of service to the National Eisteddfod. Mr Ashford, affectionately known as Cled, has led the Chief Steward Team for 18 years and is stepping down following his final Eisteddfod. Morys Gruffydd, Eisteddfod volunteer coordinator, said: "The success of the National Eisteddfod depends on the support and help of a multitude of volunteers, not only during the week but throughout the year in preparation for the festival, and we are grateful to everyone who is part of the team. "The fact that many new Welsh speakers use volunteering at the Eisteddfod as an opportunity to gain confidence in using our language in a community setting is very powerful, and the work the Eisteddfod does in this area, locally and nationally, is commendable. "But the aim of this scheme is to build on the enthusiasm and ensure continuity from year to year." Mr Ashford first took on the role of chief steward in 2007. He said: "The work is hard and the days are long, but I've had a lot, a lot of fun. "Every year I say 'this is my last year', but as Dafydd Iwan sings, Yma o Hyd (I'm Still Here). "But this is my last National Eisteddfod as chief steward." He described the daily routine of the chief steward team. He said: "The work of the chief steward team starts at seven in the morning when we arrive on the Maes (festival site), and we make sure everything runs smoothly, oversee the main ceremonies, and ensure everyone is safe. "Our experience means we know where the hotspots are, like the caravan site, Ty Gwerin, and of course the Pavilion. "Many of the stewards are older than me, so we need new blood to carry on. "If young people came forward, they'd have years of enjoyment." Mr Ashford also shared some of his standout memories from his years of volunteering, adding: "People lose things sometimes. "At the Wrexham Eisteddfod (2011), there were big, tall pyramids, and when a woman said she'd lost her glasses in one, I got help from Iolo and others to fetch a ladder to go in and retrieve them. "I found the glasses, but of course, without me knowing, the ladder had been taken away and I was stuck in there for half an hour shouting 'help, help!" He also recalled being briefed by MI5 before the 2012 Eisteddfod. He said: "I was shocked but didn't believe such a thing would happen at the Eisteddfod. "But honestly, I got a call on the radio that a bag had been found near one of the poles in the Pink Pavilion. "It looked fine, but while waiting for an expert to come, one of the stewards picked it up. "He had placed it and had his sandwiches in it." Mr Ashford was invested into Gorsedd Cymru three years ago. He said: "But I was inducted not for my Eisteddfod work but for the work I've done with football over the years." READ MORE: Banking branch closure to go ahead despite local petition in Flintshire A former schoolteacher, Mr Ashford supported the early careers of footballers including Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe, and Gary Speed. He spent 21 years as headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Coch in Mold before becoming a regional welfare officer with the Football Association of Wales. With decades of stories and experiences behind them, Mr Ashford, Mr Povey, and Mr Jones say they look forward to enjoying future Eisteddfodau as attendees rather than organisers.
Business News Wales
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Wrexham AFC Unveils New Third Kit Honouring Welsh Heritage in Patagonia
Wrexham AFC has unveiled a 2025/26 third kit which pays tribute to the Welsh community in Patagonia on the 160th anniversary of the first settlers' arrival. Inspired by the flag of Y Wladfa, the Welsh settlement in Argentina, the new design aims to celebrate the cultural ties between Wales and Patagonia, which is home to the largest Welsh-speaking community outside of Wales. The kit launch is accompanied by a new short film from Wrexham AFC and United, featuring two choirs — one perched on a cliff in Wales, the other in Patagonia — singing Yma o Hyd. The collaboration draws inspiration from United's REUNITED documentary, featured in Welcome to Wrexham Season 3. The film followed Patagonians with Welsh heritage as they travelled to Wrexham for the first time. 'This new third kit is a powerful tribute to our shared heritage with the Welsh community in Patagonia,' said Wrexham AFC CEO Michael Williamson. 'Through its celebration of Y Wladfa, it honours a 160-year bond rooted in resilience, identity, and pride – all values that continue to shape Wrexham AFC today. As we look to the future, we remain deeply connected to our past.' Based on the colours of the Patagonia flag, the new shirt features dragon outlines within the blue Argentinian stripes, a Welsh dragon on the nape and the words 'Don't forget where you came from' on an internal tape around the hem. The collar of the shirt is a white crew neck edged in red, as are the sleeve cuffs. The front features the Macron Hero and Wrexham AFC crest, both applied in heat-transferred silicone, and the United logo across the middle. Sleeve sponsors HP and back-of-shirt sponsors Meta Quest are also featured. The third kit is completed by white shorts with light blue stripes along the thigh edges and red details, and by socks featuring horizontal light blue and white bands, finished with a white top edge and a central red horizontal stripe. 'The kit, conceived as a tribute to Y Wladfa, completes a Game Set for Wrexham AFC that we are truly proud of and that we hope will inspire the team to many achievements in the upcoming season,' said Macron CEO Gianluca Pavanello. 'At Macron, what really sets us apart in designing kits for our partner clubs is the freedom to start from a completely blank canvas. With the home, away and third kits for 2025/26 season, we feel we have truly captured the spirit and identity of the club, blending tradition with innovation, all while keeping quality at the heart of everything we do.' 'We're excited to see the emotion of Reunited live on in this new kit and short film,' said United Airlines Chief Advertising Officer Maggie Schmerin. 'Connecting people is at the heart of what we do and the symbolism of the Y Wladfa flag on the kit and the two choirs in the film is a beautiful way to honour the deep ties between Wales and Patagonia.'
Wales Online
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Rob McElhenney sings 'Yma o Hyd' and everyone says the same thing
Rob McElhenney sings 'Yma o Hyd' and everyone says the same thing Many were left hugely impressed by his efforts Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney (Image:) Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has shown off his Welsh language skills this week as part of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod festivities this week. Appearing on S4C, the 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star rattled through a number of Welsh phrases with the help of translator Maxine Hughes, who many will recognise from the hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham. Most of the phrases were relevant to the event, which runs until August 9, but McElhenney also gave a short rendition of the iconic anthem 'Yma o Hyd', which has now become synonymous with Welsh football. You can watch the clip below: Content cannot be displayed without consent Unsurprisingly, his efforts were hugely appreciated by may fans online. Article continues below "Love this man for all his does for us," one said on social media. "Absolutely incredible human." Another wrote: "What a guy. He shames me just by existing." Even fans of other Welsh clubs appeared to show their appreciation. "I dislike Wrexham and have done since I became a Swans fan in 2001," said one Swansea City fan. "Fair play to Rob McElhenney though for this. Impressive." The Swans are set to face Wrexham this season follow in the Dragons' third straight promotion last term, which sealed their return to the second tier for the first time since 1982. They are also set to face old League One foes Birmingham City, who like Wrexham have recently released a behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the fortunes of the club. Some feel this latest example from McElhenney has set a possible example for City to follow. "A lot of mixed reviews for the Birmingham City documentary and Tom Brady," on fan wrote. Article continues below "But maybe his team and the programme makers have yet to appreciate that as well as cash, it is important that owners invest in the community and culture."
Leader Live
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Hit or miss? Wrexham fans give opinions on new third kit
The Reds are set to compete in the EFL Championship for the season ahead, having enjoyed three consecutive promotions. On Thursday (July 31), the club, along with Macron and United, revealed the club's 2025/26 third kit - a striking tribute to the Welsh community in Patagonia on the 160th anniversary of the first settlers' arrival. Inspired by the flag of Y Wladfa, the Welsh settlement in Argentina, the new design celebrates the enduring cultural ties between Wales and Patagonia - home to the largest Welsh-speaking community outside of Wales. The kit launch was accompanied by a new short film from Wrexham AFC and United, featuring two choirs - one perched on a cliff in Wales, the other in Patagonia - singing 'Yma o Hyd' ('We're still here'), a Welsh folk anthem of resilience and pride. Many fans got in touch to share their views on the new kit with us this week. Thomas Jones said: "Looks like the Pumas rugby kit." Pauline Vickers told us: "Not for me! Yes I get the 'historical' reference before anyone says!" Laurie Carruthers added: "I like the sentiment of the design but it looks like pyjamas. Video was brilliant though." Derek Roberts said: "Horrible, looks washed out." TOP STORIES TODAY Why pub in Flintshire town has closed its doors for first time in over 250 years Darren Wilson said: "Blue?! That's for Chester." Others were a little more pleased by the new kit. Richard Morris said: "It's a great nod to other Welsh settlements with Patagonia the most prominent." Rufus Roberts said: "History always tells a story - you all know the rest!" Zoe Jones told us: "Nice to have a connection with the Welsh settlement in Patagonia." Dean Owen said: "I'm a Swansea Jack resident in Wrexham and I think it's fantastic. I wish the Swans had had the nerve to do this in recognition of Patagonia and if Wrexham fans cannot get behind that then words fail me!" Mark Galloway added: "A clever bit of marketing trying to tap into a football-mad country. These boys are money making machines. It is Global Reds now not just little Wrexham."
