Latest news with #eisteddfod.cymru
Leader Live
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Eilyr Thomas set to be honoured at Wrexham Eisteddfod
Eilyr Thomas, of Llandissilio in Pembrokeshire, will be awarded the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, taking place in Wrexham. The award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to their community, especially in work with young people. Ms Thomas said: "When I found out, I was completely speechless – I couldn't find any words at all. "I'm not someone who wins competitions or anything like that, but this – I just couldn't believe it. "Of course, it's an honour, and I'm very proud to accept it, although I'm also very nervous." She spent most of her career as a teacher and headteacher in Pembrokeshire's Maenclochog and Mynachlog-ddu areas. Ms Thomas has also been a prominent figure in music, singing, and recitation from an early age. A successful competitor at local and national eisteddfodau, she won the Blue Riband at the National Eisteddfod in the 1970s. Her influence has shaped the lives of many young performers, including Canwr y Byd competitor Jessica Robinson, as well as Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, Sioned Llewelyn, Esyllt Thomas, and Ffion Thomas. In addition to individual coaching, Ms Thomas has conducted choirs and vocal ensembles, helping to create amazing experiences and a lifelong love of music in countless young people. READ MORE: Gronant residents claim council has not collected bins for 10 weeks She said: "The family was musical, and I suppose I showed some desire to sing, even though I was incredibly shy. "Every time someone came to the house and asked me to sing, I'd hide behind the curtains – I could never face them." Ms Thomas will receive the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal on the Pavilion stage at 12.30pm on Tuesday, August 5. The National Eisteddfod will take place in Is-y-Coed, Wrexham, from August 2 to 9. More information is available at
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Wrexham Eisteddfod musical star Cadi Glwys from Powys
The Powys granddaughter of a legendary Wrexham and Wales goalkeeper will be the star of the National Eisteddfod's musical show about a girl who dreams of playing football. Young musician and actor Cadi Glwys, from Moelfre near Llansilin, will be performing, and even showcasing her football skills, on stage when the Eisteddfod - the largest cultural festival in Europe - is held on the outskirts of Wrexham from Saturday, August 2. For Cadi, who plays Grace, the connection to the game and to Wrexham Football Club is especially close to home. She is the granddaughter of legendary goalkeeper Dai Davies, who played for both Wrexham and Wales throughout the 1970s. A proud member of the Gorsedd of Bards, Dai became a respected commentator on television and radio after retiring from the game. He died four years ago at the age of 72. 'It's going to be very emotional on stage," Cadi said. "He would have absolutely loved seeing me take part in this show. 'He adored his family and was incredibly supportive. Whenever he was commentating on TV, he'd always touch his ear—his little way of saying 'hello' to us. 'He was proud to be part of the Gorsedd, even though he didn't often take part in the ceremonies. But at the 2015 Eisteddfod in Meifod, I was dancing in the Dawns Flodau and he came along to be part of the Gorsedd while I was on stage. 'Just before he passed away, he gave me a book and wrote inside it that I should enjoy every performance—and that's exactly what I hope to do.' As part of the show, Cadi will also showcase her football skills. 'I used to play football at Ysgol Llanfyllin, but the pandemic brought everything to a halt and the team never restarted," she said. "I've been brushing up on my skills for the show, and I'm really glad Dyfed Thomas is in the cast—he's an experienced player who even signed a professional contract with Crystal Palace while he was in college.' Y Stand, written by Manon Steffan Ros with songs by Osian Huw Williams, pays tribute to the area's rich rock music heritage, drawing inspiration from the passionate melodies heard from chapel pews to the Kop stand. This year's Eisteddfod will be a busy one for Cadi. She's a member of Twmpdaith, a group of young musicians who tour village halls and summer festivals, bringing the joy of the twmpath - similar to a ceilidh - wherever they go. They'll be performing in Tŷ Gwerin and Maes D during the week. Cadi will also be playing the triple harp in Tŷ Gwerin and other locations across the Maes. 'I started learning the harp when I was about eight," Cadi said. "Robin Huw Bowen came to our school and that was the first time I saw a triple harp. I was lucky enough to have lessons with Elizabeth Bickerton, who's related to Nansi Richards, and I was even luckier to be given a triple harp of my own.' Y Stand will be performed in the Eisteddfod Pavilion on Saturday, August 2, and Monday, August 4m at 7.30pm. Tickets and more information are available online at or via the Ticket Line on 0345 4090 800.
