Entertainment

More than ever visit 2022 Urdd National Eisteddfod

Published

4 years ago

June 5, 2022

THE LONG-AWAITED 2022 Urdd Eisteddfod was the first and largest national cultural event held for the young people of Wales since the beginning of the pandemic. Access to the festival in Denbighshire was free this year, which resulted in 118,000 visiting the site.

Thousands of competitors from across Wales had the opportunity to perform on stage in one of the three pavilions as the Urdd offered ‘a stage for everyone’ for the very first time, an experiment which was a “major success” according to event organisers.

Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: “We are extremely grateful to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles and the Welsh Government for enabling us to offer free entry to this year’s Eisteddfod. Free entry has helped attract more visitors and competitors from all parts of Wales. We’ve seen such a diverse audience attend the Eisteddfod – it really has been a festival for all.”

Siân Eirian, Director of the Urdd Eisteddfod and the Arts said: “As organisers we’re delighted that the experiment of having three pavilions rather than one, and to offer a stage for everyone, has been a major success and welcomed by our competitors. We will continue with this development as we organise Carmarthenshire’s Urdd Eisteddfod in 2023.

“Several new and exciting elements have been introduced on the Eisteddfod Maes this year, but as all good events, the Urdd will assess and evaluate all developments before deciding which new elements will be adopted next year and into the future.

“We’re extremely grateful to all the teachers, trainers, parents, and carers for working so hard to teach, create and train the competitors over the last few months, ensuring the high standard and success of this very special Eisteddfod. I would also like to thank all our sponsors and partners for their support, and of course, to all the staff and volunteers for all their hard work.”

185 hours of content from the Maes was broadcasted across S4C’s platforms, along with various content throughout the week on BBC Radio Cymru, Radio Cymru 2 and BBC Cymru Fyw.

There was merit in each of the Eisteddfod’s main ceremonies. At the start of the week, it was announced that 12-year-old Shuchen Xie from Cardiff was the winner of the Main Composer of the Urdd Eisteddfod 2022 – the youngest person to ever win one of the main prizes in the history of the Urdd Eisteddfod. Josh Osbourne from Poole won the Welsh Learner Medal and Anna Ng from Cardiff won the Bobi Jones Medal. Osian Wynn Davies from Llanfairpwll won the Drama Medal, Ciarán Eynon who is originally from Llandrillo-yn-Rhos was the winner of the Chair whilst Twm Ebbsworth from Llanwnnen, Ceredigion won the Crown.

The three lucky competitors who will be representing Wales on behalf of the Urdd in the 2022 North American Festival of Wales in Philadelphia in September are as follows: Siriol Elin (Cylch Bro Aled, Conwy), Manon Ogwen Parry (Adran y Fro, Vale of Glamorgan) and Tomos Gwyn Bohana (outside of Wales). Dyffryn Clwyd Choir will also be invited to perform as part of the Team Wales celebrations as they prepare for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this August.

A panel of judges have also chosen six of the most promising competitors under the age of 25 to compete for the Urdd Gobaith Cymru Bryn Terfel Scholarship, which will be held in the autumn. Those competing for this year’s scholarship are as follows: Fflur Davies (Cylch Arfon), Gwenno Morgan (London), Ioan Williams (Adran Bro Taf), Mali Elwy (Adran Bro Aled), Owain Rowlands (Blaenau Tywi) and Rhydian Tiddy (Blaenau Tywi).

The Urdd was pleased to announce that both Gwenan Mars-Lloyd (Denbighshire) and Nansi Rhys Adams (Cardiff and the Vale) receive the Eisteddfod Scholarship this year – a scholarship which is awarded to the most promising competitors in the age group year 10 and under 19 years old. Catrin Jones from Llanwnnen, Ceredigion was also announced as the festival’s Chief Artist and Nel Thomas from Cardiff as winner of the Art, Design and Technology Medal.

Another first for the Eisteddfod was Triban Festival, which has, and continues to be a success for the festival’s organisers. As part of the centenary celebrations, Triban has been a great opportunity to reflect contemporary Welsh music on the Urdd Eisteddfod field, but also an opportunity to celebrate past performers and songs – a perfect combination of old favourites and the new. On Triban’s first night, a full audience laughed their way through Cabarela’s risqué and polished performance. On Friday night, Tara Bandito was joined on stage by Eden, as a special surprise to everyone, and Yws Gwynedd closed the evening with everyone’s favourite, Sebona Fi. Tonight, N’Famady Koyuate will perform his fusion of Mandingue African and western European jazz, pop, indie and funk arrangements. And as part of Triban Festival’s nostalgic offer, Tecwyn Ifan as well as Dilwyn Siôn will be performing ahead of Adwaith and Eden’s line-up to end the Saturday night on a high.

Next year the Urdd Eisteddfod will be held in Carmarthenshire between 29 May – 3 June 2023.

Entertainment

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.