Entertainment

More than ever visit 2022 Urdd National Eisteddfod

Published

2 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

NoFit State Circus set to thrill Pembrokeshire this summer

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Luke Sinclair

NoFit State Circus is set to captivate Pembrokeshire once again this summer, as they bring back their thrilling big top show, Sabotage.

Returning to Haverfordwest from June 13th to 30th, NoFit State promises an experience unlike any other traditional circus. With no sad animals or tired tricks, Sabotage offers a fusion of circus and music, presented by a supremely talented troupe that leaves audiences in awe.

Described as “another full-on, boisterous, and audaciously fierce performance with the NoFit State signature style,” Sabotage introduces a darker, grittier, and more subversive edge to the troupe’s renowned contemporary circus.

“Back in the big top with incredible new acts, original music, new apparatus and a more theatrical feel, Sabotage challenges the status quo,” shares NoFit State. “This is an energising, uplifting, and socially relevant contemporary circus production.”

The show delves into themes of separation and belonging, with each scene narrating stories that range from poignant and heart-tugging to utterly joyful.

“We’ve had a hard time keeping this a secret, but we are finally ready to fill you in,” announced NoFit State yesterday. “Tickets for our big top show Sabotage are now on sale for Pembrokeshire, back in the place where we performed Sabotage for the first time ever back in 2022!”

Pembrokeshire holds a special significance for the troupe, and they invite audiences to witness how the show has evolved since its debut. This year, Pembrokeshire is the sole Welsh location where Sabotage will be performed, with an early bird offer granting spectators 20 per cent off their tickets until midnight on May 6th.

Sabotage will grace Pembrokeshire from June 13th to 30th, with ticket prices starting at £18. “More locations in the tour to be announced soon,” assures NoFit State. “Until then, enjoy your summer in Pembrokeshire in a shiny silver Big Top Tent with us.”

Education

Pupils take centre stage for dance competitions

Published

3 days ago

April 17, 2024

Richard Lewis

MORE than 230 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in exciting dance competitions at primary and secondary school levels.

Sport Pembrokeshire hosted the primary school dance competition on March 19th at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

Seven schools from across the county and more than 160 pupils took part, including both boys and girls from school years 3-6.

All style and street dance were the categories that teams, solos and duos could enter. There were 55 solo performers entering the street dance solo category.

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun performed a group dance and some performed brilliant solos for the primary pupils to watch.

Finola (FF Dancers), Kelly (Kelly Williams School of Dance) and Lowri (Lowri Jones School of Dance) judged the high standard of competitions with dance coaches Lucy Kerrison and Kelci Francis helping out during the day.

They are all thanked for their help and expertise as putting on an event of this nature would not be possible without their valuable input.

Forty eight medals, 22 trophies and numerous certificates were presented, including awards for stand-out performers.

The atmosphere was great and it was brilliant to see the pupils taking part, getting creative and showcasing their skills, all with a smile on their faces.

The secondary schools dance competition was hosted on Thursday, 29th February at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.

In total 77 girls from school years 7-11 competed in various categories such as teams, duos and solos. These included street, all style, freestyle, jazz and cheer.

Finola and Kelly judged the day with the help from Lucy and Kelci. Kelci, a former Ysgol Harri Tudur pupil, also gave showstopping performances.

It was a great day with a fantastic atmosphere and very rewarding to see so many girls taking part in sport and enjoying every minute.

Some of the schools who attended are now through to the UDOIT Dance Competition in Cardiff.

Hundreds of pupils have enjoyed school dance competitions over recent weeks.

Entertainment

Coastal adventures and home revelations: BBC Wales’ exciting new lineup

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BBC WALES is set to enchant viewers with a fresh slate of programming that spans a rich tapestry of Welsh culture, lifestyle, and adventure. Leading the charge are Wales’s beloved presenters, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page, who will take audiences on a scenic journey with their new show, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page: Lost at Sea. This program promises to be a celebration of the Welsh coastline, packed with culinary expeditions, musical interludes, and the spirit of discovery aboard their motor yacht.

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, expressed excitement over the diverse array of new and returning series that aim to mirror contemporary Welsh life in all its vibrancy. From the nuances of cooking and music to the intricacies of interior design and the rustic charm of sheep shearing, there’s an offering for every palette.

Lost at Sea will see Evans, celebrated as 2023’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, and Page delving into Wales’s coastal treasures, from quaint fishing villages to bustling towns, unearthing unique dining experiences and cooking up storms themselves.

Another anticipated return is Wales’ Home of the Year, now in its third season with a special Christmas edition on the horizon. Judges Owain Wyn Evans, Mandy Watkins, and Glen Thomas will traverse Wales to spotlight homes that stand out for their architectural and design ingenuity, culminating in the crowning of Wales’ Christmas Home of the Year.

In a gripping narrative departure, Hunting Mr Nice will chronicle the life of Howard Marks, a Welshman turned notorious cannabis smuggler. This two-part series for BBC Two and iPlayer is set against the backdrop of the War on Drugs, featuring exclusive interviews that piece together Marks’ enigmatic existence.

Music aficionados can look forward to Kelly Jones with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, where Kelly Jones, famed for his Stereophonics legacy, will premiere new solo work alongside timeless hits, reimagined with orchestral flair.

Chris Cooks Cymru introduces viewers to Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts, who embarks on a culinary journey across Wales, celebrating local cuisine against stunning landscapes and communal cookouts.

The lineup also boasts a slew of returning favorites and new ventures that explore Welsh life’s breadth, from the competitive spirit of sheep shearing in Rockstar Shearers to the heartfelt community project in Dream Team, and the spiritual and ecological explorations of Skanda Vale Life.

Nick Andrews lauded the lineup, highlighting the joy and impact talent-fronted shows have on audiences. With such a rich and diverse offering, BBC Cymru Wales is poised to keep viewers hooked to their screens, celebrating Welsh culture, heritage, and the universal themes of exploration, creativity, and community spirit. These shows are expected to roll out on BBC Cymru Wales and iPlayer in the coming months, promising a blend of entertainment, insight, and celebration for viewers across the UK.