Community

A celebration of Welsh culture: The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2024

THE Eisteddfod yr Urdd, one of Wales’ most cherished cultural festivals, is once again illuminating the spirit of Welsh youth and talent. Held annually, this year’s event is bursting with vibrant activities, new initiatives, and an array of cultural showcases that exemplify the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. This year, The Urdd Eisteddfod is being held from 27 May to 1 June at Mathrafal Farm near Meifod, Powys

Triban Festival: A festival within a festival

The Triban Festival, a standout feature of the Eisteddfod since 2022, is back with a bang. Celebrating the best of contemporary Welsh music and culture, Triban Festival is set to enthral attendees today and tomorrow. This year, the festival is curated by five young visionaries, ensuring it resonates deeply with the youth. Aur Bleddyn, one of the curators, highlighted the invaluable experience gained through this role, emphasizing the festival’s youth-centric approach.

The Triban Festival promises a feast of live music, street theatre, comedy, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit for all attendees.

Health and wellbeing take centre stage

In a significant move, the Urdd has launched a new health and wellbeing residential course in partnership with PABO (Paid â Bod Ofn – Don’t Be Afraid), led by the pop band Eden. The ‘Sa Neb Fel Ti’ (There’s No One Like You) stage in the Nant Caredig area offers a non-competitive platform for individuals to celebrate their uniqueness through performance.

This partnership will extend beyond the Eisteddfod, with a dedicated ‘PABO Weekend’ at Pentre Ifan Residential Centre in September. Aimed at Urdd members aged 14 and above, this weekend will focus on health and wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

Expanding horizons: The #FelMerch Project in India

The Urdd is also broadening its international impact with the launch of the #FelMerch project in India. Supported by the Welsh Government, this initiative aims to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Kolkata. Partnering with Her Future Coalition (HFC), young Welsh volunteers aged 18-25 will engage in education and support programmes for at-risk children and young people in India.

First Minister Vaughan Gething underscored the significance of this project in raising awareness and providing critical support. This initiative not only offers invaluable experience to Welsh volunteers but also aims to create lasting positive change in the lives of Kolkata’s youth.

Nurturing future talent: Young Cultural International Ambassadors

In collaboration with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), the Urdd has unveiled a new programme to cultivate the artistic talents of Wales’s youth. Six exceptional performers between 18 and 25 will be chosen from Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn 2024 competitions to become Young Cultural International Ambassadors. This programme, an extension of the successful Urdd Bryn Terfel Scholarship, will provide masterclasses and international performance opportunities, showcasing Welsh talent on a global stage.

Honouring excellence: Crowning Ceremony

A highlight of today’s events is the Crowning Ceremony, set to take place at 2:30 pm at the White Pavilion Stage. This year’s crown, crafted by jeweller Mari Eluned, symbolises prosperity, unity, and hope, featuring elements that reflect the Urdd’s contributions and agricultural heritage.

The competition tasked participants with composing prose on the theme ‘Terfynau’ (limits), judged by Elin Llwyd Morgan and Caryl Lewis. The ceremony promises to be a poignant celebration of literary excellence, with the winner announced live.

Literary legacy: Cyhoeddiadau’r stamp publications

In an exciting development, Cyhoeddiadau’r Stamp will publish pamphlets featuring the works of the main literary prize winners, including those of the Drama Medal, the Chair, and the Crown. This collaboration ensures that the winners’ literary contributions are celebrated and accessible, extending the impact of their achievements.

A day with Guto Rhun

Today’s President, Guto Rhun, brings a wealth of experience from his role overseeing Hansh content on S4C. His career, spanning from presenting on Radio Cymru to commissioning diverse content for S4C, reflects his dedication to nurturing new talent and voices in Welsh media.

In a Q&A, Guto shared fond memories of his time with the Urdd, emphasizing the confidence and opportunities it provided, which have been instrumental in his career. His representation from the LGBT community underscores the Urdd’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Anticipating tomorrow: Composer Medal and Eisteddfod Scholarship

Tomorrow’s events include the awarding of the Main Composer Medal and the Eisteddfod Scholarship. The Composer Medal competition, judged by Guto Pryderi Puw and Gareth Glyn, challenges participants to create original compositions in various formats. The scholarship will recognise the most promising competitors in the age group of Year 10 and under 19, providing support and encouragement for the next generation of Welsh talent.

The Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh culture and the dynamic potential of its youth. From innovative festivals and health initiatives to international projects and prestigious awards, this year’s Eisteddfod is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. As the events unfold, they not only highlight the achievements of today but also lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future.

Community

Officials announced for 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire

Published

3 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD returns to Pembrokeshire in 2026, and organisers have named the officials who will steer this major cultural event over the next year and a half.

With the artistic and local committees already established, meetings to finalise competitions and adjudicators are underway to ensure the List of Competitions is ready by spring. Committee members have also been voting over the past weeks to elect key officials for the Executive Committee.

John Davies, former leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, has been appointed Chair of the Executive Committee. Known for his deep connection to Pembrokeshire and extensive experience with national organisations, Davies aims to make the Eisteddfod a true community event, welcoming involvement from all corners of the region.

Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, takes on the role of Deputy Chair (Strategy). With a strong passion for Welsh culture and language, Jones brings a wealth of experience working with local communities, visitors, and volunteers across three counties.

Deputy Chair (Culture) is Carys Ifan, Director of Canolfan Egin and a seasoned cultural organiser. Based in Llangrannog and originally from Llandudoch, Ifan has led numerous artistic and community projects across the region.

Cris Tomos, a community development veteran with over 30 years of experience, will lead the 2026 Eisteddfod Local Fund. Working with PLANED, a community development charity, Tomos has supported countless community enterprises and co-operatives in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire.

Non Davies, recently elected as Executive Committee Secretary, brings extensive cultural management expertise as Ceredigion County Council’s Corporate Manager for Culture. Having chaired the Cardigan Local Fund Committee for the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod, Davies is well-versed in managing cultural projects.

National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said: “We’re looking forward to working with John and the team over the next few months as we prepare for the 2026 Eisteddfod.

“There’s almost a quarter of a century since the Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to the area. 2026 is an important year for us as we celebrate 850 years since the first Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

“We’re looking forward to working in a new way within a catchment area which includes parts of another two counties, which is, of course, a chance to work with local people in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire again.”

Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the sale of competition prizes and opportunities to donate the Crown and the Chair.

The National Eisteddfod will be held in Llantood from August 1–8, 2026.

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

19 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.