Welsh Government offering £5,000 to tempt Welsh‑speaking teachers into secondary schools

Applications have opened for the latest round of Cynllun Pontio, a scheme that retrains Welsh‑speaking primary teachers — and those who’ve left the profession — to switch into secondary education. The programme pays participants a salary while they retrain, with ministers saying it is vital to meet demand for Welsh‑medium teaching.

Nearly 100 people have already gone through the scheme since 2020, but buried in the small print is a further sweetener: a £5,000 retention bursary for eligible secondary teachers who teach Welsh or teach through the medium of Welsh.

The incentive is part of an £8m package aimed at boosting the Welsh‑medium workforce, including funding to keep A‑level Welsh courses running in schools with low numbers and extra support for English‑medium teachers learning Welsh.

Ysgol Bro Teifi headteacher Gareth Evans said the scheme had already helped his school retrain primary teachers and bring them into the secondary sector.

“Cynllun Pontio has enabled us to retrain primary teachers to develop their experience and confidence,” he said. “Some have stayed with us, others have secured jobs elsewhere. It’s a unique and effective programme.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said the scheme was about supporting people who want to switch sectors while strengthening the Welsh‑medium workforce.

“We want to support those who want to make the switch to secondary education or rejoin teaching,” she said. “This programme provides training and financial support to help people in their education career.”

Applications are open until 22 February 2026, with candidates asked to submit forms by email.

Pontardawe Arts Centre to host new drama inspired by forgotten Welsh folk songs recorded in a workhouse

Pontardawe is one of just 13 venues across Wales chosen to host Ledi’r Wyrcws (The Lady of the Workhouse), a new production uncovering the remarkable true story behind one of Wales’s most important folk‑song collections.

The drama, written by author and academic Jerry Hunter, explores the unlikely relationship between Lady Amy Parry‑Williams — wife of renowned scholar and poet T. H. Parry‑Williams — and a woman living in a workhouse in the 1950s, where Amy recorded traditional songs that were on the brink of disappearing forever.

A forgotten workhouse and a cultural mystery

Hunter says the idea struck him after giving a talk in Denbigh, when a member of the audience pointed out an old building across the road — once a workhouse where Lady Parry‑Williams had captured some of her most treasured recordings.

He was stunned to learn that a workhouse was still operating in the 1950s, years after the founding of the NHS.

The revelation sparked a series of questions that form the backbone of the play: Who was the woman singing in the workhouse? Why was she there? And what conversations unfolded between two women from completely different worlds, united only by their love of Welsh culture?

Hunter said the story “immediately captured” his imagination, leading him to picture the pair spending a day together — one a respected academic’s wife, the other living in poverty — yet both preserving the same musical heritage.

Touring Wales — with a key stop in Pontardawe

The production stars Morfudd Hughes, Owen Arwyn and Judith Humphreys, and will tour Wales from 4 March to 2 April.

Pontardawe Arts Centre will host the show on 25 March, giving local audiences a rare chance to see a drama rooted in real Welsh history and cultural survival.

Full tour dates

04–05 March – Galeri Caernarfon 07 March – Twm o’r Nant 10 March – Theatr Clwyd 13 March – Theatr Derek Williams 17–18 March – Theatr Arad Goch 19 March – Yr Egin 20 March – Theatr Felinfach 24 March – Theatr Soar 25 March – Pontardawe Arts Centre 26 March – Yr Olwg 28 March – Llanover Hall 01 April – Neuadd Dwyfor 02 April – Pontio

Tickets and more information are available via Galeri Caernarfon: https://www.galericaernarfon.com/eng/ledirwyrcws.html

Mae arolwg Data Treftadaeth 3D y DU mewn Perygl bellach ar gael yn y Gymraeg! 🐲

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddt81Aw9wpfvqt-Ko4EGR9oi1wF_wC5ainuqqZGvdc2Rdgcg/viewform

Ystyriwch ymateb os ydych chi'n weithiwr proffesiynol treftadaeth yng Nghymru sy'n gweithio gyda data 3D.

Fideo cyflwyno prosiect 3 munud (isdeitlau Cymraeg): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZILDu4HzpTU

Mae rhagor o wybodaeth am y prosiect ar gael yma (Saesneg yn unig): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:UK_Heritage_3D_Data_at_Risk

#H3DAR #cymraeg #welsh #welshlanguage #GLAM3D

Amused to spot earlier that there is one extra element of guidance for Welsh speakers at Maindy BMX track than there is for English speakers. Monoglot English speakers can disturb neighbouring residents, but Cymros cannot.

#Caerdydd #Cardiff #WelshLanguage #IaithGymraeg

Welsh-speaking inmates report pressure to use English at HMP Berwyn, raising rights concerns

A study based on interviews with eight former Welsh-speaking inmates held at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham between 2018 and 2022 alleges systematic pressure from staff to use English rather than Welsh. The researchers, Dr. Robert Jones and Dr. Gregory Davies from Cardiff and Liverpool universities, describe... [More info]

Community Submissions Help Preserve Welsh Place Names and Cultural Stories

Dozens of Welsh place names, many with deep cultural and legendary significance, have been submitted to a Welsh government initiative to preserve linguistic heritage. The project encourages the public to contribute historical names, especially in the Welsh language, for fields, hills, and geographic... [More info]

Bereaved woman campaigns for Welsh-language death certificates

Emilia Belli reports on the ongoing struggle of Afryl Davies, a 65-year-old woman from Cardiff, to obtain a death certificate in Welsh for her late husband, Aled Glynne Davies, who passed away in December 2022. Both were native Welsh speakers and registered all major life events bilingually. Due to ... [More info]

Scott Quinnell joins Swansea night shift for new S4C series

The former Wales international and British and Irish Lion will roll up his sleeves at Swansea Fish, the city’s wholesale fish market, as part of Dim Cwsg i Quinnell (“No Sleep for Quinnell”). He will also take on a shift at the Amazon centre in Swansea later in the series.

From lambing sheds to fish markets

The programme, which begins on 20 October at 8.25pm on S4C, follows Quinnell as he shadows night shift workers across Wales.

In the first episode, he travels to Aberhafesp in Powys to help deliver lambs in a sheep shed, before heading to Holyhead to repair trains in the middle of the night. Later episodes see him distilling whisky and gin at Aber Falls Distillery near Abergwyngregyn, working as a porter at Portmeirion, and joining Swansea’s night‑time workforce.

‘A huge contribution to Wales’

Reflecting on the experience, Quinnell said:

“I had so much fun filming this series, as I met people all over Wales who work hard at night for us all. From fish to baking, and from lambing to whiskey‑distilling, night shift workers make a huge contribution to Wales, and it was a pleasure to get to know some of them and see first‑hand the work that they do.”

Educational and entertaining

Sioned Geraint, S4C’s Commissioner for Children and Welsh Learners Content, said the series was designed to be both entertaining and accessible for learners of the language:

“What better way to follow Wythnos Dathlu Dysgu Cymraeg than to join rugby star Scott Quinnell as he tackles a number of challenging and varied careers? In this educational series, we get to know some of Wales’s night shift workers, who work hard while the rest of the country sleeps.”

The series will be available to watch live on S4C and on demand via S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

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#Amazon #DimCwsgIQuinnell #S4C #ScottQuinnell #Swansea #SwanseaFish #tv #WelshLanguage #WelshLearners

@ancientsounds

This raises the thorny question of what #Dorset's official second language is.

Welsh? Cornish? Brizzle? (-:

#WelshLanguage #Cornwall #Kernewek #Brizzle

Welsh word 'poody' added to Oxford English Dictionary, baffling producers of Race Across the World

The latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has included several Welsh words, one of which caught the attention of the producers of the popular TV series *Race Across the World*. The word 'poody', which means 'to sulk', puzzled the producers when it was used in the show by contestants F... [More info]

Calls for major rebuild as more than 700 building faults uncovered at Tenby’s Ysgol Greenhill

School faces infrastructure crisis despite academic progress

A report to Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools & Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee this week warns that extensive building improvements — or even a completely new school — may be required at Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby.

The secondary school, which educates around 900 pupils, has been led by headteacher David Haynes since 2021. Under his leadership, the school was removed from special measures in 2024 following significant improvements in teaching and leadership.

But despite the academic turnaround, councillors are being told that the physical condition of the school is now a major concern.

Over 700 faults identified

An inspection by the Schools Scrutiny Panel in July found more than 700 building defects, ranging from structural issues to maintenance failures.

Emergency works began in May 2025, with a contract worth more than £0.5m awarded for urgent repairs. The council has said every effort is being made to minimise disruption to teaching and exams while the work continues.

Concerns raised by pupils and staff

During the panel visit, both staff and pupils highlighted the poor state of the premises, though acknowledged that construction work was underway at the time.

The report also noted:

• Welsh language provision remains limited, with pupils saying they would like to see it more integrated across lessons.
• Attendance continues to be a challenge post‑Covid, with the school working with its cluster to improve figures.
• Reading standards among incoming Year 7 pupils are a concern, with guided reading sessions and assessments being introduced to help pupils catch up.

Praise for leadership but call for long‑term plan

The panel praised Mr Haynes’ “strong leadership” and the school’s strengthened cluster partnerships, particularly with Narberth CP School on Welsh language development.

However, councillors are being advised to prioritise long‑term funding and strategic planning for the site, including the possibility of a new school build.

The report also recommends:

• Expanding partnerships beyond the current cluster
• Providing resources for bilingual signage and Welsh‑language enrichment
• Earlier reading assessments in primary schools to support transition

Background: urgent works already underway

According to Pembrokeshire County Council, urgent structural works began in May 2025 and are expected to continue into the new academic year. Parents were informed directly by the headteacher, with assurances that safety and learning continuity remain the priority.

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Plans unveiled for new pre‑16 Vocational Centre in Port Talbot
Former Victorian school building could be transformed into a bilingual hub offering hands‑on training and career pathways.

More education news
Catch up on the latest school, college and university stories from across South West Wales.

#buildingDefect #education #GreenhillSchool #newSchool #PembrokeshireCouncil #reading #SchoolAttendance #SchoolsLearningOverviewAndScrutinyCommittee #specialMeasures #Tenby #WelshLanguage

Award‑winning learner Foo Seng inspires others to embrace Welsh

Foo Seng Thean, 47, moved to the city with his family in 2015. Although fluent in English, he soon realised he couldn’t read local signage or join in everyday conversations in the language of his new home. Determined to change that, he began learning Welsh alongside his two sons.

“There’s an old saying — to prosper in a new place you must embrace its traditions and way of life,” he said. “That’s exactly what I’m doing. We sing together, share our learning, and even have a Welsh day at home. My niece in Singapore calls me her Welsh uncle!”

Foo Seng’s commitment has earned him the New Welsh Speaker Award at this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, which will be presented at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on 18 September. The awards, part of Adult Learners’ Week (15–21 September), celebrate people who have transformed their lives through learning.

His journey began while working at the Chinese in Wales Association’s Multi‑Cultural Hub, when he joined a Welsh in the Workplace course run by Swansea University’s Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Area. Since then, he has immersed himself in Welsh culture — joining the Welsh Learners Choir, performing at the 2024 National Eisteddfod, and promoting the language in the charity’s tri‑lingual communications.

Tutor Emyr Jones, who leads the choir, said: “He seized the opportunity to learn Welsh and was enthusiastic from the very start, both in class and through extra learning on his own.”

Foo Seng hopes his story will encourage more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to embrace the language. “I’ve been blown away by its beauty,” he said.

Adult Learners’ Week offers taster courses, online sessions and advice for anyone in Wales looking to start or return to learning. More information is available at adultlearnersweek.wales or via Working Wales on 0800 028 4844.

#AdultLearnersWeek #ChineseInWales #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #WelshLanguage #WelshLearners

Swansea’s Dewi Pws remembered in moving Eisteddfod tribute

The warm summer air at the Wrecsam Eisteddfod was filled with laughter, music and memory as Wales paid tribute to one of its most beloved cultural icons — Dewi ‘Pws’ Morris. A special concert titled Nwy yn y Nen, named after his award-winning 1971 song, brought together friends, fans and fellow performers to honour the late actor, musician and poet who passed away last August at the age of 76.

Born and raised in Treboeth, Swansea, Dewi Pws was a true son of the city. He attended Ysgol Gymraeg Lôn Las and Dynevor Grammar School before training as a teacher in Cardiff. But it was his irrepressible creativity and mischievous charm that led him to a life in the arts — a journey that would span over five decades and leave an indelible mark on Welsh culture2.

At the Eisteddfod tribute, many wore red neckerchiefs — a nod to Dewi’s signature look — as they sang along to classics like Lleucu Llwyd and Nwy yn y Nen. His wife, Rhiannon, shared that Dewi would have been “thrilled” by the celebration, joking that he’d have loved not being expected to perform — just to sit back and enjoy.

Dewi first rose to fame as the lead singer of Y Tebot Piws, and later helped form Edward H Dafis, Wales’s first supergroup. His musical contributions were matched by his acting career, with standout roles in Pobol y Cwm, Rownd a Rownd, and the iconic rugby comedy Grand Slam. He also held the title of Children’s Poet for Wales in 2010 and was inducted into the Gorsedd Cymru as an honorary druid.

The idea for the tribute concert came from fellow musician Cleif Harpwood, with Mei Gwynedd curating the performances. Singer Meinir Gwilym, who performed at the event, recalled Dewi’s humour and encouragement: “He gave us joy and confidence. It’s an incredible and emotional honour to be part of this.”

Though Dewi’s voice may no longer echo live across Welsh stages, his songs continue to play on the radio, stirring warm memories and laughter. As Rhiannon put it, “Knowing he hasn’t been forgotten brings comfort.”

From Swansea’s sandcastles to the national Maes, Dewi Pws built a legacy of joy, rebellion and creativity — one that will continue to inspire generations to come.

📸 Stream the tribute concert via S4C Clic

#concert #DewiPwsMorris #DewiPws #DynevorGrammarSchool #EdwardHDafis #Eisteddfod #GorseddCymru #LleucuLlwyd #NationalEisteddfod #NwyYnYNen #PobolYCwm #RowndARownd #S4C #Treboeth #tribute #WelshLanguage #YTebotPiws #YsgolGymraegLônLas

Community rallies to save Ysgol Clydau from closure

A grassroots campaign is gaining momentum to save Ysgol Clydau, a small rural school in Tegryn, Pembrokeshire, from proposed closure under Pembrokeshire County Council’s school modernisation plans.

The school, which has served the community since 1880, is facing closure due to declining pupil numbers. Council figures show a 34% drop in enrolment between 2015 and 2025, prompting a statutory consultation process expected to begin later this summer.

But residents, parents, and local councillors are pushing back. As of 6 July, the petition hosted on Change.org opposing the closure of Ysgol Clydau has gathered 949 signatures, demonstrating strong and growing public support. The petition remains open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in the Pembrokeshire County Council area—including under-18s—and will be eligible for formal presentation to the council once it reaches 500 signatures, a milestone it has already surpassed.

Campaigners argue that closure would isolate the community, weaken its social fabric, and create hardship for families—particularly those without access to private transport. “Shipping young children for miles on buses every day is just wrong,” the petition states.

The petition also highlights the school’s role in preserving the Welsh language and rural identity. “We believe small schools to be a bedrock of rural communities, essential in the survival of the Welsh language, and most importantly, as loving centres of academic excellence for our children.”

Local councillor Iwan Ward, speaking at a recent full council meeting, described Ysgol Clydau as “the heart of our society—not just a school, it’s family, a community, an anchor for children who deserve the opportunity to grow.” He warned that closure would be “a disaster for the future of education locally.”

Ysgol Clydau was praised in its most recent Estyn inspection, with inspectors calling it a “happy, caring and welcoming community.” Staff were commended for fostering strong relationships with pupils and delivering a curriculum that makes purposeful use of the local area.

The petition also raises concerns about financial and social impacts. “Closing the school will result in increased costs for families and individuals including additional travel costs to attend alternate schools, lost opportunities for our children, and potentially lead to the loss of other community services,” it reads.

Campaigners say the school offers vital social and recreational opportunities, including community events, and warn that its closure would lead to “social isolation and impact the wellbeing of the community.”

A similar situation arose in Carmarthenshire, where Mynyddygarreg School was successfully removed from closure plans following robust community opposition and widespread local engagement.

If the petition reaches 500 signatures, its creator will have the opportunity to present it formally to the council. Anyone who lives, works, or studies in the Pembrokeshire County Council area—including under-18s—is eligible to sign.

As the consultation process approaches, campaigners are urging residents to make their voices heard. “We demand that Pembrokeshire County Council reconsider its decision to close Ysgol Clydau and instead prioritise the needs of our community by keeping the school open,” the petition concludes.

#community #education #Pembrokeshire #PembrokeshireCouncil #petition #schoolClosure #smallSchools #Tegryn #WelshLanguage

Sketty school’s ‘Criw Cymraeg’ leads to language award

It is a Wales-wide initiative encouraging young people to speak Welsh in all aspects of their lives and not just during lessons.

Sketty has become Swansea’s fifth school to achieve gold and headteacher Bev Phillips said it was a real team effort.

She said: “This achievement reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire team—staff, children, parents, carers, governors, and the council’s Welsh service who have worked tirelessly to enable us to achieve the highest standards.

“Receiving the Gold Siarter is not just an honour, it is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote the Welsh language, foster a culture of respect and diversity and to deliver outstanding educational experiences. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success.”

Jo Griffiths, Welsh subject leader at Sketty, added: “It’s been such an exciting and rewarding journey over the past three years, working to raise the profile and standard of Welsh across our school and local community.

“Our brilliant Criw Cymraeg have been at the heart of it all – leading events like Bore Coffi, the Dewi treasure hunt, school visits, Welsh music gigs and more. The buzz around the Welsh language and our cynefin is felt in every part of our school.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Robert Smith, said: “It takes a lot of work and commitment to achieve the gold award so it’s really pleasing to see Sketty Primary achieve this and my congratulations go to all involved.”

#CllrRobertSmith #SiarterIaith #Sketty #SkettyPrimarySchool #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WelshLanguage

Council Leader hails success of Margam Country Park Urdd Eisteddfod

This year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Margam Country Park attracted a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete. There was also a 42% increase in the number of Welsh learners taking part compared to last year,

In total, 17 schools from Neath Port Talbot were positioned either first, second or third during the finals week with many more taking part in the earlier qualifying rounds.

Cllr Hunt said: “These were remarkable results reflecting the talent and dedication of our young people. Along with others in the Gorllewin Morgannwg (West Glamorgan) region, Neath Port Talbot proudly secured 3rd place overall—a testament to the hard work of Neath Port Talbot’s pupils, teachers, and families.

“At a time of financial and employment stresses it has been uplifting to see our county borough in the national headlines for all the right reasons.

“This is a prime example of how major events can deliver benefits – and we are confident many of those first-time visitors who came to this hugely popular event will return in the future.

“It was also fantastic to see local businesses contributing directly. Both the Urdd Crown and Chair were created locally using steel from Tata. The Crown was crafted by Nicola Palterman and Laura Thomas of Jewel and Grace in Neath, while the Chair was designed and created by Angharad Pearce Jones from the Brynaman area.

“So the Urdd has truly put a positive spotlight on Neath Port Talbot and reminded us—and shown the rest of Wales—that this is a proud, vibrant, and resilient place.

“Let us build on the momentum the Urdd Eisteddfod has given us.”

#CllrStephenHunt #Margam #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #Urdd #WelshLanguage

Smurf-tastic News! The Smurfs return to Welsh screens after 25 Years

For the first time in a quarter of a century, everyone’s favourite three-apples-high mischief-makers are returning to Welsh television screens, with S4C announcing the return of Y Smyrffs —this time with a fresh coat of paint, new voices, but the same iconic blue heart.

The little blue legends who’ve entertained children (and more than a few nostalgic grown-ups) for generations are smurfing their way back into our homes – this time speaking the language of the land of song.

Y Smyrffs, as they’re affectionately known in Welsh, will reintroduce familiar faces like Smyrffen (Smurfette), the wise Tada Smyrff (Papa Smurf), and the not-so-lovely villain Craca Hyll (Gargamel), all with brand-new Welsh voices to bring their magical world to life.

Visitors to the Urdd Eisteddfod Dur a Môr, were treated to an exclusive preview of the first two episodes – Trwyn a Hanner (Who Nose?) and Y Robot Magu (Diaper Daddy) delighting viewers, young and old.

Born from the brilliant pen of Belgian cartoonist Peyo in 1958, The Smurfs have been a global phenomenon for over six decades—scampering through comic books, animated series, blockbuster films, and childhood memories worldwide. Now, S4C say they’re ready to charm a whole new generation of Welsh-speaking fans.

“The Smurfs have always been about togetherness, community, and a splash of silliness,” said Sioned Geraint, S4C’s Content Commissioner – Children and Learners. “We’re thrilled to bring these timeless characters back in Welsh, and we know that both kids and nostalgic parents will fall in love with Y Smyrffs all over again.”

The return ties in with the globally popular 2021 animated reboot currently airing on Nickelodeon and streaming on platforms like Netflix. And with the buzz surrounding the recently announced Smurfs movie—starring none other than Rihanna as Smurfette, and smurfing into cinemas in July 2025—Smurfmania is officially back in style.

Expect to see all the familiar blue faces: Peniog (Brainy Smurf, likely still annoying everyone with his “I told you so!”), Chwithig (Clumsy) tripping over himself into trouble, Horwth (Hefty) flexing his muscles at every opportunity, and of course, Tada Smyrff guiding the village with wisdom, patience, and the occasional magic potion. “All you need is a little imagination… and a lot of smurfiness!” Tada Smyrff might say—and he’d be right.

Fans of the original Welsh dub will be delighted to hear that many of the classic character names remain intact, offering a comforting dose of nostalgia. Smyrffen still sparkles with her trademark charm and curiosity, while Craca Hyll, with his cat Archalen in tow, continues his never-ending (and always failing) mission to catch a Smyrff.

Véronique Culliford, President of the Peyo Company and the daughter of Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo), creator of the Smurfs said : “I am very proud of this upcoming launch on S4C. The local languages approach has always been central for us and this new release in Welsh-language will be the 50th language release for our TV series! Kids and parents along can already expect a lot of fun watching Y Smyrffs on S4C. Mae’r Smyrffs yn ôl!”

Whether you were glued to the TV with a bowl of cereal in the ’80s or you’re introducing Y Smyrffs to your own children for the first time, there’s something undeniably timeless about these pint-sized pranksters.

Each Smurf might look similar, but they each bring something special to the table—team spirit, loyalty, humour, and heart. And in today’s world, that kind of smurfy magic is more welcome than ever.

So, grab your popcorn (or paned o de), switch on S4C, and get ready to say “Shwmae!” to Y Smyrffs. Because whether you’re young, or just young at Smurf, there’s always room for a little more blue in your day.

#S4C #Smurfs #tv #WelshLanguage #YSmyrffs

Record-breaking numbers to compete at next week’s Urdd

Following the final rounds of the Urdd’s Composing and Creating Competitions (homework), the organisation is proud to announce a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year’s festival, which also includes a significant rise (of 42%) in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year.

Organisers have also confirmed details for the shuttle bus service running between Port Talbot (Parkway) train station to the Eisteddfod Maes throughout the week. The service is free to the public, running between 06:30 and 21:56 or 23:26 (depending on which day).

Thanks to a £200,000 support package from the Welsh Government, lower income families can access the Maes for free once again this year.

Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru said: “Eisteddfod yr Urdd is for all. Seeing more young people and more Welsh learners than ever choosing to take part this year proves that the Eisteddfod is meeting the needs and the interests of the young people of Wales, providing them with valuable opportunities to experience activities and opportunities to build their self-confidence through the medium of Welsh. A huge thank you in advance to the hundreds of volunteers helping us at the festival next week.”

As well as competitors, local talent and celebrities be visiting the Eisteddfod, including the festival’s President Jeremy Miles MS, and five Presidents of the Day: actor Steffan Rhodri, famous for his role as ‘Dave Coaches’ in Gavin and Stacey, presenters and sports stars Lowri Morgan and Sarra Elgan, entrepreneur Emyr Afan from Afanti and singer and TikTok star Bronwen Lewis, who also performed the Eisteddfod’s Welcome Song alongside Huw Chiswell.

Triban Festival continues on the maes over the weekend (30-31 May). Friday night will be a tribute to Welsh musician and performer Dewi Pws, with artists including Mei Gwynedd and band, Dadleoli, Taran, local schools and more. Saturday will be an evening with Huw Chiswell, Bronwen Lewis, Aleighcia Scott and other popular artists. 

The Urdd and the local Council say they acknowledge the incredible work and dedication of local residents who have worked tirelessly over the past three years to raise money for the event.

Neath Port Talbot Councillor and Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “As we eagerly anticipate the National Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025, I am delighted to welcome this prestigious event to our beautiful county. The record-breaking number of registrations and the increase in young Welsh learners highlight the festival’s growing impact and importance. We are proud to host such a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture and arts at Margam Country Park. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in organising this event and look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to experience the best of Neath Port Talbot.”

Live broadcasts on S4C and BBC Radio Cymru

For those unable to attend this year, S4C will be broadcasting the competitions from the Red, White and Green pavilions from 8.00am every day and they will be streamed on Clic.

For the first time, it will also be possible to look back on the streams and re-watch competitions, by watching Clic on desktop devices. The streams will be available for a period of 3 days after the competitions have taken place and it will be possible to ‘spool’ the stream by watching on a computer or laptop. This will be available from the ‘Our picks’ section at the top of the Clic home page.

S4C’s live daily programmes will be hosted by Trystan Ellis Morris and Heledd Cynwal between 10.30am and 6.30pm and a highlights programme will air every night at 8.00pm. These programmes will be available on demand on Clic and BBC iPlayer with English subtitles.

BBC Radio Cymru and the Ifan Evans programme will be broadcasting daily live radio shows on the Maes between 2pm and 5pm, with Jac Northfield joining in. All winners will also be featured across the station and BBC Cymru Fyw will share the latest daily news and stories online.

The main daily ceremonies will take place in the white pavilion at 2pm: Monday, Chief Artist and Art Medal; Tuesday, the Drama Medal; Wednesday, Welsh Learners Medal and the Bobi Jones Medal; Thursday, the Chairing; Friday, the Crowning; Saturday, Main Composer Medal.

#Eisteddfod #MargamCountryPark #NeathPortTalbot #PortTalbot #Urdd #WelshLanguage

Morriston couple win Urdd award for dedication to promoting Welsh language and culture

David Gwyn and Pamela John from Morriston have been announced as the winners of the John and Ceridwen Hughes, Uwchaled Award at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr Parc Margam a’r Fro 2025.

Known as pillars of the local community, the married couple have dedicated themselves tirelessly over the decades to promoting the Welsh language and culture among the children and young people of the area. The John and Ceridwen Hughes, Uwchaled Award recognises outstanding volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the life of young people in Wales. Considering David and Pamela’s contribution, it comes as no surprise that they are this year’s winners.

In the early 1960s, they established ‘Aelwyd yr Urdd Treforys’ in the vestry of the Tabernacle Chapel in Morriston. For the first time, it gave young people in the area an opportunity to socialise through the Welsh language. It was a place full of buzz and enthusiasm, and under David and Pamela’s leadership, the ‘aelwyd’ competed regularly at Eisteddfod yr Urdd, at the National Eisteddfod and at the Cerdd Dant Festival. It also hosted many a Noson Lawen (light entertainment concerts) throughout south Wales.

Presenter Heledd Cynwal had the honour of announcing the news at Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston, yesterday.

Helping local young people to “discover their Welshness”

Among more than 100 members of ‘Aelwyd yr Urdd Treforys’ that would meet every Friday evening were musician and composer, Geraint Davies (from the folk group, Mynediad am Ddim), and the late singer and actor, Dewi Pws. The latter once stated in an interview that he “discovered his Welshness” at the age of fifteen at the Urdd Aelwyd in the Morriston chapel.

Musician Geraint Davies (and composer of ‘Hei Mistar Urdd’) said: “I was fifteen when I joined Aelwyd Treforys in 1968 and without doubt it changed my life. David Gwyn and Pam John had been at the helm for some time and would be for many years afterwards. Remarkably, with some unruly individuals, they managed to establish choirs, folk dance groups and Noson Lawen performers that were among the finest in Wales.

“There was an open door for Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers alike at a time when secondary education in Swansea was all in English. This was the antidote – being immersed in the Welsh language every Friday night and sometimes on Saturday as well. The big bonus was that David had a bus driving licence, so it enabled us to travel regularly to other aelwydydd, to national events, and as far away as Scotland in 1970. It broadened our horizons. I found a life partner in that aelwyd too, and I’m one of many who did so.

“They’re still active years later – running the activities of ‘Cymdeithas Gymraeg Treforys’ (Morriston’s Welsh Society). Thank you and congratulations David and Pam!”

Before retiring, both worked in education and loved supporting and promoting the young people of the area. David was Headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Lôn Las and Pamela was a teacher there. Both have also been active on various local committees and on Eisteddfod sub-committees and have fundraised locally. They celebrated their Diamond Wedding last summer.

Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “These are two well-loved and popular individuals who have contributed so much to the Welshness of the area where this year’s Eisteddfod is held. They are fully deserving of the John and Ceridwen Hughes, Uwchaled Award 2025. We need volunteers and people like David and Pamela in our local areas: people who are willing to dedicate their precious time to support young people. Their contribution is invaluable and we’re grateful for their tireless work over the decades.”

David and Pamela will be honoured in a special ceremony at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr 2025. The John and Ceridwen Hughes, Uwchaled Award is given by Dewi and Gerallt Hughes, in memory of their parents, John and Ceridwen Hughes, who were very active in youth work.

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