Shining stars from Merthyr schools to compete in Urdd National Eisteddfod 2023

Next week, pupils from across Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will showcase their skills, knowledge and talents when they compete at the Urdd National Eisteddfod 2023.

Talented young people from across Merthyr Tydfil Schools, including Afon Taf, Blessed Carlo Acutis, Gellifaelog, Pen Y Dre, Rhydywaun, Santes Tudful and Ysgol-y-Graig, as well The College, Merthyr Tydfil will join thousands from across Wales to compete at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. They will sing, dance, act, recite, play instruments and even cook at this prestigious event. They will demonstrate their commitment to and celebration of the culture and language of Wales, as well as hope to win first place of course!

This will be the eighth time that Carmarthenshire have hosted the Urdd Eisteddfod, although the first time that the event will take place in the town of Llandovery. Urdd Gobaith Cymru was established by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards in 1922. His aim was to protect and celebrate the use of Welsh language, keeping it alive and thriving within the communities of Wales.

Cllr Michelle Symonds, Welsh Language Champion said;
“We are delighted that Merthyr Tydfil is being represented by so many children and young people at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. This is one of the largest youth festivals, celebrating the language and culture of Wales. All competitors have progressed through local and regional rounds to compete on the national stage; this is a great achievement and they should be very proud of themselves!

‘We hope the Boroughs representation will go from strength to strength as the language and culture grows through our ‘Shwmaeronment’ vision! Pob lwc i bawb!”

The list of Merthyr Tydfil performers are as follows;
Monday 29 May
09.35: Santes Tudful – Individual Harp at the Red Pavilion.
11.30: Santes Tudful – Solo at the Red Pavilion.
14.25: Gellifaelog - Individual Recitation at the Red Pavilion.
16.05: Ysgol-y-Graig - Individual Recitation at the Red Pavilion.

Tuesday 30 May
09.05: Santes Tudful – Creative Music Group at the White Pavilion.
09.05: Santes Tudful – Theatre Performance at the Green Pavilion.
09.40: Santes Tudful - Individual Recitation at the Red Pavilion
10.00: Blessed Carlos Acutis – Cooking at the Blue Pavilion.
10.50: Santes Tudful - Two Part Singing at the Green Pavilion.
12.50: Santes Tudful – Mixed Medium Dance at the White Pavilion.

Wednesday 31 May
08.00: Afon Taf – Piano Solo at the Green Pavilion.
09.15: Santes Tudful – Individual Hip Hop at the White Pavilion.
09.55: Pen Y Dre – Theatre Performance at the Green Pavilion.
10.05: Rhydywaun – Harp Solo at the Red Pavilion.
13.45: Pen Y Dre – Individual Recitation at the Red Pavilion.
15.45: Pen Y Dre – Group Recitation at the Red Pavilion.

Thursday 1 June
11.20: Rhydywaun – Individual Solo at the Red Pavilion.
15.45: Pen Y Dre – Individual Woodwind at the Red Pavilion.

Friday 2 June 
08.00: Coleg Merthyr – Individual Recitation at the Red Pavilion.
12.10: Pen Y Dre – Group Recitation at the Red Pavilion.

For more information on how to get involved in the upcoming Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod 2023 please visit: www.urdd.cymru/en