Latest news with #Urdd
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'Where have all the Welsh flags gone' - Eisteddfod mystery leaves veteran baffled
A veteran eisteddfodau supporter has been left mystified by the apparent dearth of Welsh flags at recent National and Urdd festivals. Thomas Victor Jones claimed to have first noticed their absence when he served as a steward at the 2023 Llŷn and Eifionydd national festival in Boduan, near Pwllheli. After searching the Maes and failing to find any Wales flags, he said questions to senior Eisteddfod officials hit a brick wall. 'One told me that putting up flags was a health and safety risk - I wasn't sure if she was joking,' he said. The National Eisteddfod of Wales is Europe's largest music and poetry festival, with more than 6,000 participants competing in Welsh. Considered the ultimate celebration of Welsh culture, Mr Jones found it unfathomable that the Ddraig Goch flag would be excluded. At last year's National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, he again made a point of searching the grounds for Wales flags. He found one - at the cricket club. Some private caravans had them - but they were nowhere to be found in official and performance areas, he claimed. He undertook similar searches at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod near Port Talbot – and again he said he couldn't find any Welsh flags. It left him wondering if there was a deliberate policy preventing their use. Organisers of both events have refuted the claims, saying Welsh flags are flown proudly where health and safety allows it. But Mr Jones, a community councillor in Llanbedrog, Gwynedd, is adamant. 'I found just one flag at the three events,' he said 'When the Wales womens football team competed this week, I spotted at least 20 and there were probably a lot more." Mr Jones continued: 'For a month before the Bodior event, poles and fences across the Llŷn Peninsula were plastered with Welsh flags and eisteddfod posters. But as soon as you went through the entrance onto the Maes, there were no Welsh flags to be seen 'There are always plenty of other flags, and I've nothing against those, they add a lot of colour. But there are no Welsh flags. I just don't understand it, it's left me very unsettled. I've even met people from New Zealand asking me, 'what's going on?' 'I don't know if it's official policy or there's some other reason. There's definitely something going on – I don't know if it's some kind of censorship.' Like many Welshman, flying the flag is a matter of pride for Mr Jones. Not only does he have the Ddraig Goch on a flagpole on his garden at home, he carries the flag on his haversack when he's travelling. He worries the National Eisteddfod is sending out the wrong message, especially given the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 strategy. This aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050, effectively doubling the proportion of the population that speaks Welsh daily. 'I've travelled a lot and in every country I've visited, you always see the national flags flying proudly,' said the 80-year-old, former manager of a centre for people with learning difficulties. 'You go to England and you expect to see Union Jacks and flags of St George there – so why not at the Eisteddfod?' Having approached the organisers of this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham, he's been assured there will be plenty of Welsh flags on display. 'We'll see,' he said. 'I'll be there checking.' A spokesperson for the organisation said: 'We are unable to erect a flagpole on the top of our Pavilion as doing that would be a health and safety risk. We will have Welsh flags on the Maes this year in Wrecsam. 'We celebrate the fact that we're a festival celebrating our language and culture throughout the whole year, and are actively working with the Welsh Government to reach the Cymraeg 2050 target.' Urdd Gobaith Cymru also confirmed it has no policing prohibiting the display of Y Ddraig Goch at Eisteddfod yr Urdd. However it said practical or health and safety considerations can influence how and where flags are displayed in some areas of the Maes – for example, in performance areas or near temporary structures. The Urdd said the organisation fully recognises the importance of the flag as an expression of Welsh identity. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The spokesperson added: 'We recognise its significance as a national symbol and can confirm that Y Ddraig Goch and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd banners were proudly on display at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Dur a Môr 2025.' This year's National Eisteddfod take places from August 2–9 in Isycoed, on the outskirts of Wrexham near the industrial estate. For more information about the programme, tickets and how to get to the Maes, go online at
North Wales Chronicle
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Children in Wales take part in mass singalong for Euro 2025
The event, known as the Wales' Women's Euro Singalong 2025, took place on Wednesday, July 2, and involved 1,051 primary schools across Wales. It was organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru in partnership with the Football Association of Wales, S4C, and Boom Cymru. Siân Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd, said: "The Urdd's #FelMerch campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls throughout the country, so we've jumped at the chance to show our support to the Welsh women's squad by arranging a nationwide singalong, with the help of our partners. "Our singalong is a fantastic opportunity for pupils at Welsh and English-medium schools alike to come together, be proud of their Welsh heritage, and feel part of the national football team's campaign." The event, held at 10:30am, gave primary school children the chance to celebrate and support the Welsh women's football team. Children sang a selection of Welsh songs, including a new anthem, Ymlaen (Onwards), written by singer-songwriter Caryl Parry Jones and producer Branwen Munn. Singer and presenter Aleighcia Scott, who appeared as a coach on S4C's Y Llais, said: "It's a momentous occasion for the Welsh women to be competing at the Euros for the first time, and I can't wait to take part in the Urdd's singalong to celebrate this historical moment and bring Welsh children along on the journey. "It's been an amazing journey for me learning Welsh so far, and taking part in events like the Urdd's singalong makes me feel like the Welsh language does belong to me, and it can belong to all the children of Wales too." In Lucerne, Switzerland, where Wales will play their opening game, the Urdd is also showcasing contemporary Welsh folk talent as part of its #FelMerch campaign. The campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls to stay active and overcome barriers to participation in sport. The Urdd will also host a National Female #FelMerch Sports Conference at Cardiff City Stadium on November 13 as part of the tournament's legacy. The event follows the success of previous conferences designed to support and empower women and girls through sport. The Urdd's Euro 2025 projects are supported by the Welsh Government's Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund.
Rhyl Journal
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Children in Wales take part in mass singalong for Euro 2025
The event, known as the Wales' Women's Euro Singalong 2025, took place on Wednesday, July 2, and involved 1,051 primary schools across Wales. It was organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru in partnership with the Football Association of Wales, S4C, and Boom Cymru. Siân Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd, said: "The Urdd's #FelMerch campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls throughout the country, so we've jumped at the chance to show our support to the Welsh women's squad by arranging a nationwide singalong, with the help of our partners. "Our singalong is a fantastic opportunity for pupils at Welsh and English-medium schools alike to come together, be proud of their Welsh heritage, and feel part of the national football team's campaign." The event, held at 10:30am, gave primary school children the chance to celebrate and support the Welsh women's football team. Children sang a selection of Welsh songs, including a new anthem, Ymlaen (Onwards), written by singer-songwriter Caryl Parry Jones and producer Branwen Munn. Singer and presenter Aleighcia Scott, who appeared as a coach on S4C's Y Llais, said: "It's a momentous occasion for the Welsh women to be competing at the Euros for the first time, and I can't wait to take part in the Urdd's singalong to celebrate this historical moment and bring Welsh children along on the journey. "It's been an amazing journey for me learning Welsh so far, and taking part in events like the Urdd's singalong makes me feel like the Welsh language does belong to me, and it can belong to all the children of Wales too." In Lucerne, Switzerland, where Wales will play their opening game, the Urdd is also showcasing contemporary Welsh folk talent as part of its #FelMerch campaign. The campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls to stay active and overcome barriers to participation in sport. The Urdd will also host a National Female #FelMerch Sports Conference at Cardiff City Stadium on November 13 as part of the tournament's legacy. The event follows the success of previous conferences designed to support and empower women and girls through sport. The Urdd's Euro 2025 projects are supported by the Welsh Government's Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund.
Leader Live
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Children in Wales take part in mass singalong for Euro 2025
The event, known as the Wales' Women's Euro Singalong 2025, took place on Wednesday, July 2, and involved 1,051 primary schools across Wales. It was organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru in partnership with the Football Association of Wales, S4C, and Boom Cymru. Siân Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd, said: "The Urdd's #FelMerch campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls throughout the country, so we've jumped at the chance to show our support to the Welsh women's squad by arranging a nationwide singalong, with the help of our partners. "Our singalong is a fantastic opportunity for pupils at Welsh and English-medium schools alike to come together, be proud of their Welsh heritage, and feel part of the national football team's campaign." The event, held at 10:30am, gave primary school children the chance to celebrate and support the Welsh women's football team. Children sang a selection of Welsh songs, including a new anthem, Ymlaen (Onwards), written by singer-songwriter Caryl Parry Jones and producer Branwen Munn. Singer and presenter Aleighcia Scott, who appeared as a coach on S4C's Y Llais, said: "It's a momentous occasion for the Welsh women to be competing at the Euros for the first time, and I can't wait to take part in the Urdd's singalong to celebrate this historical moment and bring Welsh children along on the journey. "It's been an amazing journey for me learning Welsh so far, and taking part in events like the Urdd's singalong makes me feel like the Welsh language does belong to me, and it can belong to all the children of Wales too." In Lucerne, Switzerland, where Wales will play their opening game, the Urdd is also showcasing contemporary Welsh folk talent as part of its #FelMerch campaign. The campaign aims to inspire and empower young women and girls to stay active and overcome barriers to participation in sport. The Urdd will also host a National Female #FelMerch Sports Conference at Cardiff City Stadium on November 13 as part of the tournament's legacy. The event follows the success of previous conferences designed to support and empower women and girls through sport. The Urdd's Euro 2025 projects are supported by the Welsh Government's Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund.
South Wales Argus
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Eisteddfod yr Urdd is ‘huge opportunity' for Newport
Tredegar House will welcome thousands of people to the Welsh-language youth cultural festival for its 2027 edition. Newport City Council cabinet members agreed on Monday to provide an extra £100,000 of funding to support the event. The money, from the council's events reserve fund, will be ring-fenced for hire and venue charges, licensing matters, and any park and ride services. Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten, the cabinet member for culture, said the Urdd has 'a huge economic value to the areas that host it' worth millions of pounds. She said more than 15,000 children and young people participate in the festival, which will also attract thousands more visitors. Cllr Rhian Howells, whose ward includes Tredegar House, said she was 'absolutely thrilled' Newport would host the Urdd. 'Having seen the level of income it generates for the city… I would be very supportive of the extra funding,' she added. Other cabinet members also welcomed the possibilities the festival could bring to the city. Plaid Cymru pledges to free access to Urdd Eisteddfod for low-income families Newport is a 'city on the rise' with a bright future - and this is why Cllr Jason Hughes, reflecting on his own appearance on the Urdd stage as a youngster, said the experience could be 'life-changing' for young participants. The Urdd will be a 'huge opportunity', said Cllr Deb Davies – while Cllr James Clarke said the prospect of welcoming an estimated 60,000 visitors will be a 'massive boost' for Newport. 'What better way to say we are a proud Welsh city,' added Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, the city council leader. Preparing for the event will be no small feat, however, with around 90 acres of land required for the festival ground, car parking and campsites. Schools could be used as rehearsal spaces, while teachers and other support staff will likely need to be available to support children with their preparations. The 2027 Urdd will reportedly be the largest Welsh-language event in the city in two decades. The council describes the prospect as a 'huge event and opportunity for Newport' which will also align with Welsh Government ambitions to reach a target of one million Welsh speakers nationwide by the year 2050.
