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From traditional to Tik Tok: Urdd reveal plans for next youth Eisteddfod

11 Feb 2021 3 minute read
Trystan Ellis-Morris and Heledd Cynwal present Eisteddfod T. Picture by the Urdd

The Urdd have announced that the online Eisteddfod T will back for the second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the organisers promise a “more experimental, progressive and exciting festival than ever before”.

The organisers announced in December that they had decided to postpone the Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod for another year because of the pandemic.

After last year’s online Eisteddfod T attracted over 6,000 competitors, the Urdd said they were determined to organise an even more innovative festival by adding more competitions and new elements to offer unique experiences for the children and youngsters of Wales.

A full list of competitions are available here, and registration will be live on the 1st of March. Competitors will compete by uploading videos, clips, and pictures of their performances and creations, and the final rounds will be broadcast on specially scheduled programmes on S4C, online and BBC Radio Cymru during the week commencing 31st of May.

“We are determined that this year’s Eisteddfod T will be a more experimental, progressive and exciting festival than ever before,” said Director of the Urdd Eisteddfod and the Arts, Siân Eirian.

“It is an opportunity to showcase such an array of talent, from singers and writers to future TikTok influencers.

“The more traditional competitions such as reciting and singing have been coupled with more unconventional elements to ensure the enjoyment of individuals, groups in ‘bubbles’ and families alike. There are even competitions for teachers and older Urdd members!

“We hope the variety will please our usual Eisteddfod-goers but also reaches new audiences as well. I would like to thank the Welsh Government for supporting Eisteddfod T, S4C and BBC for their readiness to broadcast the festival once again this year, and to AVANTI for producing such creative content on behalf of S4C.”

‘Platform’

Rhuanedd Richards, Editor of BBC Radio Cymru and Cymru Fyw said it was vital that Wales’ children and young people continue to have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talent on the national stage.

“We’re delighted to be working with the Urdd once again and opening up the airwaves and our services to welcome Eisteddfod T.

“We are anticipating a wealth of voices at the end of May on Radio Cymru and Radio Cymru 2 which will inspire and entertain our audiences.

“BBC Cymru Fyw will also offer a platform for a number of competitions as well as information about the festival.”

Amanda Rees, S4C’s Creative Content Director said that Eisteddfod T brought fun and excitement to hundreds of households during a difficult time last year.

“S4C is delighted to work with Urdd Gobaith Cymru once again this year, and broadcast even more hours across all our platforms, throughout the week,” she said.

“We are very much looking forward to showcasing the talents of the children and young people of Wales – along with their mothers, fathers, and grandparents!

“It is a pleasure to be part of the Eisteddfod T once again and live broadcast the festival into the homes of families from all corners of Wales.”


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