This year’s Trallong Eisteddfod proved a resounding success, drawing performers and audiences from across Wales to Maescar Hall in Sennybridge for a full day of music and literature.

The 2025 event, held on the traditional date once used by Upper Chapel Eisteddfod, featured a packed programme of competitions for children and adults alike. Organisers were delighted by the strong turnout, especially in the Champion Solo category, where 11 exceptional singers battled for the title. The overall winner was Ilan Jones from Machynlleth, making a memorable first appearance at the event. Gerwyn Jones of Carmarthen took second place, with Barry Powell of Llanfihangel-yr-Arth close behind. In the Male Solo competition, the honours went to Richard Rees of Tregaron.

A number of talented newcomers took to the Trallong stage for the first time, including Guto Jenkins, Rhys Evans and both Gerwyn Joneses, while the event also welcomed back well-known faces such as Efan Williams, Stephanie Harvey Powell, Sophie Davies, Ann Watkins, Maria Evans, Dyfed Watkins, Angharad Jones and Lucy Sullivan, all among the evening’s prizewinners.

The Aberhonddu Male Voice Choir, fresh from appearances at the Brecon Choir Festival, gave a standout performance, later winning the choir competition under the baton of Lynne Griffin.

In the children’s section, the standard was equally impressive. Lea Mererid from Pwllheli made the long journey worthwhile by winning several major accolades, including the Alec Tompkins Perpetual Miniature Chair for most potential in the open classes and the Margaret Rees Shield for best instrumentalist. Carys Lewis was awarded the Mary Price Trophy for the most promising local competitor.

The day’s adjudicators were Meinir Richards of Llanddarog for music and Daniel O’Callaghan of Pwll Trap for literature and recitation. Rachel Jones of Sennybridge judged the children’s art and literature classes and commended entries from individuals as well as pupils from Ysgol Pontsenni and Ysgol y Mynydd Du.

Among the senior literature prizewinners were Heulwen Parry, Margaret Blake, Owen Williams, Huw Carrod and John Edwards from Brecon, along with Megan Richards of Aberaeron, Myfanwy Roberts of Llanrwst, Gaenor Mai Jones of Pentre’r Eglwys, Lyda Rees of Abergele and Dyfan Phillips of Ruthin.

The Presidents for the day were Mrs Abigail Hook of Haverfordwest, who reflected on stepping onto the Trallong stage for the first time 50 years ago, and Mrs Lynda Probert of Brecon, who offered heartfelt memories of the Upper Chapel Eisteddfod and expressed her hopes for the future of the event.

The accompanists again this year were Bethan Thomas of Crossgates and Rhiannon Pritchard of Cardiff.

The conductors were Elaine Pye of Trallong, Mary Hodges of Cardiff, Marc Williams of Sennybridge and Dyfed Watkins of Trecastle.

The Champion Solo (18 to 30 years) Perpetual Cup - given by the family of the late Hyral Thomas in her memory - was won by Guto Jenkins.

In her vote of thanks, the chairman of the committee, Marilyn Jones, mentioned Julie Robinson, Julie and Evie Lewis in the kitchen, Angharad, Rhianwen and David who acted as doorkeepers, the competitors, trainers and the audience for their support.