More than 80 children took to the stage at the annual Eisteddfod y Plant Llandrindod on Saturday, October 11 at Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells.

The talented children, ranging from Nursery age to Year 6, were supported by around 200 attendees.

Demonstrating that Welsh language and culture is still very much alive and well in Radnorshire, pupils competed in various categories both on- and off-stage, showcasing their ability to perform in singing, recitation, piano and flute instrumentals - much to the enjoyment of onlooking friends and family.

The choir competition saw strong entries from Cefnllys School and Llanbister Primary School, with the Perpetual Cup this year being awarded to Cefnllys. Presenting the cup, town Mayor Cllr Steve Deeks-D’Silva praised the high standard of performances, applauding all pupils taking part.

Popular on-stage categories included unawd (solo) and llefaru (recitation), featuring rousing renditions of Sospan Fach and Grandfather’s Clock. Off-stage competitions were equally impressive, with dozens of entries in art, handwriting, poetry, and story categories displayed in the Church’s St. Francis Centre, where visitors enjoyed refreshments while viewing the work.

Event chairperson Robin Edwards welcomed adjudicators Olwen Jones (music) and local alumna Tegwen Bruce-Deans (literature).

“It is a great pleasure to have Tegwen return to the Eisteddfod,” Mr Edwards said. “Having competed herself as a pupil at Ysgol Trefonnen on this very stage some years earlier before going on to success winning both the Chair and Crown at the Urdd Eisteddfod in recent years, it is very special to have her here as an adjudicator.”

The Reverend Andrew Tweed compered the event, guiding pupils of all ages onto the stage with care and ensuring smooth proceedings. Special prizes were awarded to Jack from Trefonnen and Ffion from Rhayader, who impressed adjudicators most in the literature and music categories.

As ever, the event was supported by a number of local schools, including Ysgol Cefnllys, Ysgol Trefonnen, Llanbister Primary School and Rhayader Primary School. Mr Edwards commended the teachers and teaching assistants who had help pupils prepare for their performances on the day and get their off-stage entries ready for submission.

The off-stage competitions were judged by Graham Haslock, Christine Haslock, Eirlys Hodges, Gwawr Tuffnell, and Janice Baynham, with Bethan Thomas providing accompaniment throughout the day.

Mr Edwards thanked the town council for their continued sponsorship, along with the many volunteers who had helped to bring the community together in celebration of the talent of its young people.

Following the Eisteddfod, the committee held its Annual General Meeting. Long-time servant of the Eisteddfod, Steve Roderick, announced his retirement from committee after more than three decades of service. Mr Edwards extended the committee’s gratitude for his many years of governance and guidance, holding firm the traditions of the Eisteddfod and enabling the continued success of the event as a place for young Welsh speakers and learners to have their first taste of competing on stage in public.

The date for next year’s Eisteddfod is in the diary - it will return to Holy Trinity on Saturday, October 10 2026.