Where to go and what to see? Here are Eryl Crump's Sunday highlights
A few years ago, there were real concerns about the future of choral singing in Wales, with choirs disbanding as their members aged.
But things have turned around, and the choral scene is thriving once again! You’ll see this in full force at today’s New Choirs Competition on the Pavilion stage, where over 10 choirs will take part.
It’s a full day of competitions at the Pavilion, including the Brass Band Championship and the Instrumental Blue Ribbon for under-16s. There are also solo contests in Cerdd Dant, Folk Song, and Solo Singing, all for children under 12.
Don’t miss this! The unique dialect of Rhosllannerchrugog is something special, and there’s a lively session celebrating the village’s language and nicknames at the Literature Tent at 15:15. Join Dyfed Thomas, Dylan Glyn Williams, Llinos Cleary, Gwynne Williams, and Aled Wyn Phillips—and you’ll even get the chance to share your own favourite words! This event is part of the celebrations for the Stiwt Theatre’s 100th birthday next year.
Yes, he’s “Yma o Hyd”—but after performing at every Eisteddfod since 1965, Dafydd Iwan has announced that today’s appearance at 16:45 on the Maes Stage will be his final official performance with his talented band at the Eisteddfod! He’s said this before, and we may see him again at informal events, but come along to enjoy this special moment and sing along to the classics. Later, at 18:15 in Tŷ Gwerin, Dafydd joins a discussion on how Glan-llyn Urdd Camp influenced Welsh pop music, alongside Huw Stephens, Mared Williams, Rhys Harries, and Ffion Dafis.
You can’t go far in Wrecsam without hearing about the football club’s recent success. At 11:00 in the Tipi at Maes D, the podcast crew from I Mewn i’r Gôl—Arwel Owen, Ifor Owens, and Alun Owens—will talk about the team’s incredible journey. Since returning to the league in 2023, the club has climbed to the Championship! Joining them will be special guests, including former club director and “Learner of the Year,” Spencer Harris.
Want to learn more about one of Wales’ greatest composers? Head to Encore at 13:30 for a presentation on Arwel Hughes, led by his son, conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, and Huw Tregelles Williams. They’ll guide us through the life, work, and influences of the Rhosllannerchrugog-born musician.
Hand on heart—we promise these articles haven’t been touched by artificial intelligence! But (sorry!) will writers and translators of the future be people or machines? At 12:00 in the Sfferen in the Science and Technology Village, there’s a discussion on how generative AI might shape the future of storytelling and written content.
And to end the day with a laugh, don’t miss the Tudur Owen Comedy Gala at 19:30 in the Cabaret Tent (Literature Tent). Hosted by Dan Thomas and featuring Mel Owen, Siôn Owens, and Beth Jones, with Tudur Owen closing the show—come along for a good giggle!