Two individuals standing in front of a red wall under a cloudy sky; one wearing a white jacket and checkered skirt, the other in an orange-brown jacket and white dress
5 Aug 2025

Two sisters emerged victorious in Brwydr y Bandiau Gwerin (Battle of the Folk Bands) at the National Eisteddfod, held this year in Wrecsam.

Elin and Carys from Montgomeryshire impressed adjudicators Gwenan Gibbard and Iestyn Tyne to win first prize in a lively competition between four entrants.

Danny Sioned from Pontarddulais near Swansea was awarded second place, and Paul Magee from Holyhead, Anglesey came third.

Folk music runs deep in the sisters’ blood—their father, John Gittins, is a member of Plethyn—and performing as a duo was a natural step for them.

With influences ranging from Lankum to Fairport Convention, their songs carry a strong Welsh, Celtic, and international feel.

The Tŷ Gwerin audience had the opportunity to enjoy a full set by the sisters later on Tuesday evening.

Brwydr y Bandiau Gwerin is a brand-new competition, first introduced at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod two years ago.

According to the organisers, the aim is to follow the successful model of the Battle of the Bands competition by creating a similar platform for folk musicians—offering opportunities to develop artists and strengthen the folk scene for the future.

The competition is a partnership between the National Eisteddfod and the BBC, and is an effort to discover new Welsh folk music talent.

Folk is defined as traditional Welsh songs and melodies, or new songs in a folk style.

Elin and Carys received a cash prize of £600, donated by Bethan Rhiannon and Huw Williams in memory of Angharad, Bethan’s mother and a member of the band Calan.

Angharad contributed her own tunes to the folk tradition and accompanied many dancers on the Eisteddfod stage.

In addition, Elin and Carys will have the opportunity to record and film two songs to be broadcast on BBC Radio Cymru and on the Eisteddfod’s digital platforms.