A Taste of What’s to Come in August 2025
With the Wrexham Eisteddfod 2025 fast approaching, Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam, together with the National Eisteddfod, organised ‘Gŵyl yr Hydref’ held from October 4–5. This weekend offered a range of family-friendly activities and live music suitable for all, giving people of all ages a taste of the Eisteddfod experience.
The Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said,
“This is Wrexham’s Eisteddfod year, and we’re very pleased to be here in the northeast celebrating with everyone this weekend. The welcome we’ve received in the Wrexham area has been outstanding, and we’re grateful to everyone who has played a role in organizing Gŵyl yr Hydref.”
The festival began on the Friday evening, with a free music gig with the Welsh legend Dafydd Iwan at the Saith Seren. Is there a better way to celebrate the upcoming Eisteddfod than to belt out ‘Yma o Hyd’ with the one and only Dafydd Iwan?
Although tickets sold out within a few hours, there were plenty of other free activities and performances throughout the festival. Saturday night was packed with local and national bands and artists, such as Andy Hickey and Pedair at St Giles Church and Buddug, Pys Melyn and Candelas who closed the festival on Saturday night at Tŷ Pawb – giving a taste of what to expect on the Eisteddfod field and in Maes B next August.
Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam organised a variety of family-friendly activities as part of the ‘Pentre Plant programme, including Welsh story and song sessions for children with ‘Cymraeg i Blant’ (Welsh for Children), a ukulele session, a Keep fit fun session with Tedi and Hanna Medi, an arts and crafts workshop with Siwan from Siop Siwan, a drumming session with Colin Daimond, a Magi Ann Party, and Sblash! a family dance show.
The National Eisteddfod also arranged for several local schools to perform at Tŷ Pawb during the day, including Ysgol ID Hooson, Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Ysgol Bodhyfryd, Ysgol Plas Coch, and Ysgol Bro Alun, to celebrate the arrival of the Eisteddfod in the area. Additionally, Welsh learners had the opportunity to practice their Cymraeg during a social coffee morning at the Iâl Campus at Coleg Cambria, in partnership with ‘Dysgu Cymraeg yn y Gogledd Ddwyrain’(Learn Welsh Northeast Wales).
As the Wrexham football team prepared to play Northampton at their home ground in the afternoon, fans enjoyed Welsh music with a live performance by Candelas in the fan zone at the STōK Racecourse Stadium before the game. There was also an opportunity to support the Eisteddfod, with local volunteers collecting donations in buckets at the club gates and welcoming fans as they arrived.
‘Gŵyl yr Hydref’ in Wrexham was a tremendous success, managing to bring together local communities and those from further afield for a weekend full of fun, music, and cultural activities. With a variety of events and participation from people of all ages, the festival offered a special insight into what to expect when the National Eisteddfod comes to Wrexham next year. From live performances to family workshops and opportunities for learners, it was a true celebration of the Welsh language and culture.
Menter Iaith Fflint a Wecsam wishes to thank everyone who came to the Eisteddfod’s ‘Pentre Plant’ at Tŷ Pawb to join in the celebrations. A huge thanks also goes to the ‘Pwyllgor Gwaith’ committee and their volunteers for their hard work, and to all the stalls for taking part in the Festival. The excitement continues as everyone looks forward to the Wrexham Eisteddfod 2025 with the same enthusiasm and warm welcome!
Project funded by the Dydd Miwsig Cymru fund
On the 24th of October, the National Eisteddfod announced that next year’s festival will be held in Isycoed, on the eastern outskirts of Wrecsam city Centre. The Wrexham National Eisteddfod will be held from 2-9 August. For more details on how to take part, go online : Croeso | Eisteddfod