From outstanding musical theatre performances to inspiring creative writing and powerful public speaking, Llandrillo Menai students showcased their talents on a national stage at this year's Urdd National Eisteddfod on Ynys Môn.
Coleg Menai winners
Anna Walker, a Performing Arts student, won the prestigious Callum Scott-Howells Award for her musical theatre song performance. Presented by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) during the festival's opening weekend, this annual award recognises exceptional performers aged 19–25. As part of her prize, Anna will receive industry mentorship from top Welsh stars and the opportunity to perform at Urdd events in Japan later this year.
Begw Hughes, an Art student, secured first place in the Fashion competition, along with second place in Textile and Fabric Creation and Fabric Decoration.
The childcare group Y Bedair Ffantastig—Elen Williams, Ameila Gould, and Emily-Louise Garden—achieved first place in the Game Creation competition. They created a game to promote the use of Welsh among early years children.
Moli Prendergast, an Art student, earned third place in the Welsh Young Artist of the Year competition.
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor achievements
A Level students from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor also excelled:
- Lea Roberts won first prize in the Literature Competition for an exceptional short story.
- Hari Davies claimed second place in the Poetry Competition with a couplet conveying a longing for Ynys Môn.
- Neli, Erin, Beca, and Elliw achieved third place in the Public Speaking Competition, delivering a confident performance demonstrating teamwork and communication skills.
Hari said: "Coming second was totally amazing, as I’ve only been doing cynghanedd for a few months. Since starting in Twm Morys' class, I've been seeing cynghanedd, poetry, and the Welsh language in an entirely new and wonderful way."
Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor Principal Siôn Peters-Flynn said: "A huge well done to every single one of our students who took part in competitions during Eisteddfod yr Urdd; they worked exceptionally hard behind the scenes for several weeks in preparation. The dedication and commitment they have shown is inspiring. Whether performing on stage or competing in the myriad of technical and creative competitions at the eisteddfod, we are incredibly proud to see them shining at a national level and celebrating and supporting the Welsh language and culture as they do so."
Location: Bangor, Gwynedd
