Arts Projects

In 2026 the Urdd led a creative art and music project under the guidance of artist Aur Bleddyn, bringing together primary school pupils to create a unique series of “music walls” from recycled materials.

Children from Ysgol Glantwymyn, Ysgol Cerrigydrudion, Ysgol Henry Richard and Ysgol Llanfairpwll worked together on the project, using reused materials to build interactive installations that combine art, sound and sustainability.

The aim of the project was to encourage creativity, environmental awareness and teamwork among the pupils, while giving them the opportunity to explore sound and music in a new and creative way.

The project was funded through sponsorship from Bute Energy and CultureStep, Arts & Business. The music walls were displayed in the Garddorfa during the Urdd Eisteddfod 2026, which was held on Ynys Môn between 23 and 29 May.

Aur Bleddyn said: “It has been a special experience to see the children using their imagination to transform everyday materials into artworks that make sound and bring people together. The project celebrates creativity, community and care for the environment.”

Catrin Newton, Director of Community Investment Communications at Bute Energy said: “We are proud to partner with the Urdd for the third time on a project that brings together creativity, sustainability and the Welsh language. Supporting Welsh culture and heritage is central to our community investment approach, ensuring that our renewable energy developments provide lasting benefits to communities. We enjoyed visiting the Garddorfa on the maes in Ynys Môn.”

As sponsors of the Garddorfa gardens, Bute Energy staff helped plant flowers in the eco-friendly area on the Maes as preparations continued for the festival site. The exhibition added an interactive and colourful element to visitors’ experience at this year’s Eisteddfod.

Llio Maddocks, the Urdd’s Director of the Arts: “This sponsorship has enabled us to provide artistic and creative experiences to over 100 children across Wales, and the artwork was admired by the thousands who visited our ecofriendly area on the Maes this year, Garddorfa, and will be enjoyed for years to come.”

Eisteddfod yr Urdd and Cymdeithas Eisteddfodau Cymru (the Association of Welsh Eisteddfods) are working together on a new mentoring scheme to develop the comperes, adjudicators and coaches of the future.

Winning competitors in the 19–25 age category at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026 will be invited to attend a training day to learn more about the skills involved in running a stage smoothly as a compere, what to look for as an adjudicator, and best practice in coaching the stars of the future. A further five places on the scheme will also be available through an application process open to individuals aged 18 and over.

The training day, which will take place in Aberystwyth this autumn, will be led by Anni Llŷn, Huw Foulkes and Gavin Ashcroft, all of whom have extensive experience across the three areas covered by the mentoring scheme.

Following the training day with Anni, Huw and Gavin, participants will undertake practical placements at local eisteddfodau across Wales before progressing to shadow experienced comperes, adjudicators or coaches at Urdd district eisteddfodau.

Cwiar na Nog was launched at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire. Cwiar na Nog is an LGBTQ+ community for Urdd members.

Being part of Cwiar na Nog, you will have the opportunity to socialise, share ideas and join us at events such as Pride Cymru with other individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. As an organisation, we’d love to hear your voice and to reach our goal of Urdd i Bawb (Urdd for All).

We are very proud of the Cwiar na Nog area on the Maes. The area is a safe space for children and young people to socialize and network, and learn more about their identity through the Welsh language. There are workshops and events there all week, pronoun badges are available to buy, and queer artists are also a prominent part of the Triban Festival line-up!

Would you like to be a part of our LGBTQ+ community, Cwiar na Nog? We’d love to hear your voice and for you to be a part of the project!

Since 2021, groups of young people across Wales have been collaborating and experimenting with the arts to create new and exciting performances, which combine different styles and cultures.