What is the Urdd Eisteddfod?

Eisteddfod yr Urdd is Wales’s annual youth festival, where children and young people compete, perform and create in Welsh.

But it is much more than a competition. For a whole week, the Maes is filled with music, activities, performances, food and things to see and do.

Whether you are competing, supporting someone or visiting for the day, you are welcome to be part of it.

Over 400 competitions

From singing and dancing to art, cooking and digital creativity.

Nearly 100,000 visitors

Coming together to compete, support and enjoy the festival.

Since 1929

Giving generations of children and young people their moment on stage.

What competitions are there?

Choir singing and solo performances are a big part of the Eisteddfod, but there is much more to discover. You can compete in:

Compete individually, as part of a duet, group or choir, or by playing an instrument.

Show your talent through dance, drama, musical theatre or a group performance.

Create original poems, stories, scripts or music.

Share your creativity through art, photography, design and digital work.

Put your cooking skills to the test through creative challenges for different age groups.

Create short films, animations or digital content that brings your ideas to life.

How does the competition process work?

The Eisteddfod does not only take place during festival week. Thousands of children and young people begin competing at local Eisteddfodau across Wales months earlier.

Look through the Syllabus, choose a competition and practise your piece or prepare your work.

This is the first local round. Local Eisteddfodau are held in schools and communities across Wales.

Successful competitors progress to represent their local area at the Regional Eisteddfod.

Winners of the regional rounds are invited to compete on the stages of the national festival.

Frequently asked questions

No. Everyone is welcome to visit the Maes, watch the competitions and enjoy the activities.

You need to be a member to compete, but you do not need membership to buy a ticket and visit the Maes.

Welsh learners are very welcome. Dedicated competitions, resources and set pieces are available to support people learning the language.

No. Eisteddfod yr Urdd is a youth festival organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru. The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a separate event, although both celebrate the Welsh language and Welsh culture.

Nage. Mae Eisteddfod yr Urdd yn ŵyl ieuenctid sy’n cael ei threfnu gan Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Digwyddiad ar wahân yw Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, er bod y ddwy yn dathlu’r Gymraeg a diwylliant Cymru.

plant yn chwifio breichiau yn mwynhau sioe yn yr eisteddfod

An Eisteddfod for everyone

You do not need to be an experienced performer or a fluent Welsh speaker to take part.

There are competitions for different ages, abilities and interests, including dedicated competitions for Welsh learners. Depending on the competition, you can enter through your school, Adran, Aelwyd or as an individual.

If you do not want to compete, come along to enjoy the festival, support the competitors and experience the Welsh language at its liveliest.

eisteddfod

Ready to be part of it?

Compete, perform, create or simply come along for the day. Your Eisteddfod journey starts here.

How to compete