Eisteddfod yr Urdd Highlights: Ruby Davies and Tegwen Bruce-Deans Shine
Meifod, Powys | 31 May 2024 – The Eisteddfod yr Urdd, a prestigious cultural festival, celebrated remarkable young talent this year, with standout achievements from Ruby Davies and Tegwen Bruce-Deans.
Ruby Davies’ Victory: Ruby Davies, a 10-year-old from Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Swiss Valley in Llanelli, won the individual recitation competition for Year 5 and 6 Welsh learners. Despite falling ill last year, Ruby was determined to compete this year and succeeded after learning her lines in just 24 hours. Her enthusiasm and animated performance captured the audience's heart, highlighted by an endearing interview with S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen. Ruby's mother, Lynne Davies, expressed immense joy and gratitude for the supportive responses from the public.
Tegwen Bruce-Deans’ Accomplishment: At the Main Ceremony in Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maldwyn, Tegwen Bruce-Deans from Llandrindod Wells was announced as the festival’s Main Prose Writer, winning the coveted Crown. This year’s theme for the competition was ‘Terfynau’ (limits/boundaries), and Tegwen’s winning piece stood out among 19 entries. She previously won the Chair at the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod, making her the second ever to achieve a “double win.” Tegwen’s prose will be published, marking her debut in print.
The Eisteddfod yr Urdd continues to be a significant platform for young Welsh talent, fostering cultural and linguistic pride among participants.