The Urdd Eisteddfod — Classroom Preparation Pack

About the Urdd Eisteddfod

1. 1 Urdd Gobaith Cymru The Welsh League of Youth — a youth organisation founded in 1922. Runs the Urdd Eisteddfod annually — the largest youth festival in Europe, attracting over 100,000 competitors and visitors.
2. 2 The Urdd Eisteddfod A national competition held each May/June alternating between north and south Wales. Children compete from district to county to national level in poetry recitation, singing, dancing, art, and more.
3. 3 Llefaru (Recitation) Welsh poetry recitation — individually and in groups. All competitors must present a set piece (penillion, poem, or prose) and sometimes a free-choice piece. Judged on pronunciation, expression, and communication.
4. 4 Canu (Singing) Solo and ensemble vocal competitions. Welsh songs — folk songs, contemporary Welsh songs, and sometimes set pieces. Unaccompanied and accompanied categories.
5. 5 Dawns (Dance) Dawnsio gwerin (folk dancing) and contemporary dance competitions. Groups from schools compete with choreographed performances.

Classroom preparation checklist

• Choose the competition(s) — which pupils are entering which categories?
• Obtain the llefaru set piece — practice daily from 6 weeks before.
• For llefaru: clear pronunciation, meaningful expression, eye contact with the audience.
• For singing: learn the words perfectly first, then work on tone and expression.
• For art entries: read the theme carefully. Original work only. Presentation matters.
• Rehearse in front of different audiences — class, other classes, parents.
• Manage nerves: teach simple breathing exercises. The Eisteddfod is meant to be enjoyable.
• Make entries accessible: there are categories for all Welsh language levels in some Eisteddfodau.