Running an Eisteddfod in Your School: A Complete Guide

<p>The Eisteddfod — a festival of Welsh language, poetry, music, and performance — is one of the oldest traditions in Wales. The National Eisteddfod (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol) is one of Europe's largest cultural festivals. Every Welsh school has its own Eisteddfod, usually held in the spring term.</p> <h2 class="article-section-heading">What a school Eisteddfod typically includes</h2> <p><strong>Llefaru (recitation):</strong> children recite a poem in Welsh — usually a set piece by year group. One of the core competitions. Develops pronunciation, expression, and memory.</p> <p><strong>Canu (singing):</strong> individual and group Welsh song competitions. Unaccompanied or accompanied. Class singing and solo competitions.</p> <p><strong>Cerdd dant:</strong> a specifically Welsh musical tradition — singing a melody against a harp accompaniment. More advanced.</p> <p><strong>Gweithiau celf (art and craft):</strong> visual art competitions, usually set by theme. Tied to the national year's Eisteddfod theme.</p> <p><strong>Dawns (dance):</strong> Welsh folk dance (dawnsio gwerin) competitions.</p> <p><strong>Barddoniaeth (poetry writing):</strong> children write their own Welsh poem on a set theme. The winner is 'chaired' — a ceremony in which the winning poet is seated in an honoured chair, often to the sound of a bugle.</p> <h2 class="article-section-heading">Making the Eisteddfod inclusive</h2> <p>The risk with Eisteddfodau is that they become competitions only for the most confident Welsh speakers or the most musical children. Every child should have an entry. Set accessible competitions: a drawing, a craft, a piece of writing in English or Welsh. The art competition requires no Welsh language at all — it is still a genuine Eisteddfod entry.</p> <h2 class="article-section-heading">The Urdd Eisteddfod</h2> <p>Wales also has the Urdd Gobaith Cymru (Welsh League of Youth) Eisteddfod — a youth version of the national festival. School teams compete regionally and then nationally. Participation in the Urdd Eisteddfod is one of the most significant Welsh language experiences available to primary children.</p>