Eisteddfod 2020

Glan-y-Môr’s Eisteddfod is always a highlight of the school year and after a busy schedule of rehearsing the four houses: Dewi, Gwenllian, Illtyd and Mair gathered on Friday 28th February to compete fiercely in various competitions!

This year’s Eisteddfod began with performances from our very talented musicians in Lower School. Equally impressive were our musicians in Upper School who played an array of musical instruments. Da iawn chi.

With the vocal competition pupils were asked to either sing a Welsh song, song by a Welsh artist or song from a musical. Again, we were entertained by our talented pupils and it was great to hear the whole audience joining in with the singing and supporting the stage competitors. “Harmonies were perfect with certain groups” according to Mr Allen (Maths department).

On to the English recitation. Mrs Parker (English Department) chose “Let’s go to Barry Island” by Idris Davies. The poem certainly gave plenty of scope for sound effects and we had an insight into Maggie Fach’s colourful life in Cwm Rhondda. Again a close competition between the four houses, however, it seems that props are the way forward with the recitation groups and the judges loved the clever use of home-made props!

A trip to town was the theme of the Welsh recitation poem: “Mynd i’r dre”” by Mair Elwyn. Pupils were very expressive about the fun that can be had on day out in town! Miss Jones was ecstatic that Mair won this competition!

Disco dancing is always a popular competition in the Eisteddfod. This year pupils were required to dance to instrumentals. The judges were really impressed with the variety of movements, outfits, team work and enthusiasm. Our “Ymlaen Nawr” pupils had helped choreograph these routines. Mair came away with the win for their very clever interpretation of the life of a puppet.

The last competitions of the morning were the Chairing and Crowning Competition. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 compete annually for the prestigious Chairing Competition. This year they had to write a Welsh poem entitled “Colled” (Loss) or “Ennill” (Winning). The winner was Harriet Porter from Dewi. Llongyfarchiadau! The ceremony saw Year 7 girls participating in the traditional ‘Flower Dance’ and Mr Richard Allen powerfully singing ‘Henffych Brifardd’.The winner of the English crown was Oliver Town from Dewi - Da iawn Oliver. Oliver wore his daffodil and ivy crown with pride.

The afternoon commenced with the popular pop group competition and it has to be said Illtyd’s mashup of “We will Rock You” songs was spectacular. All pupils then participated in the house choir competition and the chosen song this year was “Sosban Fach”. Pupils put their heart and soul into singing this traditional Welsh song and thanks must go to the daffodil wearing Mr Allen for orchestrating and enthusing each group in his own special way!

So, after a frantic day of competitions and a yo-yoing of scores the final result was:

1st Ty Dewi

2nd Ty Gwenllian

3rd Ty Mair

4th Ty Illtyd

We would like to thank our judges: Mr P Freeman (Mayor of Burry Port), Mrs Rees (former Head of RE) and Mr Bates (former Head of Maths) for spending the day with us and judging all our competitions. Diolch.

We would also like to say a big thank you to Mr Mike Stephens for being our photographer for the day.

Thank you to everyone for making ‘Eisteddfod 2020’ a ‘profiad bythgofiadwy’- an unforgettable experience indeed. We are already looking forward to Eisteddfod 2021.