Urdd Eisteddfod: Denbighshire event under way in 100th year

Urdd Eisteddfodau have been taking place annually for the past 100 years

The Urdd Eisteddfod has got under way in Denbighshire, in what is the event's 100th year.

Wales' largest youth movement was formed in 1922, to offer activities through the medium of Welsh to eight to 25-year-olds.

The first Urdd adran or group was formed in Treuddyn, Flintshire, 100 years ago.

This year's eisteddfod is at Kilford Farm, Denbigh, where thousands of youngsters will compete in events such as literature, poetry, dancing and music.

It will run until Saturday.

The Urdd youth movement is celebrating its 100th year

On Monday afternoon the winner of the chief composer prize was announced.

Shuchen Xie, 12, from Cardiff, is the youngest ever person to win a main award in the festival's history.

A pupil at St John's College, Cardiff, Shuchen plays piano, saxophone and cello and has been studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for three years.

The youngster won for creating a piece for string quartet called Rhapsody in G minor.

A spokeswoman for the festival said the competition was open to entrants up to the age of 25 and winners were usually over 18.

The Urdd Eisteddfod declined to say how many people entered this year's contest.

Shuchen Xie, 12, from Cardiff, is the youngest ever winner of the chief composer prize

It is the first time the Urdd Eisteddfod has been held with visitors since 2019, after being held virtually for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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The last time people attended was in 2019, when it was free for the first time in Cardiff Bay.

That year, organisers said the number of registered competitors had increased from 65,423 in 2018 to 70,530.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru currently has about 55,000 members, with four million people enjoying activities through the medium of Welsh over the past century.

As well as its annual Eisteddfod, it sends out a message of peace every year.

Footballers Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey gave their support this year, with it translated into 100 languages in recognition of the centenary.

Visitors started arriving early on Monday morning