Urdd Eisteddfod Crown unveiled

The University is supporting one of the most prestigious events at this year’s Urdd National Eisteddfod – the crowning ceremony.

The Crown is regarded as one of the main literary awards at the annual youth festival, this year being held in Cardiff Bay.

Presented to the winning author of the best prose of over 4,000 words, this year’s Crown was unveiled live on S4C’s Heno programme.

Iolo Edger, a jeweller from Bridgend, created the solid sterling silver Crown this year, inspired by Gaenor Mai Jones from the Pontypridd area, who is presenting the Crown to the Eisteddfod in memory of her parents.

Gaenor’s parents met while working for the Urdd in Aberystwyth during the 50s.

Gaenor said: “I have a lot to thank the Urdd for! I look forward to the Eisteddfod week's crowning ceremony and being able to imagine the thrill my father had as he won the Maesteg Crown in 1953.”

The Crown is sterling silver and the main theme is the concept of individuals raising their hands in joy to celebrate unity.

Iolo said: “The story of Gaenor's parents made me think about the unity of people, about Wales, our culture and our language. And I began creating a crown that conveyed that unity, unity through the Welsh language and the celebration of Gaenor’s parents meeting as young people, and combining that with the Urdd's youth celebration.”

The University is sponsoring the crowning ceremony which will be held on Friday 31 May at 16:00.

The partnership with the 2019 Urdd Eisteddfod, which takes place from 27 May to 1 June, is part of the University’s ‘civic mission’ commitment to Welsh language and culture.

The University will have a major presence on the ‘Maes’ with staff and students involved in talks, discussions and activities.