With less than a week to go until the Urdd National Eisteddfod Dur a Mor 2025, S4C has announced its presenting team for the coverage of the festival…
The Welsh language broadcaster has also revealed additional ways to catch up online. All Eisteddfod programmes will also be available with English subtitles to ensure they are accessible to all audiences.
This year’s Eisteddfod will be held at Margam Park in Port Talbot. Kicking off a full week of broadcasting on Friday 23 May, Sarra Elgan will host Croeso i’r Eisteddfod (Welcome to the Eisteddfod), introducing viewers to her home ground.
Elen Wyn, star of BBC One’s Traitors series, also joins the presenting team on S4C’s social media platforms throughout the week. Last year, S4C’s social media content from Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024 was viewed over 5 million times, establishing it as one of the most popular ways for audiences to get a flavour of the festival experience.
Trystan Ellis-Morris and Heledd Cynwal will return to lead the daily broadcasts, joined by Alun Williams and Lily Beau broadcasting from the Maes (Eisteddfod field), with Mari Lovgreen supporting the enthusiastic competitors on the results stage.
Sarra Elgan:
“I’m delighted that the Urdd National Eisteddfod – Europe’s largest youth festival – is being held in the area where I grew up. It has been a special experience to share the beauty, spirit and community of the area which is so close to my heart, in the opening programme. I’m looking forward to visiting the Eisteddfod and experience the excitement of the event next week. Good luck to everyone who’s competing.”
S4C will broadcast live from the Maes from 10.30am until 6.30pm, with a programme of highlights every evening at 8pm. All programmes will be available on demand on Clic and BBC iPlayer, with English subtitles.
S4C will stream all competitions from the Red, White and Green Pavilions from 8am until the end of the competing each day on Clic. For the first time, it will also be possible to spool back and rewatch the stream on Clic on desktop devices.
The streams will remain available for three days after the competitions, and viewers will be able to spool back within that time by watching on a desktop or laptop. All streams will appear in the ‘Our Picks’ section at the top of the Clic homepage.
Elen Wyn:
“I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to present on S4C’s social platforms this year during Urdd Eisteddfod week. I’ve competed in the Girls’ Solo competition every year since primary school, and this is the first year I’m too old to compete – so I’m looking forward to being part of the festival in a different way this time! The Eisteddfod is very close to my heart as it’s such a unique way of celebrating our culture in Wales. Being able to share the fun, the talent, and the behind-the-scenes moments will be a real pleasure.”
For those visiting the Maes at Margam Park, there will be an opportunity to enjoy exclusive previews of new series’ in the S4C stand as well as enjoying a silent disco. With the Euros approaching, S4C will be challenging visitors to the tent to cycle the distance from Wales to Switzerland by the end of the week.
For younger and older children, Cyw and Stwnsh shows will be taking place in Yr Adlen. To see a full schedule of all shows, as well as information about all events taking place in the S4C tent, visit S4C Online
Mari Lovegreen:
“I’m looking forward to sharing all the results again this year at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. It’s such a privilege to be able to share all the good news, especially as I know how much time and effort has been put into the preparations. Not just from the children and young people, but from the coaches, teachers and families – I have so much respect for them all. There wouldn’t be an Eisteddfod without them!”
A variety of events will be held at the S4C stand. Starting with on Tuesday 27 May at 12pm: Y Smyrffs (The Smurfs) Launch. For the first time in 40 years the loveable blue creatures will return to S4C. To celebrate, there will be an exclusive opportunity to watch one of the programmes beforehand, and even a chance to meet one of the characters. The event will evoke a dose nostalgia for parents, and will introduce a new generation of young viewers to the magic of Y Smyrffs – in the Welsh language.
On Thursday 29 May at 2.30pm: Parti Hafiach: An exclusive screening of the first episode of Hafiach, a drama series for young people based in the Rhyl area which will broadcast on S4C on 6 June. Following the screening there will be a question and answer session with the main cast led by presenter Miriam Isaac.
Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May at 2.30pm: Newyddion Ni: Dy Dro Di: An opportunity for young people to join one of the team of journalists on the Newyddion Ni programme to get a taste of commentary and journalistic work.
Also, Thursday, 29 May at 12.00pm: Women in Sport Panel: Panel discussion with Sioned Dafydd, Gwennan Harries and Ffion Eluned Owen and on Friday 30 May at 3pm: S4C Supporting Education: a discussion on how S4C’s programmes and resources can enrich learning experiences in the company of a teacher, a WJEC representative, a young actor and a Welsh school pupil.
S4C presenter Heledd Cynwal:
“One of the things I enjoy the most about the Urdd Eisteddfod every year is the originality shown by the youngsters when they compete. The way the coaches and competitors interpret the competition themes lead us on an unexpected journey…which opens our minds and gives the children an opportunity to be creative. Seeing how the Urdd succeeds and evolves as an organisation that offers fantastic opportunities is a source of pride for us as a nation.”
How to watch the Red, White and Green Pavilions live: It will be possible to watch on a phone, tablet or smart TV. You need to register with Clic in advance if you don’t already have an account. This will be a live service only and will not be available on demand.
