CIVIC buildings in Ceredigion will be illuminated in red, white and green this evening to mark the Urdd’s 100th birthday.

Alun R Edwards Centre, Canolfan Rheidol and the Bandstand in Aberystwyth will be lit to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the youth movement.

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “Today is a big day for the Urdd, as the organisation embarks on a year of celebrations to mark the 100th birthday.

“We would like to congratulate the organisation on one hundred years of dedicated service to the Welsh language, and to young people in Wales.

“So many people have benefited from being members of the Urdd, it is a chance to meet new people, build courage by competing, have fun in the residential centres across Wales, as well as many other invaluable contributions.

“Thank you very much and happy birthday.”

Since 1922, Urdd Gobaith Cymru has provided opportunities for over four million children and young people in Wales to enjoy sporting, arts, residential, humanitatian and voluntary experiences through the medium of Welsh.

Ceredigion has a strong relationship with the Urdd where the clubs and schools offer a variety of activities for young people. It is also the home of one of the residential centres, Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog.

Ceredigion MS Elin Jones also paid tribute to th Urdd, saying: “One of my fondest memories of the Urdd Eisteddfod is winning the Under 15 Branch Choir competition with the Lampeter Branch, conducted by Twynog Davies, and of course the experiences of going to the Llangrannog and Glanllyn residential centres.

“Later on, I also worked in the kitchen in Llangrannog whilst I was a student.

“These are all experiences that I’ll never forget. The Urdd has provided such a wide array of opportunities for so many young people over the generations.

“A huge congratulations to the Urdd for its centenary, for everything it has offered young people in Wales and for always being so ready to invest and modernise.

“Thank you to all those who are, and all those who have been, so dedicated and given so much time and effort to ensure that generations of children have and still do benefit from this fantastic youth organisation.”