THE first Ceredigion Welsh Learners’ Eisteddfod was held in Theatr Felinfach just before the Easter break – and it was a huge success.

The evening was very well attended and the theatre was buzzing with enthusiasm. 

Around 80 learners of all levels had sent in compositions for the written competitions (dialogues, letters, reviews, video blogs, prose pieces and poems) and there were also many entries in the art and craft sections, with work in all media, including cake decoration, paintings, photographs, textiles, recycled materials, wood and metalwork.

And on the night of the eisteddfod, there was a range of performance competitions, including recitations, a sketch, instrumental, solos, duets and larger singing groups.

There were also two guest performers – Nest Jenkins on the harp and Aled Thomas singing solos – who were both enthusiastically received.

The performances were interspersed with the announcement of the results and presenting of certificates to the winners.

Some very talented participants went home with a sheaf of certificates, having been successful in competitions across many sections.

There were also adjudications by the twice-chaired bard Idris Reynolds on the Chair for the winning poem on Llwybrau/Paths and the Prose Award for a piece on Llanw/Tide.

There were ceremonies to honour these winners, and the audience applauded warmly on seeing Holly Cross, from Llanfyrnach, near Crymych, being chaired, and Marye Wyvill, from Lampeter, being presented with the Prose Award. Both attend Welsh classes in Cardigan.

Learners from Llandysul, Lampeter and many other centres were also very well represented in all the competitions.