A group of pupils at a school in Newtown have made history after getting to the National Urdd Eisteddfod for the first time since their school opened almost 45 years ago.

Treowen Primary School will be representing Montgomeryshire in not just one competition but two with the group and solo recitation for Welsh learners at the final in Llanymddyfri, Carmarthenshire on Tuesday, May 30.

Pupils at the English-language school have been sharing their excitement about performing at the largest youth festival in Europe and making Newtown proud.

Madison Davies, who will also be performing the solo recitation ‘Siopa’, said: "It’s a really special moment for us because we’ve never made it to the finals, and we can make memories for us and the school. We will be very, very nervous but as we get through it we’ll be really, really happy.

"We’re trying to perfect it and make it better and better but enjoying our practices as well.

"I feel very happy that it will be a special moment for everyone, and it lifts me up every time we go to the Urdd and it makes me really excited."

County Times: Madison Davies will be perfuming the solo recitation 'Siopa' at the 2023 National Urdd Eisteddfod Madison Davies will be perfuming the solo recitation 'Siopa' at the 2023 National Urdd Eisteddfod (Image: Anwen Parry/Powys County Times)

Speaking about their nerves, excitement and pride at winning two rounds before getting to this month's finals, Aleya Jones said: "The reactions are really cool and our parents’ reactions are the best; they all start jumping and if we win this time I think my mum’s going to get into tears."

Georgie Kendall-Evans added: "I nearly forgot my words on the stage because there was a lot people and I was so nervous but my mum and dad were cheering me on."

Teacher Liz Jones said her pupils reaching the finals is the “icing on the cake” with them embracing the Welsh language.

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"I am so proud of this wonderful group of pupils they have worked so hard," she said.

"They have been enthusiastic and committed from the start, giving up their spare time and even came in at half term to practice. They have represented the school for the two previous rounds really well. They did Treowen proud and I couldn’t be prouder of them and the fact we are going to the nationals is the icing on the cake and whatever happens on the day we will be so proud of them.

"I've recently been on a sabbatical course where I fell in love with the language and as soon as I came back to school, I wanted to build the children’s love of Welsh and get them involved in the wonderful things like the Urdd. I’ve really been on fire for Welsh since I’ve been back. I want to instil that love of Welsh and support them to keep learning and involve them in these wonderful activities.

“They are as good as any of the other competitors, and we don’t normally see Treowen on the Welsh stage so it will be lovely for this lot to represent Treowen at the nationals this May."