Europe’s largest travelling youth festival welcomed thousands of people to Montgomeryshire as the National Urdd Eisteddfod got underway at Mathrafal Farm, near Meifod on Monday (May 27).

With more than 400 competitions taking place, from reciting to singing, dancing, cookery, art, craft, and hair dressing, Powys pupils have already been named the best in Wales.

Newtown’s Ysgol Penygloddfa entertained the crowds with their brass band accompanied by the drums and tambourine. They won first place for playing Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You and the Rocky film theme Gonna Fly Now.

Ysgol Pontrobert’s Jac Efan Jones pleased the adjudicators after winning first place with his cerdd dant performance of singing with the accompaniment of a harp.

He told S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen that winning the gold medal was “special” before thanking his mum and Margaret for all their help.

Jac’s older sister Ani, also an Ysgol Pontrobert pupil, won first place for singing ‘Dy New Di’ after impressing with her solo for years five and six.

County Times: Ysgol Pontrobert's Ani Llwyd Jones won first place for the Year 5 and 6 solo at the 2024 National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod on Monday, May 27.Ysgol Pontrobert's Ani Llwyd Jones won first place for the Year 5 and 6 solo at the 2024 National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod on Monday, May 27. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen interviews Ysgol Pontrobert's Ani Llwyd Jones on stage at the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod on Monday, May 27.S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen interviews Ysgol Pontrobert's Ani Llwyd Jones on stage at the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod on Monday, May 27. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Ani's proud dad, and her headteacher Catherine Parry watch the Ysgol Pontrobert pupil on stage after winning her medal and trophy.Ani's proud dad, and her headteacher Catherine Parry watch the Ysgol Pontrobert pupil on stage after winning her medal and trophy. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Big cheers for Newtown's Ysgol Penygloddfa who were named Wales' best band at the Urdd Eisteddfod.Big cheers for Newtown's Ysgol Penygloddfa who were named Wales' best band at the Urdd Eisteddfod. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Ysgol Penygloddfa wowed the crowd with the famous Rocky theme song.Ysgol Penygloddfa wowed the crowd with the famous Rocky theme song. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Ysgol Penygloddfa performed Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You inside the green pavilion.Ysgol Penygloddfa performed Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You inside the green pavilion. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Ysgol Pontrobert's Jac Efan Jones won the Cerdd Dant on the first day of the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod.Ysgol Pontrobert's Jac Efan Jones won the Cerdd Dant on the first day of the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Jac told S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen that winning first place was special.Jac told S4C presenter Mari Lovgreen that winning first place was special. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)

County Times: Jac Efan Jones when he was announced the winner of the Cerdd Dant.Jac Efan Jones when he was announced the winner of the Cerdd Dant. (Image: Phil Blagg/County Times)