There was much excitement at Irfon Valley Primary School on Friday, March 23 as the children were treated to a jamboree full of song, dance and fun to celebrate the Urdd National Eisteddfod coming to Brecon and Radnorshire at the end of May.

The school of 45 pupils enjoyed getting into the eisteddfod spirit with Urdd ambassadors Euros and Jemima. There was even a special guest appearance by none other than Mr Urdd.

Schools across Brecon and Radnorshire will be visited by the Urdd’s jamboree team during March and April this year, in a tour that is supported by Powys County Council and Menter Iaith Brycheiniog a Maesyfed.

Ros Beck, headteacher at Irfon Valley Primary School said: “At Ysgol Dyffryn Irfon, we believe the Welsh language is important and we are currently working towards the Bronze Award for the Cymraeg Campus Welsh Charter. For a number of years we have had a group of children called ‘Dreigiau Coch’ leading Welsh games at lunchtime, as well as helping with weekly Welsh assemblies and other activities. We positively promote the Welsh language and culture, and encourage all children and staff to use Welsh around the school. We even have the school cook on board speaking Welsh at lunchtimes when serving the children their dinners.

"We are very excited to have the jambori visiting our school and have been busy learning the Welsh songs. We are also looking forward to the Urdd Eisteddfod which is due to take place at Llanelwedd during the Whitsun half term holiday.”

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Portfolio Member for Education and the Welsh Language Powys County Council added: “The excitement of the Urdd Eisteddfod is increasing, and Powys County Council is sharing in the fun by welcoming the Urdd to 29 schools in south Powys. The message will be shared – this is a very special year for young people in Powys.”

This will be the first year for the eisteddfod to visit the area since the Llanelwedd Eisteddfod exactly 40 years ago. In total 90,000 visitors will be welcomed to the field, to see 15,000 children and young people competing during the eisteddfod week in late May and early June.

Competitions vary from singing, acting and dancing to hairdressing and cookery. As well as competitions, on the field there will be activities such as sports sessions, a climbing wall, children’s shows, a funfair, live music and over 80 stands offering activities and selling a variety of goods. In the evenings, there will be all kinds of concerts, shows and competitions showcasing local and national talent, including an opening concert in the pavilion featuring X Factor star, Lloyd Macey.

Aled Siôn, director of the Urdd Eisteddfod said: “As well as being lots of fun, this schools tour is an opportunity not only to raise awareness of the Urdd and the eisteddfod, but also of the Welsh language, amongst young people in the area. By the end of April, all primary school children in the area will know that the largest youth festival of its kind, the Urdd Eisteddfod, is being held on their doorstop this year. I look forward to welcoming everybody there!”