Wales has marked a historic first after hosting the NFYFC National Entertainment Feast Final for the very first time - and Powys clubs made sure it was an occasion to remember.
The prestigious event was held at Theatre Hafren in Newtown, celebrating the creativity and talent of Young Farmers’ Clubs from across the UK. It proved to be a triumphant homecoming, with two Powys clubs taking the top two places.
Representing Wales, Erwood YFC and Dyffryn Tanat YFC delivered powerful performances centred on mental health, earning widespread praise from judges and audiences alike.
Erwood YFC, representing Brecknock, were crowned overall winners, while Dyffryn Tanat YFC, from Montgomeryshire, secured an impressive second place.
Dyffryn Tanat also picked up two additional awards, winning Best Moment in Theatre for their exam scene and Best Performance in a Lead Role (10–17) for Iwan, who played Luke.
‘A proud moment for Wales’
The atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected months of dedication, teamwork and creativity, with many describing the finals as a powerful showcase of youth talent.
Hosting the competition in Wales for the first time added extra significance, with organisers hailing the event as both a celebration of creativity and a statement of confidence in Welsh YFC members.
Wales YFC said: “What a weekend for Wales YFC! For the first time ever, the National Entertainment Feast was hosted in Wales - and Erwood YFC from Brecknock only went and won.
“Winning at county level is an achievement, winning at Wales level is even greater, but to go on and take a national title is truly exceptional.”
‘It’s the highlight of the YFC calendar’
Samuel Powell, from Erwood YFC, said the club’s production followed three men from different generations, exploring how people deal with their emotions through events including the Second World War, the miners’ strike, and modern‑day pressures.
“It’s incredible,” he said. “We’ve got the most amazing team in Erwood. Everyone supports each other so well, and it’s an issue that’s close to so many of our hearts.”
He explained that the production took more than a year to develop, with rehearsals beginning shortly after Christmas.
“It takes a lot of sleepless nights thinking through ideas,” he said. “But it’s the highlight of the YFC calendar. In the winter, when it’s dark, it brings everyone together. For many people it’s a standout moment not just in YFC, but in their lives.”
For Samuel, the win was particularly special as it marks his final year as a YFC member.
“It’s a very special way to finish - winning it at home in Wales,” he added.
A journey ‘from Brecon to Bangor and back to Newtown’
Erwood YFC said the journey with their production, My Generation, has been “truly magical”.
Written and produced by Samuel, the show was performed by a cast of 34 members aged between 10 and 28, telling the stories of three generations of men facing different challenges across time.
The club said: “From Brecon to Bangor and back down to Newtown, our journey has come to an incredible end as we were crowned National YFC Entertainment Champions.”
The production also received several performance nominations, and featured a mix of emotion, humour and music, with songs including It’s My Life, I Dreamed a Dream and I’m Still Standing.
Judges praised the use of humour alongside difficult themes, saying it allowed the message to “hit harder”.
Welsh success beyond the stage
Success wasn’t limited to the performances. In the Member of the Year awards, Sian Davies from Radnor placed third in the Senior category, showcasing her commitment to YFC.
There was also national recognition for Welsh leadership, with Sarah Lewis, a former Wales YFC President from Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, elected NFYFC Deputy President.
‘A statement of Welsh talent’
The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs said the weekend was “a true showcase of YFC talent”, congratulating all finalists and winners.
With Welsh clubs shining on stage, individuals picking up national awards, and Wales successfully hosting the finals for the first time, the event was widely seen as a landmark moment.
For many, it was more than just a competition - it was a clear statement that Wales YFC continues to lead the way, with a future every bit as bright as the performances that lit up the Newtown stage.
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