‘It is an honour to be President of the Day’
AWARD-WINNING television and radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans, perhaps best known for his recordbreaking drumathon for Children In Need, visited the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod yesterday as President of the Day.
Owain wakes up the nation with his Early Breakfast Show, MondayFriday on BBC Radio 2 and has built a loyal fanbase of “Bora Darlings” across the country.
He is proud to be the first ever host of a national radio show broadcasting from Cardiff.
Owain is a proud member and keen supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and often hosts pride events across the UK.
Here he answers some questions about the Urdd Eisteddfod...
■ What is your favourite memory of the Urdd?
“One of my favourite memories of the Urdd is when I used to watch all the Urdd Eisteddfod competitions on television.
“I also loved visiting the Maes when it was in an area close to home and it’s so wonderful to see that the Urdd and Eisteddfodau are going from strength to strength in Wales!”
■ Have you ever participated/won a competition in the Urdd Eisteddfod and has the experience of competing been beneficial in your professional life?
“I played the drums once on the Urdd Eisteddfod stage. I think this would have been in the mid 90s and if I remember correctly, I played along with a piano accompany while there was a group folk dancing on stage. Fab experience!”
■ In three words, describe the Carmarthenshire area to people who have never visited before. “Green, friendly and homely!”
■ What, in your opinion, is the biggest change about the Eisteddfodyr Urdders festival when you were in charge of the Eisteddfod today?
“I think that the Urdd Eisteddfod has changed a lot over the years, but the heart of the Urdd is in the same place as ever. It gives an opportunity for young people to meet, compete in a friendly way and also to develop talents and confidence in the Welsh language.
“It’s great that there’s now a space for LGBTQ+ people on the Eisteddfod Maes too, something that didn’t exist when I was young.”
■ If you were a member of the Urdd today, what opportunities would you like to be a part of?
“I think it’s great that it’s now possible to take part in all kinds of competitions and new activities at the Urdd Eisteddfod. I was delighted to hear that there was even an opportunity to create apps!”
■ What does being President of the Urdd Eisteddfod Day mean to you?
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to be President of the Day at the Urdd Eisteddfod. I’m really looking forward to exploring the Maes, but also to hearing more about Urdd’s work. It’s an amazing opportunity.”
■ What would be your main advice to those competing in the Eisteddfod this week?
“Try to enjoy the process! As a young person, I suffered a lot from anxiety, and I was very nervous, especially if I was in a large group of strangers. Maybe you feel the same, but now I can see that being among similar people is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, and also to make new friends. Who knows, you might be lifelong friends!
“If you’re competing, good luck! And if you don’t win, don’t worry. Being part of the process is important.”