New Look for Urdd Awenau in Recent Years
Several current and former members of Urdd have welcomed the changes made to the awenau at this year’s main ceremonies.
Following consultations with young people and past winners, the awenau have transitioned from large colourful characters to velvet banners carried by local young guides on the pavilion stage.
The awenau have been a prominent feature of Urdd ceremonies since 2023, inspired by the legend of Taliesin. The characters from the legend, dressed in animal costumes, represented six 'Awen' and formed a central part of each main ceremony.
Angharad Prys, Urdd Arts Officer, explained that the decision to change came after listening to feedback from young people and former winners.
'Lovely That Urdd Listened'
Alys Hedd Jones from Cardiff won the Drama Medal in 2024 at just 17 years old.
While acknowledging that the original awenau were "colourful and fun," she expressed pride in seeing Urdd listen to young people.
"We thought the original awenau were colourful and fun - which was lovely and important.
But I think it’s lovely that Urdd listened to what young people and everyone had to say.
I know there were many complaints that they looked unprofessional, that it might be a big change for Urdd, and I think it’s very good that they listened to what people think, and that the ceremonies now feel formal and something really important for the winners."
Alys Hedd Jones went on to say she agreed with the change because she believed it was something many people had called for.
"Although I thought they were fun, I think it’s lovely that Urdd clearly listens to what people want and is willing to change to what people want at this time."
'A More Formal Element to the Ceremonies'
Heledd Evans, who placed third in the 2024 crown competition, also welcomed the change.
She said, "The banners have given a slightly more formal element to the ceremonies, but they still offer the same emphasis on the creative element as the awenau did."
She added that she thought the balance was good in offering a creative and modern element while maintaining the more traditional formality.
Welcoming the Changes
While walking around the field, some students also welcomed the change.
Tesni from Dyffryn Nantlle said, "I think it’s a good thing, that it’s more low key, and maybe there’s more focus on the ceremony.
"I think it’s definitely a good thing."
Gwawr, a 21-year-old student, added,
"I think it’s a good thing that there’s less focus on them [the awenau], because it gives less attention to the competition.
I think it’s a good thing."
Current Appearance of the Awenau
Angharad Prys noted that the awenau had been somewhat "Marmite" in Wales – some loved them while others were less fond.
"So we thought it was important to go out and get the opinions of young people. We discussed with the Youth Forum of Anglesey and with past main prize winners, and after three years of using the old form, we felt it was time to try something new."
She said the most noticeable change this year was the replacement of the "large colourful heads" with velvet banners representing each awen.
"The banners include images of the animals associated with each awen, with a young crew from Theatr Ieuenctid Môn carrying them during the ceremonies," she said.
"We wanted to maintain the connection with the story of Taliesin and the original symbolism, as that has become a very important part of the ceremonies over recent years."
Awenau Remain an Important Part
She added that the awenau were originally created after the lockdown period with the aim of introducing a new tradition to young people.
"The original idea came from young artists and members of the Urdd Theatre Company, and we are very proud of what has been created," she said.
"The new format builds on that, and the characters and awenau continue to be an important part of the ceremonies."
The six awenau represent the six main ceremonies during Eisteddfod week – Language, Art, Music, Drama, Poetry, and Prose – with their origins based on the transformations in the legend of Taliesin and Ceridwen.
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- Photos: Tuesday at Urdd Eisteddfod 2026
- Photos: Monday at Urdd Eisteddfod 2026
