Rhun ap Iorwerth is no stranger to the National Eisteddfod. but he made his debut today, visiiting as First Minister for the first time.

The Plaid Cymru leader from Anglesey has been a regular for decades but today's at the 2026 National Eisteddfod in Llantwd near Cardigan will be a novel experience for him.

He said: "It’ll certainly be a new experience being on the Maes as First Minister. I will have a full diary of commitments, but I’ll be on the Maes in Llantwd for several days and I’m very much looking forward to it.

"The most enjoyable part of every National Eisteddfod for me is walking around the Maes, visiting stands and chatting with old friends."

Two of the main ceremonies at this year's eiisteddfod will be supported by the James Pantyfedwen Trust this year. The Trust have supported the National Eisteddfod, being held at Llantwd near Cardigan, for many years.

Rebecca Thomas was the winner of this year’s Daniel Owen Memorial Prize, supported by the Trust.

Rebecca, is a historian, novelist and writer from Cardiff. She was educated at Ysgol y Wern and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf before going on to study History at the University of Cambridge.

In the summer of 2025, she spent a period as Artist-in-Residence on Ynys Enlli, where she wrote Ynys Gwales.

The judges were Meinir Wyn Edwards, Llwyd Owen and Lleucu Roberts, and presenting the adjudication from the Pavilion stage, Meinir Wyn Edwards said: “This is an ambitious novel that offers a fresh nterpretation of the Second Branch of the Mabinogi. Ynys Gwales captures our attention from the outset.

“The writing flows effortlessly, and the author is a master of vivid storytelling and of arousing the reader’s curiosity. A lively imagination is at work here, and Ynys Gwales has thrilled all three of us."

The prize consisted of the Daniel Owen Memorial Medal, £5,000, donated by the people of the Preseli area in memory of Martin and Meryl Lloyd of Cilgerran, together with publication of the winning novel.

Executive Secretary Hefin Jones said: "It is great to see that the investment and vision of the man from Pontrhydfendigaid continues to make a difference to individuals and organizations in Wales. This year it is a pleasure for the Trust to support the Drama Medal and Daniel Owen Memorial Award ceremonies at the 2026 National Eisteddfod."

The festival marks 50 years since the Sir TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal was first awarded in Cardigan to Mrs Lydia May Tegryn Davies. Her granddaughter, Meryl Tegryn Davies, recalled being asked on stage to run the medal home to her ill grandmother: "We lived about a mile from Penlan farm, which was the site of the Maes at the time of the Eisteddfod, which is at the top of Cardigan town. Down the hill, turn right at the playing field and then left and get to Cnwc-y-dintir where we lived, and my gran lived with us."

Continuing that legacy, choral director Islwyn Evans received the TH Parry-Williams Memorial Medal in the Pavilion today (Tuesday). A finale of 130 former pupils joined him on stage to thank him for over 40 years of voluntary work, including founding Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion.

Nominator Iwan Griffiths said: "It is impossible to measure the endless hours that Islwyn puts in without asking for a single penny. By holding rehearsals without charging a fee, he removes financial barriers that often prevent young people from having access to a high quality musical education. What is offered within the Ysgol Gerdd Ceredigion community is also more than vocal training. It provides a safe space where children and young people build confidence, have an opportunity to express themselves, and develop a sense of belonging."

Mr Evans expressed his gratitude: "For me it has been a fantastic journey. The desire was in the young people to participate and to compete and it has been a privilege to be with them. It is a great honour to receive the medal and what the award means and those who have received it throughout the years," he said.