August 2025 was a month like no other! The National Eisteddfod of Wales came to Wrexham for the first time since 2011, and what a week it was. The whole choir pulled together to show the rest of Wales just how special our hometown is – and we loved every minute.
For those who don’t know, the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is the biggest travelling cultural festival in Europe. Every summer it pops up in a different part of Wales, celebrating the Welsh language and culture through music, poetry, performance and more. This year it was Wrexham’s turn to shine – and shine it did! 🌟
Steffan at the Heart of It
Our very own Steffan (first tenor) works all year round as the Eisteddfod’s Competitions Manager – no small task! After 18 months of planning, he helped deliver a week with 5,000 competitors and 160 competitions, including 60 choirs. A huge achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder.
On Stage Adventures
Several of the lads joined Côr yr Eisteddfod, the community choir that took part in Y Stand – a brand new musical staged at the Cae Ras. The show told the story of Wrexham AFC, and being part of it was an unforgettable experience.
Competition Highlights
The choir had plenty of success too:
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Owen (2nd tenor) – 3rd place in the Tenor Solo under 25.
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Tomos Wyn (1st tenor) – 3rd place in the Brass Band Championship with City of Wrexham Brass Band.
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Cai (1st tenor) – a whirlwind week: 3rd in the Tenor Solo (over 25s), 2nd in the Llwyd o’r Bryn recitation, 2nd in Cerdd Dant, and finally 1st place in the Lady Herbert Lewis Memorial Prize for Folk Singing. Like his beloved Liverpool FC, Cai went home with silverware! 🏆
Johns’ Boys Behind the Scenes
Bass Dafydd and MD Aled were busy adjudicating competitions as well as serving as Choir Masters of the Eisteddfod Choir. As Aled put it:
“The National Eisteddfod has been a wonderful celebration for Wrexham and beyond. It’s been an incredibly busy and rewarding week, and I’m especially proud to see so many members of our choir contributing to such a memorable festival.”
Glian & the Finale
Our accompanist Glian was the official accompanist of the Eisteddfod, finishing the week at the Epilog concert, where Johns’ Boys performed new works by Robat Arwyn and Archdruid Mererid Hopwood. A magical way to close the festival.
Remembering Gareth
The Côr yr Ŵyl (Choir of the Festival) award was also presented, with prize money donated by us in memory of our much-missed choir member Gareth Rawlinson. A special tribute to a dear friend.
