The 2024 Trallong Eisteddfod took place recently in Maescar Hall, Sennybridge and was again a great success. 

Four excellent soloists battled it out in the champion solo competition - the eventual winner being Robert Jenkins of Llanfihangel yr Arth. Second prize was awarded to Sophie Davies of Aberbran who has been competing in this Eisteddfod for many years. The male solo was won by Gerwyn Rhys of Carmarthen while the female solo competition was won by another very loyal supporter Jennifer Parry of Brecon. 

An instrumental solo competition was reintroduced this year and Lucy Sullivan of Brecon took the award with a masterful performance on the trumpet. The champion solo 18 to 30 years Perpetual Cup, given by the family of the late Mrs Hyral Thomas in her memory, was won by Sophie Davies of Aberbran.

It was pleasing to see David Price, Teleri Haf Thomas, Ann Watkins, Angharad Jones, Dyfed Watkins, Marc Williams, Elin Havard and Emyr Evans among the evening winners. 

Aberhonddu Male Voice Choir also joined in once again to delight audiences.

In the children’s classes the winner of the Mrs Mary Price Trophy for the competitor showing the most potential in the local classes was Carys Lewis, Trallong.

The Mr Alec Tompkins Perpetual Miniature Chair for the competitor showing the most potential in the open classes was won by Ioan Mabbutt of Aberystwyth, who has won this trophy in previous years.

The Mrs Margaret Rees Perpetual Shield for the instrumental solo 12 years and under was won by Ffion Morgan of Brecon. 

Adjudicators were Alex Davis of Chepstow (music) and John Meurig Edwards of Brecon, who adjudicated the stage recitation classes and senior literature classes. These latter classes were very well supported.

The children’s art and literature classes were judged by Tracey Havard of Defynnog.

The presidents for the day were Jackie Thomas of Trecastle who gave an interesting address and a very generous donation. John Davies of Llandybie was unable to be present owing to illness. The very talented accompanists this year were Becky Drysdale of Ffynnon Gynydd and Rhiannon Pritchard of Cardiff. Both were presented with challenging copies to play at first sight. 

The conductors were Elaine Pye of Trallong, Mary Hodges of Cardiff, Bethan Price of Defynnog, Marc Williams of Sennybridge and Dyfed Watkins of Trecastle – they all did an incredible job in keeping the competitions flowing. 

Other prize-winners in the children’s stage items included Eiry Price (Defynnog), Lowri and Ffion Astington (Llanfihangel-Nant-Bran), Lottie Gittoes (Llyswen), Lisa and Carrie Williams (Gwenddwr), Lucy Davies and William Davies (Trecastle), Ffion Thomas (Llandrindod Wells), Elen, Ed and Carys Edwards (Llandrindod Wells), Anest Jones (Heol Senni) Evie Lewis (Trallong) and Parti Pontsenni.

The committee were very pleased with the large number of entries in the children’s art and literature classes - thank you to individual parents and the teachers of Cradoc, Mount Street and Sennybridge schools for your support and well done to all the children for their lovely work. Congratulations are due in this section to Mia Harry, Eiry Price, Lisa and Carrie Williams, Hannah, Ffion and Lowri Astington, Carys Lewis, Lucy Davies, Megan Herbert from Cradoc school together with several pupils from Mount Street school.

Winners of the senior literature classes included Jayne Evans (Lower Chapel), Sian and Elise Norgate (Heol Senni), Alec Tompkins (Aberbran), Megan Richards (Aberaeron), Myfanwy Roberts (Llanrwst), Judith Morris (Aberystwyth), Ewan Smith (Colwyn Bay), and Gaenor Mai Jones (Church Village).

In her vote of thanks, the chairman of the committee, Marilyn Jones, mentioned Julie Robinson in the kitchen, Julie and Evie Lewis, Angharad, Rhianwen and David who acted as door-keepers, the competitors, trainers and the audience for their support again this year.