Cantorion Y Gelli, a choir from Hay-on-Wye, recently took part in the Welsh learners’ category at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd.

For the second year running, the choir took part in the category that requires participating choirs to have a maximum of 25 per cent first language Welsh speakers, with the rest being learners of the Welsh language.

Despite not placing this year, the choir were upbeat about their performance, having performed on the main stage and being featured on BBC Wales and S4C.

Choir member, Catherine Hughes spoke about the experience.

“We had a great time, we didn’t place which was a bit unfortunate but we weren’t there to win it, we were there to be part of it,” she said.

“We felt like we were an awful lot better than last time because we were a lot more confident, with another year under our belt as a choir.

“The main thing was to be on that main stage, there’s nothing like it. We all felt so privileged to be on that stage. The sound is amazing, the crowd is amazing, and the atmosphere is electric. We absolutely loved it, and we will be doing it again.”

The group performed Lisa Lân and Sospan Fach.

They are already looking ahead to next year’s Eisteddfod and aim to continue to put Hay on the map as a Welsh speaking town. Welsh learners in the choir take lessons in Brecon and Hay-on-Wye.

Catherine spoke about the increased number of Welsh speakers in Hay. She said: “I’ve always wanted Hay to become more a Welsh speaking town, and it definitely is. When you walk around Hay, people always say ‘are we in England or Wales’ and one of these days we’re going to make sure that everyone absolutely knows that Hay is part of Wales.

“There are more Welsh learners than ever I should think in Hay, and we just need to continue that. We’re going to continue with the choir and continue our Welsh learning and look forward to next year’s Eisteddfod and one day we will win it, watch out!”