The Intercollegiate Eisteddfod returns to the capital city for the first time in a decade

Cardiff University has hosted the Intercollegiate Eisteddfod for the first time since 2016.

The Eisteddfod was held in the Great Hall in the Cardiff Students' Union on 28 February 2026 and students from all over Wales came to the capital city for a day of competing and fun through the medium of Welsh.

During the day, students from Swansea University, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University and Cardiff University competed against each other in various competitions. These included singing, dancing, reciting, and instrumental competitions.

There was also a ceremony to announce the winners of the Crown, the Chair, the Music Medal, the Learners' Medal, the Drama Medal, the Science Medal, and the Art Medal. Mared Roberts from Aberystwyth University won the Crown, sponsored by The School of Welsh, this year and congratulations to Lili Ray, a student in her final year studying Welsh and Journalism, for coming second for the Crown. Aeron Dafydd from Bangor University won the Chair, Erin Jones from Aberystwyth University won the Music Medal, and Grace-Louise Roberts from Bangor University won the Learner's Medal. Mared Jones from Bangor University won the Drama Medal this year, with Bethan Bray from Bangor University winning the Science Medal and Mabli Grug from Aberystwyth University winning the Art Medal.

There were also a range of homework competitions, judged by several members of staff from the School of Welsh.

In addition to competing on stage, there was competing on the sports fields on Friday 27 February with the universities' rugby, football and netball teams playing against each other. Cardiff University took first place this year and won the Sports Cup.

The Intercollegiate Eisteddfod follows months of planning and preparation. One of those leading this year’s arrangements was the VP Welsh Language, Cynwal ap Myrddin. Cynwal, a former student at the School of Welsh, said: “We had a fantastic weekend in Cardiff as we welcomed the Intercollegiate Eisteddfod back for the first time in a decade.

“I was primarily responsible for organising the event, but I’m extremely grateful to the staff at the Students’ Union and the University, as well as the students, for their support throughout, and of course to all the event sponsors.

“Aberystwyth University claimed victory once again this year, followed by Bangor in second place and Cardiff in third place, but it was fantastic to see such fierce competition on stage and on the sports fields, with everyone enjoying themselves!”

The Intercollegiate Eisteddfod was held during Cardiff University's Welsh Festival. The purpose of the festival, which took place between 25 February and 5 March, was to celebrate Welshness, with a series of events organised for the University's students and staff. Speaking about the Intercollegiate Eisteddfod and the Welsh Festival, Dr Angharad Naylor, Dean for the Welsh Language and Senior Lecturer in the School of Welsh at the University, said: "It was wonderful to be able to welcome the Intercollegiate Eisteddfod and the sports competitions back to Cardiff University and a big congratulations to the students who were busy preparing and competing.

Being able to host a Welsh Festival at the University was also a special experience and thanks to the students and staff who took advantage of some of the various activities during the week.

“Many thanks to Cynwal and the Students’ Union for their great collaboration in making the week a success. We are looking forward to developing the festival further during the coming year and creating regular opportunities for our students and staff to experience the Welsh language and its culture across the University.”

The next Intercollegiate Eisteddfod will be held at Bangor University in 2027.