AN EISTEDDFOD was held at a Cross Keys primary school yesterday to inspire the children about all things Welsh.

Waunfawr Primary School held its annual event throughout the morning, which featured a range of various activities and competitions.

Nursery pupils from as young as three years old took part in activities, while winners of various homework competitions, including drawing, modelling, and writing were also announced.

An eisteddfod is a Welsh festival of literature, music and performance and there are records of such events and gatherings dating back to the 12th century, but it is still seen as an important event in the Welsh calendar today.

The school holds the event on a yearly basis but new activities were introduced this year, including Welsh folk dancing, or “dawnsio gwerin”, which went down well with many of the pupils.

Competitions included singing and the playing of musical instruments such as woodwind and brass, where traditional Welsh songs such as Ar Hyd y Nos were played and sung, as well as the national anthem.

The school’s Welsh co-ordinator, Ms Harries, said: “I think the eisteddfod is important in any case because I grew up with it, but it’s important for the children to be engaged with Welsh culture and learn new things about Wales and Welshness.

“The children really enjoyed the day and everyone took part. It was great to see.”

Pupils also gathered during the afternoon to have further discussions about the school newspaper, produced by the children themselves, ahead of its proposed launch after the half term holiday period.