History

The first Eisteddfod was held in Cwmdu Schoolroom in 1916 and held annually at the school until the numbers attending grew too large and it then moved in 1923 to a large marquee in the school field. The Chairman of the committee was Revd Arvon Davies , Rector of St Michael’s Church, Secretary Mr R Evans , Schoolmaster, and Conductor Mr OJ Owen, (John Owen Ifenni)

In those days Cwmdu had 2 choirs; Male Voice, conductor Mr Arthur Morris of the Cwm and Mixed voice, conductor Rev. Arvon Davies.

The first Eisteddfodau were held on a Monday, with afternoon session being for children but also including adult competitions for needlework eg handmade shirt, cattle feeding baskets, brooms and sticks.

The 1941 Eisteddfod consisted of a single session at 5.30pm on Saturday 1st November held in the schoolroom of Cwmdu VP school. There were competitions for children and adults and a competition for a Mixed Choir of not less than 20 voices with a set piece entitled ‘O Dduw cho im’ Dy hedd’ – ‘ O God,give us Thy peace’.

At the 1945 Eisteddfod the schoolroom was packed to overflowing and the proceedings lasted well into the small hours of the following morning. The evening president, Lord Glanusk, issued a challenge to the people of Cwmdu to build a village hall so that all might be seated.

The challenge was taken up by Revd Mansel Davies,  Minister in charge of the chapels in Cwmrhos and Tretower; a committee was formed, generous donations, house to house collections and money-making efforts took place.

The ground was given by Mr Isaac of the Wern and eleven years later in1956 the opening ceremony by Margaret, Lady Glanusk took place; the Eisteddfod has been held here annually since.

Cwmdu Eisteddfod is one of the few remaining local Eisteddfodau in South Powys due to the continuing financial support of its Vice Presidents, the hard work of committee members and participation of all the many competitors throughout the past 109 years.