University’s Welsh Development lead honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at National Eisteddfod

Date: Monday, August 11, 2025

Wrexham University’s Head of Welsh Development, Elen Mai Nefydd has been formally honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at this year’s Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, recognising her outstanding contribution to Welsh culture and language.

Presented to those deemed to have made a significant contribution to Welsh culture and the Welsh language, membership of the Gorsedd of Bards is the highest honour bestowed by the annual festival.

Elen Mai was formally admitted for her contribution to higher education over the last 25 years in North Wales and her work in championing the Welsh language.

She was one of a select number of individuals who have been recognised from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the language and their local communities.

Elen Mai joined the procession of new recruits at a special open-air ceremony on the Eisteddfod field in Is-y-coed, where she took the bardic title, ‘Elen Mai Maelor’. Elen Mai chose the name to represent her connection with the local area where she has lived for more than 25 years, and received her own green robe.

Alongside her role at the University, Elen Mai has also been serving as Vice-Chair for Culture of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod Executive Committee 2025.

Speaking following the ceremony, Elen Mai said: “This is the most incredible honour of my life – and when you hear the names of those who have gone before and what they achieved, this honour feels even more special. It is humbling to be amongst such inspirational people, who have made such an immense impact to the Welsh language and public life in Wales.

“I’d like to thank the University and colleagues I have worked with over the last 20 or so years who have supported and been part of my professional journey. It is even more special to receive this honour at the National Eisteddfod, here in Wrexham – where I live and work.”

Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, added: “On behalf of our university community, I would like to extend an enormous congratulations to Elen Mai for being honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the Eisteddfod.

“This accolade demonstrates her dedication to championing and enhancing provision of Welsh medium and bilingual education, here at the University and within our local community.

“As a Welsh institution, we are incredibly proud of our rich heritage and culture, as well as the language and proudly integrate that into everything that we do through Elen Mai’s work in helping us to continue driving that forward. Llongyfarchiadau, Elen Mai.”