IT'S an opportunity that you just cannot turn down.

That's what chef Bryn Williams said as he reflected on being named one of the day presidents for this year's Urdd Eisteddfod in his home town.

Bryn said he received the initial e-mail in 2019, when the Eisteddfod was originally set to be held in Denbigh.

"It's a massive honour," he admitted.

"I don't think any of my school friends or school teachers would have thought it was possible!

 

Denbighshire Free Press: Bryn Williams. Picture: Tom NicholsonBryn Williams. Picture: Tom Nicholson

 

"When I got the e-mail, it was quite tingling."

It was the same feeling he had when he received the e-mail to be included in the Gorsedd of the Bards at the National Eisteddfod, said Bryn.

"It was pride, shock, excitement.

"These are the types of e-mails you can never turn down."

As for Bryn's history with the Urdd, it's a pretty energetic one!

"I remember doing cross-country," he said.

"A whole minibus went down to Mid Wales.

"I went down to Cardiff to swim one year.

"And dawnsio gwerin - it was four girls and four boys.

"You can't tell me I'm jumping on the Urdd bandwagon!"

One popular event not yet created when Bryn was growing up was the Cogurdd competition.

Similar to Masterchef, youngsters from across the country create their own tasty offerings and Bryn will be judging the final of Cogurdd on the Maes this year.

READ MORE: Get on the bus to enjoy the Urdd Eisteddfod

"It's amazing there's a cookery competition now," he said.

"For the next chef, I just think what the Urdd and schools do is prepare you for the outside world.

"I hope it will inspire the next chefs, but teaching young people valuable skills is just as important."

The Cogurdd winner will claim an amazing prize, including work experience at Bryn's Porth Eirias restaurant in Colwyn Bay, plus a family meal at the popular eatery.

"They might not want to be a professional, but you never know. That spark can be ignited," added Bryn.

"I went to work at a local bakery and that was the spark for me."

The Thursday of the Urdd Eisteddfod is the day of Bryn's presidency.

A nice quiet day of the Maes?

Not a bit of it!

There's a full schedule between 9am and 5pm and Bryn can't wait for the day.

"It's about being visible.

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"When you go to the Eisteddfod when you're a kid, you're running around all day.

"I can go there as an adult and absorb as much of the Maes as I can."

With his own history with the Urdd over the years, Bryn has nothing but praise for the organisation.

"I absolutely love Glanllyn," he added.

"If they wanted me to cook there, I would be there tomorrow."

Other daily presidents for this year's Urdd Eisteddfod are Jade Davies, Robat Arwyn, Llyr Evans, Lisa Gwilym and Non Parry.