INTERVIEW: Osian Meilir

Introducing National Youth Dance Wales’s 2026 Guest Choreographer, Osian Meilir.

Kirsten McTernan Photography

1. What does it mean to you personally to return to NYDW this time as a choreographer? 

It means a great deal to me personally because it’s wonderful to be able to give back to an organisation that once gave me so much. But what’s much more important than that is what this organisation offers young people in the creative arts in Wales today and to be a part of that, to nurture and support opportunities for young dancers in Wales now is very important to me. It’s also great to be able to demonstrate to the dancers that you can have a career in dance in Wales and that someone who was once in the exact same position as them can return as a guest choreographer having carved out a career in that industry.

‍ ‍2. How has your relationship with NYDW evolved since your time as a dancer here? 

Since being a part of the company,  I’ve kept in touch over the years and they’ve always been supportive of my dancing, development and what I’ve achieved in my career so far.  Now I’ve returned as guest choreographer, which is an honour and I’m very excited about that. 

  3. Were you ever imagining yourself in this role when you were performing with the company? 

I never imagined as a young dancer with NYDW that I’d be invite back as guest choreographer 10 years later. At the time I was engrossed in learning and developing my skills as a dancer, soaking up every opportunity. I always knew I enjoyed making work and loved choreographing and creating movement. My approach to my career has always been one-step-at-a-time approach; applying myself to the task, job or moment in front of
me and seeing where that leads me. Now it’s led me right back
to where I started – it’s a full circle moment! 

4. What story or feeling are you hoping the dancers - and the audience - walk away with? 

I hope they are left feeling that dance can bring people together. Moving and dancing can be a celebration of who we are and our stories. I hope people feel moved in some way, in whichever direction that may be. I also hope they feel like they’ve experienced something that uniquely Welsh, but also belongs to the world. 

  5. Are there any specific memories of being a member that stand out to you? 

Meeting other people, other young dancers that were on the same journey and trajectory as me at that age. Coming from quite a rural area I often didn’t know any other dancers on the residency and feeling slightly like an outsider because I wasn’t involved in other programmes like NDCWales Associates, Rubicon Dance, or County Youth in Swansea. However, these barriers are quickly broken down as you begin to bond during the creative process, and I’ve made friends for life for NYDW residencies. I still bump into fellow members out there in the industry and what we gained from NYDW has gotten us all to where we are today. 

  6. What advice would you give to dancers in the company who might one day want to make the same transition into the professional world? 

Take each opportunity as it comes. Apply yourself to the moment and what you can learn there and then. Don’t think too far ahead, if you make the best of what you have in the moment then your commitment, curiosity and craft carve your path for you from there onwards… and don’t forget to have fun with it! 

  7. How has being a member, associate and now a choreographer with NYDW supported your career?  

My early experiences of working with industry leading choregraphers through NYDW shaped and inspired me to become a maker and performer without a doubt. Being exposed to such rigorous training and to be guided by top tier creatives set an example of how to work successfully and respectfully.

——

National Youth Dance Wales will perform a new work by Welsh choreographer Osian Meilir as part of Ballet Cymru’s 40th birthday celebrations. 

Adfyw explores the profound connection between culture, nature, and our innate human needs to survive and belong. Rooted in the Welsh landscape and inspired by its many shifting micro-ecologies, the work imagines a world where the boundaries between human and natural environments are both dissolved and intertwined. 

The work forms part of BALLET CYMRU*40 Outstanding Dance Made in Newport, on 29 + 30 October. Tickets available here.

Creativity as Protection: Why Youth Arts Matter on World Mental Health Day

This World Mental Health Day, the global theme is Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change. At National Youth Arts Wales, we see this every time a young person steps into a rehearsal room, a community hall or a cathedral and is taken seriously as an artist, and as a person. 

Childhood in Wales  

The need remains urgent. Public Health Wales’s 2026 Health Needs Assessment estimates 135,500 children and young people aged 8 to 25 in Wales have a diagnosable mental health condition (that’s about one in six aged 8–10, one in five aged 11–16, and one in four aged 17–24). Emotional difficulties such as anxiety have risen most sharply. Girls and young people from the most deprived communities are disproportionately affected. 

A further Public Health Wales study, published this autumn, found that poor sleep, bullying, academic pressure, negative body image and a lack of support from teachers or friends are all linked to worse mental health and lower wellbeing. Young people themselves describe services that too often feel one-size-fits-all, particularly when mental health needs overlap with neurodivergence. 

None of this will surprise the teachers, youth workers and parents we meet across Wales. What should cut through, this year, is the other finding in that same Health Needs Assessment: alongside early relationships, community connection and physical activity, opportunities for creativity are named as a protective factor. 

The Evidence 

A World Health Organization review of more than 3,000 studies found that arts participation (music, drama, dance, visual arts) reduces depression, anxiety and stress while strengthening self-esteem and social connection. Research from UCL’s Social Biobehavioural Research Group shows that young people who take part regularly in the arts are at lower risk of depression in adolescence, and have higher self-esteem that carries into adult life. 

A NYAW residency member put it plainly after lockdown: “Being a member of NYAW was really valuable to my mental health… Returning to an in-person residency was an incredible experience, which definitely helped me regain a lot of the confidence that I had lost.” 

That is lived experience. It is also prevention. 

Prevention is an economic argument as well as a human one 

Poor mental health is already expensive. Public Health Wales notes that, even before the pandemic, mental health problems were estimated to cost the Welsh economy £4.8 billion a year — and those costs have risen since. Waiting until young people reach crisis is the costliest option available to us. 

The alternative is beginning to be quantified. Independent research led by health economists at Bangor University, commissioned by Arts Council of Wales, estimates that engagement with the arts delivers at least £588 million a year in health, wellbeing and productivity benefits across Wales. Investment in Arts Council of Wales’s multi-year funded organisations generates a return of £11.08 for every £1 in health, wellbeing and productivity terms. 

The youth figure is the one that should concentrate minds. The same analysis finds that if arts programmes reached just 5% of young people on NHS mental health pathways in Wales (including those referred to CAMHS) they could generate around £9.5 million a year in mental health and wellbeing benefits. That estimate is deliberately conservative, and is modelled on evaluated creative programmes already running in Wales. 

This is the prevention case in numbers. Creativity does not replace clinical care - but it can reduce the number of young people who need mental health support - and it returns value and joy to the Welsh economy while it does so. Culture, education and health budgets should be planned together for that reason. A pound spent early in a rehearsal room is worth more than a pound spent late in a waiting list. 

Creative Futures: taking the work to where it is needed most 

Last year we wrote about the Youth Arts Gap — the places in Wales where mental health need is highest and creative opportunity is thinnest. This year we have been working inside that gap. 

Our project Creative Futures was supported by Public Health Wales and funded through the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Innovation Fund. It provided free weekly workshops to young people aged 10–18 in six communities across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. With partners including Ballet Cymru and Gwent Music, participants wrote and produced songs, developed choreography, and practised the skills that sit underneath any performance: confidence, teamwork and leadership. The Health Impact Assessment we carried out was the first time this has ever been done on an arts project in Wales.

What NYAW is doing 

Each year, hundreds of young people from every local authority in Wales join the National Youth Orchestra, Choir, Brass Band, Theatre and Dance ensembles. They rehearse at intensity, perform on professional stages (this summer in Bangor, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea and Newport) and go home with lasting friendships. Programmes such as Momentwm are extending that offer locally, with free weekly dance sessions across Gwynedd, Conwy and Ynys Môn. We also deliver a range of pathways programmes, such as Cor Skills, Strings Attached, Folk and Jazz Discovery Days.  

Access is part of the mental health work. This year, 61% of our ensemble members — 166 of 272 young people — received bursary support. Ninety-five received a full bursary. Cost should never be the reason a young person misses the room in which they feel they belong. 

The arts are not a luxury. For many young people they are a lifeline: a source of confidence, a place to belong, and a way of being heard before crisis hits. 

Investing in Future Generations 

Young people in Wales are already telling us what helps: being with peers who want the same things; working with adults who expect them to be capable; and having somewhere regular to go that is not a clinic and not a classroom. 

That is not a substitute for CAMHS, counselling or the NEST/NYTH whole-system approach. It is part of the same picture. If creativity is a protective factor, then youth arts are public health infrastructure. The economic evidence now matches what young people have been telling us for years. They should be funded, planned and measured as such - across Education, Culture and Health - because prevention is cheaper, kinder and more effective than crisis. 

On this World Mental Health Day, we will keep advocating for the importance of youth arts. Every young person in Wales deserves the chance to create, connect and flourish. 

Evan Dawson, CEO, National Youth Arts Wales 

Bursaries Open the Door: Record number of young people throughout Wales took their place in the national ensembles this summer

NYCW 2026

This year, National Youth Arts Wales has again been able to say yes to young musicians, singers, actors and dancers who would otherwise have been unable to take up a place. 

Travel, residency fees and time away from home can put a national ensemble out of reach, even after a successful audition. NYAW’s bursary scheme exists so that household income is not what decides who gets to train and perform at the highest level. 

In 2026/27, a record £142,514 was awarded in bursary support. 230 of 355 members (65%) received help. That was up from £81,627 the previous year, awarded to 166 members from a total of 272. 

Support can cover up to 100% of residency fees. Those most in need can also receive help with travel and other costs. Automatic fee waivers remain in place for young people in households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or a full Welsh Government Learning Grant, and for young carers, care-experienced members and those seeking asylum. Audition fees are also waived in full where they would be a barrier. 

"Regarding the bursary it made a massive difference to my overall experience of my first time as a national youth theatre Wales member. I’ll be honest, when I first auditioned, I didn’t know enough about the costs and how much we would have to pay to be a part of the programme, however once I knew about the bursary a big weight was lifted of my shoulder.”  
- National Youth Theatre Wales Member 

A parent of a National Youth Arts Wales member said: "The bursary process was straight forward to apply for and promptly processed.”  

That work is only possible because of our funders. 

We are deeply grateful to the Leverhulme Trust, whose Art Scholarship grant has allowed NYAW to grow the bursary programme, including 100% fee support for younger members from lower-income households and extra help with travel and expenses. The Leverhulme bursary sits alongside NYAW’s own income-assessed awards - members do not have to choose which scheme to apply for. 

We also thank the Garfield Weston Foundation for its award of core support during the past year. That grant helps safeguard Wales’s five national youth ensembles and NYAW’s wider work across the country. 

The bursary fund is supported each year as well by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, the Bluefields Trust, the Friends of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and individuals who give regularly.

NYAW’s aim remains simple: no young person offered a place should have to turn it down for financial reasons. Talent, commitment and generosity should be all that matter. 

If you would like to help another young person take up their place, please visit nyaw.org.uk/donate or contact nyaw@nyaw.org.uk

Perform for Wales: Auditions open for Wales’s 2027 youth music ensembles

Young musicians aged 16 to 22 have until 11 October to apply for the National Youth Orchestra, Choir and Brass Band of Wales 2027 

If you want to perform at some of the best concert halls in the country, alongside the best young musicians in the country, now's your chance. National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has opened auditions for its three flagship music ensembles for 2027: the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW), the National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW). 

Orchestra members will be working towards a major symphony under maestro Carlo Rizzi, an internationally renowned conductor whose career has taken him to La Scala in Italy and The Met in New York. Carlo has a long-standing relationship with NYOW and Senior Producer, Matthew Jones, says: "Once again, it will be an experience not to miss!" 

NYOW (2026)

NYOW musicians will be coached by a team of first-class tutors, starting with pre-residency rehearsals on 20 and 21 March 2027. The summer residency runs from 20 July to 1 August, ending with a four-night tour: Prichard Jones Hall in Bangor on 29 July, UWTSD in Lampeter on 30 July, St Davids Cathedral on 31 July and finishing at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on 1 August. 

Singers joining NYCW will become part of a choir known for energetic performances of a wide range of music, from classical repertoire and brand-new commissions to music theatre and arrangements of pop songs. The Choir will once again be led by Tim Rhys-Evans, who has conducted NYCW since 2018 and is a former member himself. An internationally renowned choral conductor and vocal specialist, he has led the Choir from strength to strength for almost a decade. 

Choir members will meet for pre-residency rehearsals on 24 and 25 March 2027, before a summer residency at Bangor University from 17 to 27 August. The residency ends with a three-night concert tour: St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire on 25 August, St Davids Cathedral in West Wales on 26 August and Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on 27 August. 

Brass musicians also have an exciting summer ahead with Margaret Antrobus conducting NYBBW for the first time. A conductor, teacher and baritone player active across the UK and Norway, she conducted the European Youth Brass Band in 2025 and has judged major contests including the 2026 European Championships. The band can expect a mix of brass band standards, demanding test pieces and concert favourites, with repertoire to be announced soon. 

NYBBW members will meet for pre-residency rehearsals on 23 and 24 March 2027, before a summer residency from 14 to 22 August. The residency ends with a three-night concert tour: Great Hall, Swansea, on 20 August, Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 21 August and Prichard Jones Hall, Bangor, on 22 August.

NYBBW (2025)

Who can apply? 

Applicants should be aged between 16 and 22 on 31 August 2027, which means you can audition at 15 if you'll turn 16 by then. You must have been born in Wales, live in Wales, or be studying full-time in Wales. Instrumentalists should normally be around Grade 8 standard, though you don't need to have passed the exam. 

What's the audition like? 

NYAW runs its auditions as friendly, supportive workshops. You'll have time in a warm-up room before meeting a panel of two or three people. Expect to perform pieces of your choice, some scales and, in most cases, these are short, prepared extracts. Audition packs with instrument-specific guidance are available on the ensemble audition pages.

Auditions take place across Wales from 18 November to 6 December. Orchestra and Brass Band applicants can also submit a video audition by 22 November. Results will be sent out during the week of 14 December. 

What does it cost? 

The audition fee is £30, but free auditions are available to anyone who can't afford it; just tick the fee waiver box on the form with no questions asked. 

Applications close 11 October 2026. Head to nyaw.org.uk/auditions to apply – and in 2027, you could perform for Wales! 

Congratulations 2026 National Youth Orchestra and Brass Band of Wales Prize Winners

Each year on our residencies, we celebrate our musicians who display the most promise and dedication. The recipients of each award is decided by the sectional tutors during the residencies.  

National Youth Arts Wales would like to express its gratitude to those who have donated money for the creation of these awards. 
 

National Youth Brass Band of Wales 

• The John Childs Memorial Trophy 

Awarded to the most promising player at this year’s residency 

Matthew Slade 

• The David Mabey Prize 

Awarded to the most improved player on the residency 

Iestyn Seiriol 
 

• The Principal Cornet Trophy 

In Memory of Tony Small 
 
Stephanie Jonas 

National Youth Orchestra of Wales 

• The Haydn Davies Award 

Awarded to the most promising player still in education 

Ethan Pawley 

• The Irwyn Walters (Friends of NYOW) Awards 

Awarded to the two most promising string players at this year’s residency 
 
Sarah Derrick and Susannah Rance 
 

• The Wil Jones Prize 

Awarded to the most promising woodwind player at this year’s residency 

Rita Feditsa 

• The Goronwy Evans Award 

Awarded to the most promising brass players at this year’s residency 

Dylan Savage and Sean Linton 
 

• The Tony Moore Harp Prize 

Awarded to the most promising harpists at this year’s residency 
 
Isobel Hill & Heledd Wynn-Newton 
 

• The Tony Moore Percussion Prize 

Awarded to the most promising percussionist at this year’s residency 

Josh Gurner 

• The Welfare Team Prize 

For overall contribution to the Orchestra 

Rhys Ferguson & Carys Williams

Inaugural David Jackson Award presented at National Youth Choir of Wales concert

The inaugural David Jackson Award was presented at the National Youth Choir of Wales’s final concert of the 2026 tour on 21 August, at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea. 

The award has been created in memory of David Jackson, Chair of National Youth Arts Wales from October 2017 until summer 2025, when he stepped down because of illness. He died on 17 October 2025. 

During his time as Chair, David led the organisation through its formative years. He first focused on the leadership of the five National Youth Ensembles of Wales, then helped broaden NYAW’s remit to other art forms. He championed high-quality, collective creativity for all young people and was determined that nobody should be left behind, particularly because of disability or financial hardship. Thousands of young people across Wales have taken part in NYAW projects, ensembles and performances as a result. 

Before he died, NYAW agreed with David that a new annual award would be established in his name to celebrate the most promising singer in the National Youth Choir of Wales. At his suggestion, the award recognises the most “promising and generous” singer of the year, as selected by the choir’s conductor and tutors. 

The winner receives a cash prize and the opportunity to give a solo recital at next year’s final choir concert. 

This year’s inaugural award was presented to James Oakley. 

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

National Youth Choir of Wales’s Conductor, Tim Rhys-Evans, said: "I am delighted that this year's David Jackson Award has gone to James Oakley, a chorister who not only has been a loyal and committed member of NYCW for many years, but one who embodies the generosity that was such a central part of who David was, and why he chose that particular word for the criteria of the Award that bears his name. James has been Tenor Section Leader on the Nash for the last two years of his time with the choir and is always looking out for his fellow tenors. He greets every challenge with positivity and a great big smile... something that I know will be an important quality in his chosen career in Musical Theatre. James is deeply passionate about singing and possesses a fine voice, and a refined sensitivity for Musical Theatre performance. I'm sorry that James's time in Nash has come to an end but am grateful for all he has given to the choir. I wish him every success for the future.” 

National Youth Arts Wales intends the David Jackson Award to become an annual highlight of the National Youth Choir of Wales season. If you would like to make a donation to support this work, please visit https://www.nyaw.org.uk/donate.

National Youth Arts Wales caps its Summer 2026 Season on a High Note

This summer 355 young people from across Wales came together to train, create, rehearse and perform. Across 8 residencies, there were 19 performances and 2 public sharings - bringing Wales’s most talented young performers to packed audiences from Bangor to St David’s, Swansea to Edinburgh.

The National Youth Orchestra of Wales celebrated its 80th year with 101 young musicians performing at Prichard-Jones Hall, St Davids Cathedral and Brangwyn Hall, with the concerts also recorded for broadcast by BBC Radio 3. The National Youth Choir of Wales brought together 81 singers for performances at St Asaph Cathedral, St Davids Cathedral and Brangwyn Hall, while the National Youth Brass Band of Wales toured with 57 young musicians, performing in Bangor, St David’s and Newport. 

National Youth Dance Wales headed to the Edinburgh Fringe alongside National Youth Dance Scotland to form Celtic Collective, performing 9 sold-out shows and receiving five-star reviews. Back in Cardiff, 20 dancers began work with choreographer Osian Meilir on a new piece which will be performed this autumn. We also welcomed 16 boys aged 8-16 to our Boys Dance Day 2026 in partnership with Ballet Cymru and National Dance Company Wales.

For the National Youth Theatre of Wales, this summer marked the beginning of its 50th year, with 24 young actors working in Aberystwyth with director Hannah Noone and writer Bethan Marlow to devise brand new work. New scenes and songs were shared at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama as the first stage of work which is now being developed towards a new production in 2027. Alongside this, 24 participants took part in our Professional Pathways programme, exploring different aspects of theatre, screen and backstage work. The 50th anniversary has also given us the opportunity to reconnect with those who have been part of NYTW over the past 5 decades, with alumni already reconnecting with us and sharing photographs, programmes, archive material and memories. 

We rounded off the summer with the second National Youth Jazz Wales summer school, bringing together 45 young musicians from across Wales to work with some of the country’s leading jazz musicians at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. 

As part of the summer programme we also launched Play Your Part, our public giving campaign inviting audiences, families, alumni and supporters to help make sure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to young people taking part in National Youth Arts Wales opportunities. The support we receive through this campaign is vital to helping us continue to offer these opportunities in the future. If you have already supported the campaign, thank you. If you haven’t yet, you can still Play Your Part by making a donation and helping us reach more young people across Wales. 

The scale of the summer is important, but what stays with us most is the young people themselves - their commitment, creativity and the way they have supported each other. Across the summer they have made new friendships, gained confidence, worked with professional artists and tutors and experienced what it means to be part of a creative community. 

There is already plenty more to come, with new productions, performances and creative opportunities taking shape over the coming months. Auditions for next year’s National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles are now open - closing 11 October - and we look forward to welcoming the next group of young people and seeing where their creativity takes them. 

Thank you to all our funders, partners, tutors, professional artists, staff and welfare teams who have helped make this summer possible and to the audiences, families, alumni and supporters who have been part of it. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved summer 2026 and look forward to what’s coming up next. 

[Photos by Evan Dawson, Kirsten McTernan, Ken Grant and Y-Dance]

Five-Star Success for National Youth Dance Wales at Edinburgh Fringe

Celtic Collective earns outstanding reviews as young dancers from Wales and Scotland unite to showcase the future of dance in 9 sold out performances.

National Youth Dance Wales has received five-star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for Celtic Collective, it’s exciting collaboration with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. 

NYDW were invited by NYDCS to share a double bill presented by YDance at Assembly at Dance Base, bringing together the two national youth dance companies for a dynamic double bill celebrating emerging talent, ambitious choreography and the creative possibilities of collaboration between Wales and Scotland. 

The response from Fringe critics has been unequivocally strong. Fringe Review awarded Celtic Collective five stars, recognising the quality and ambition of the work and the exceptional young performers at its heart. 

The production was also reviewed by The Morning Star, with dance critic Matthew Hawkins including Celtic Collective in his Edinburgh Fringe round-up, A day of dance, published on 10 August. The review considered eight dance productions presented at the festival, highlighting the breadth and quality of contemporary dance being performed in Edinburgh. Hawkins gave National Youth Dance Wales a 5 star, commenting the dancers’ performance was “passionate and voluminous”.

“They thrill with exactitude whilst playing right to the edge of it all falling apart”

Celtic Collective brought together two distinct works: National Youth Dance Wales' Momentum – Undone, choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, and Afterglow, choreographed by Tess Letham for National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. 

Celtic Collective 2026

The result was a meeting of two young ensembles that demonstrated both the individuality of their artistic voices and the extraordinary potential that comes from working together. 

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival describes the production as combining “distinct cultural influences with cutting-edge contemporary dance”, with vibrant ensemble movement, intimate duets and emerging performers pushing their technique, artistry and imagination to new heights. The review also describes the young performers as “rising stars” offering audiences a glimpse of what dance in the UK can become. 

For National Youth Dance Wales, the Edinburgh performance represented an important opportunity to put young Welsh dancers on one of the world's biggest stages. 

But Celtic Collective was about much more than a prestigious performance opportunity. It was about partnership. It was about young dancers from Wales and Scotland working alongside one another, sharing ideas and experiences, challenging themselves creatively and discovering what they can achieve when they are given the opportunity to work at a professional level. 

The collaboration also offered a powerful statement about the future of dance. 

These dancers are not simply the next generation of performers — they are potential choreographers, teachers, artistic directors and creative leaders. 

Their experience at Edinburgh gives them the confidence to take their next steps, while demonstrating to audiences and the wider dance sector just how much talent exists within youth dance across Wales and Scotland. The critical response reflects that promise. 

Earlier reviews of Celtic Collective have praised the dancers' “intensity and control”, while Plays To See described the production as “a vibrant presentation of dance from the youth companies of Wales and Scotland” and called it “a promising showcase of where Celtic dance might be heading to.” 

The Reviews Hub awarded the production four stars concluding that “Dance in these Celtic nations clearly has a bright future.” 

For the young dancers of National Youth Dance Wales, that future is not some distant idea. It is already beginning. 

“I never thought performing in Edinburgh would be possible for me, but NYAW made that dream a reality. With their support and encouragement, I was given an opportunity I never imagined I would have. I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in me and the other dancers and helped make this experience happen. Performing in Edinburgh is something I’ll never forget, and it has shown me that with the right support, dreams really can come true.” - Tabitha, from Swansea  

From rehearsal studios in Wales to the international stage of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, these young artists are demonstrating the discipline, imagination and ambition needed to take contemporary dance forward. 

Celtic Collective has shown what can happen when young artists are given the opportunity to collaborate across borders, work with leading choreographers and perform ambitious contemporary work in front of new audiences. 

And with a five-star Fringe Review now among the accolades for the production, the message from Edinburgh is clear: Welsh youth dance has arrived — and the future is looking very bright.  

National Youth Jazz Wales returns to Cardiff this August

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is excited to announce National Youth Jazz Wales will return this summer for a 4-day residency, taking place 25–28 August at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. 

Open to young musicians aged 14+, the residency offers a fun-filled week of playing, learning and making music together, working alongside an excellent team of tutors including Huw Warren, Andrew Bain, Paula Gardiner, Tomos Williams and Joe Northwood. 

The course is not suitable for complete beginners – as a guide, participants should be around Grade 3 standard or above – but the most important thing is a passion for jazz and a willingness to learn, play and collaborate with other young musicians from across Wales. 

Angharad Jenkins, Folk and Jazz Producer at National Youth Arts Wales said: “We can’t wait to welcome young jazz musicians from across Wales to Cardiff this summer. It’s a joyful, collaborative week, and a brilliant chance to play alongside some of the country’s leading jazz educators.”

Head of Jazz at RWCMD, Andrew Bain, said: “It is such great news to announce the return of the National Youth Jazz Wales Summer School. We have a fantastic course planned with some of the finest jazz musicians in Wales, ready to teach the next generation of young, Welsh talent. I can't wait to get going!”

The week builds towards a sharing event in the RWCMD foyer on the Friday afternoon, where parents, friends and family are warmly invited to join in and celebrate the week’s music-making before everyone heads home. 

The 4-day residency costs £400, which includes tuition, three nights’ accommodation and meals. Bursaries are available for those who need financial assistance, and anyone travelling from further afield who needs accommodation on the Monday evening is encouraged to get in touch. 

National Youth Jazz Wales is an ambitious partnership between National Youth Arts Wales, National Music Services Wales and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, supported by the Arts Council of Wales, building a new development programme to inspire and support young jazz musicians throughout Wales. 

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. 

To book your place, visit: www.nyaw.org.uk/whats-on/national-youth-jazz-wales-summer-residency-1

National Youth Dance Wales Heads to Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August

We are thrilled to announce that National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) will be performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer, joining forces with the National Youth Dance Company of Scotland (NYDCS) for a bold double bill of contemporary dance. 

Celtic Collective, presented by YDance and National Youth Arts Wales, runs at Assembly @ Dance Base from 7–16 August 2026, with daily performances at 4:05pm.

Having celebrated their 25th Anniversary in 2025, performing at the world's largest arts festival is a remarkable milestone for NYDW, taking the creative energy of some of Wales' most promising young dancers to an international audience. 

NYDW will perform Momentum – Undone, by the Choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis drawing on a powerful collection of music including pieces by James Blake, Jacob Collier, Tchaikovsky, and Ólafur Arnalds. The piece is a reminder that the journey is never truly finished, asking "Once we find true direction, what happens next?" 

Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales, said: "Momentum – Undone is a powerful reflection on resilience, transformation, and the constant motion of becoming. National Youth Dance Wales continues to create space for young artists to explore ambitious ideas with honesty, courage, and extraordinary energy." 

"As a young dancer from Wales, being given the opportunity to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe is an incredible honour. It's a chance to share my passion on stage, learn from so many talented performers, and represent Wales with pride. I'm excited to embrace every moment of this amazing experience" - NYDW Dancer 

Sharing the stage, NYDCS will perform Afterglow, choreographed by Tess Letham - a work that moves through searching, faltering, and ultimately surrendering to collective joy. Together, the two pieces celebrate the very best of what the next generation of dancers from both Wales and Scotland have to offer. 

YDance Director, Anna Kendrick, says: "YDance are thrilled to be presenting Celtic collective at the 2026 Fringe. This collaboration between National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and the National Youth Dance Company of Wales celebrates the blending of two distinct cultural influences, and the creation of a powerful, cutting-edge double bill. I'm so excited to see these young performers come together to push themselves, share techniques, develop their artistry - and to inspire the next generation of contemporary dancers."

We hope you'll join us in Edinburgh this August and experience first-hand the passion, precision and ambition of Wales' exciting young dancers. 

Tickets start from £14.25 and the 60-minute show is recommended for ages 12 and over.

Tickets are available via the Edinburgh Festival Fringe website.

From Welsh Stages to Hollywood Screens: Ruth Jones Leads Celebrations as National Youth Theatre of Wales Turns 50

The National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) is launching a year-long anniversary campaign celebrating fifty years of ambitious theatre-making, creativity and opportunity for young people across Wales.

NYTW50: Reconnect. Celebrate. Shape the Future. will bring together generations of former members, current participants, supporters and audiences to celebrate the productions, people and stories that have shaped the organisation since its beginnings.

Launching the campaign is acclaimed writer, actor and producer Ruth Jones, one of NYTW's most celebrated alumni, who is inviting former members from every decade to reconnect with the organisation and share their memories, photographs and stories.

Ruth Jones, NYTW Alumni and Campaign Ambassador, said:

"For over 50 years, the National Youth Theatre of Wales has been a place where journeys begin. It's where so many of us first found our place in theatre, whether that was on stage, backstage, in the rehearsal room, in the director's chair, or shaping the work from behind the scenes.

"NYTW didn't just teach us skills. It set a standard—a belief in excellence, professionalism and ambition—and the confidence to meet it. It gave us community and helped us understand what kind of theatre professional we wanted to be.

"Now, NYTW is inviting us, its alumni, to be part of what happens next. To reconnect with old friends and collaborators, to celebrate the experiences that shaped us and, if we're able, to help open those same doors for the next generation of Welsh theatre makers—on stage, behind the scenes and everywhere across theatre."

Ruth Jones by Jordan Sheehy Videography

For over fifty years, NYTW has created ambitious productions, nurtured young talent and provided opportunities for young people to perform, collaborate and develop their creative skills. Many former members have gone on to successful careers across theatre, television, film and the wider creative industries, while countless others have carried their NYTW experiences into every area of life.

From mounting bold reinterpretations of classic works to championing entirely original new productions, NYTW has created unforgettable art that has fundamentally become part of the story of Welsh theatre.

Beyond the technical skills learned, these milestone productions are remembered for the lifelong friendships formed, the immense confidence gained and the creative possibilities they unlocked for thousands of young people.

A Pipeline of Global Talent

Look at the credits of the UK's biggest cultural exports and you will find NYTW's DNA. The organisation's alumni roster features the likes of:

• Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason)

• Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Anthony)

• Michael Sheen (Good Omens, Frost/Nixon)

• Morfydd Clark (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power)

• Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, It's a Sin)

Beyond the household names on screen, NYTW has helped shape the wider theatre industry in Wales and beyond. Alumni include Manon Steffan Ros , the Welsh novelist, playwright and broadcaster and Daniel Evans, Co-Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, alongside directors, producers, writers, designers, educators and arts leaders working across the BBC, S4C and major UK touring companies.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, NYTW is launching a nationwide call-out for alumni stories, production memories, photographs, programmes and archive material, helping to create a living record of five decades of theatre-making in Wales.

Throughout the year, the campaign will share alumni stories, celebrate landmark productions and create opportunities for former members and current participants to connect, share experiences and celebrate their contribution to Welsh cultural life.

The anniversary programme will culminate in a major celebration event later in the year and a future-focused performance project in Summer 2027.

The campaign will also launch the Cylch Alumni Circle, a new alumni network designed to strengthen connections between past and present members, alongside the Play Your Part: 50 More Years Fund, helping to support the future of theatre in Wales.

Megan Childs, Head of Theatre and National Youth Theatre of Wales Producer, said:

"NYTW has always been about bringing exceptional young people together to create ambitious theatre. For fifty years we've told extraordinary stories on stages across Wales while helping generations of young people discover their creative voice. As we celebrate this milestone, we're looking ahead with the same ambition: to create space for even more stories to be told, more voices to be heard and more young people, from every background and every part of Wales, to discover that they belong on our stages. That's the future we're celebrating and the future we're building together."

Former members, supporters and friends of NYTW are invited to reconnect and become part of the anniversary celebrations by sharing their stories, memories and photographs, and by joining the growing NYTW alumni community. Follow @nationalyouththeatrewales and @nationalyouthartswales on Instagram and visit the National Youth Arts Wales website https://www.nyaw.org.uk/nytw-50 for campaign updates, anniversary events and ways to get involved. Whether you performed on stage, worked behind the scenes or supported the company in any way, NYTW wants to hear your story.

National Youth Theatre of Wales Commissions Playwright Bethan Marlow for 50th Anniversary Production

We’re excited to announce National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) has begun work on a bold, bilingual, semi-verbatim work by acclaimed playwright Bethan Marlow that has the voices, stories and ambitions of Wales's next generation at its heart.  

This 50-year milestone comes at a moment of renewed focus on the kind of Wales we want to build and how young people want their stories to be told. To mark this, 25 of Wales's most promising young performers will collaborate this summer with Bethan to develop an ambitious new music filled state-of-the-nation production set to tour Welsh stages in 2027. 

Working alongside the ensemble members and Bethan this summer will be director Hannah Noone and a wider creative team who this year will present an exclusive preview of this work in progress featuring a selection of scenes and musical numbers at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on the 30th of July 2026.  

The work has already started with a series of online workshops held over the past months where the NYTW members and Bethan have got to know each other and collaborated to shape this work and its identity.   

Originally from North Wales, Bethan is known as a writer that creates fictional worlds with real voices working with and within easy to ignore communities in our society. Scripts that seep of queer joy, gut-punching drama and authenticity. 

Bethan’s work spans theatre, film and television with the acclaimed work Nyrsys (Theatr Cymru) and the coming-of-age classic Cysgu’n brysur, both testament to their unique approach that finds the extraordinary and joy in the everyday through stories that connect with audiences from all ages and backgrounds.   

Bethan Marlow says: "To have the opportunity to work with young people in Wales, to write a piece of theatre in response to their thoughts and feelings about today's world, is an absolute privilege. I never get tired of working with real-life voices and hearing what makes them tick. I'm excited to see what we can create together."

Megan Childs, Head of Theatre at NYAW, says:

“Having had the pleasure of sitting in on the online workshops all I can say is If what comes next is half as prolific creatively and as collaboratively generous then this is shaping up to be something very special for participants and audiences alike.”

Come and see the work

For a special glimpse of the work by National Youth Theatre of Wales 2026, a limited ticketed sharing performance will be held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday 30th July at 7pm.  

Book your tickets now

Photo: Bethan Marlow by Kristina Banholzer 

Creative Futures: Transforming Young Lives Through Arts

"Before Creative Futures, I wouldn't have had the confidence to do anything like that. Seeing myself on screen dancing and singing made me realise what I'm capable of." 

 The Creative Futures project was a dynamic, collaborative arts programme led by National Youth Arts Wales. Delivered in partnership with Gwent Music Service, Ballet Cymru, Public Health Wales and local services, it explored whether creative opportunities can have significant impacts for young people facing the challenges of poverty. 

Reaching Those Who Need It Most 

Funded through the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Innovation Fund, Creative Futures supported 233 young people aged 10–18 across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Over the course of 6 months, the programme delivered 61 workshops across 9 locations, employing 13 freelance practitioners. It reached young people in schools, youth clubs, community venues and beyond, extending its reach further with a 5-week programme in Merthyr Tydfil and Discovery Dance sessions in Mold - proving there is an appetite for high-quality creative experiences in communities across South Wales. 

Recognising barriers such as transport, cost, confidence and competing commitments, the team adapted quickly from a traditional weekly community model to a more flexible, responsive delivery: 

• School-based sessions 

• Youth club partnerships 

• Creative Futures Experience Days at Ballet Cymru 

• One-off workshops and intensive experiences  

By taking creative opportunities directly to young people and providing free access (including food and transport support), the programme aimed to remove traditional obstacles to participation. 

Creative Skills, Confidence & Career Aspirations 

Participants immersed themselves in music production, DJing, beatboxing, dance (including breakdancing), songwriting, instrumental learning and filmmaking. Working alongside industry professionals – including artists from The Voice – proved transformative. 

Young people shared: 

• "I was blown away we were in the same room as someone from The Voice, and he was teaching us." 

• "Creative Futures has helped me with confidence playing guitar." 

• "It made me think I could do that."  

Many reported significant confidence gains, with one participant moving from a self-rated 4 to an 8 after performing on stage. Others discovered new skills in drumming, choreography, filming and teamwork, while gaining real insight into creative career pathways. 

Wellbeing and Social Connections 

Wellbeing was woven throughout the programme through mindfulness, music, movement and reflective activities. For many, Creative Futures became a vital anchor: 

• "If I wasn’t doing Creative Futures I’d be laying in bed." 

• "I’d be doing nothing if I wasn’t here, oh wait, I’d go on my Xbox..." 

The project fostered new friendships, reduced isolation and created safe, inclusive spaces. Participants particularly valued the social aspect:  

"The best thing about Creative Futures is getting to meet new people and the amount of activity we do." 

A landmark achievement of the project was the completion of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) – the first time an arts organisation in Wales has undertaken this formal process. Conducted in partnership with Public Health Wales, the Welsh Health Impact Assessment Support Unit and Aneurin Bevan Health Board, the HIA provided robust evidence of the programme’s positive effects on participants’ physical, mental and social wellbeing. This pioneering approach strengthens the case for arts as a powerful tool for public health and community development. 

Abigail Malcom, Senior Public Health Practitioner (Policy and Impact Assessment) at Public Health Wales, who partnered with National Youth Arts Wales on the programme said:   “The Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU) at Public Health Wales provided advisory support to National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) to deliver a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of their Creative Futures programme. The HIA helped to highlight how the project was likely to impact the health and wellbeing of young people living in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. By considering a wide range of impacts, the HIA identified opportunities to maximise positive health outcomes and mitigate against potential unintended consequences.  

The HIA made a number of recommendations, including emphasising the importance of using inclusive and accessible language throughout the project to challenge perceptions and encourage wider participation. Consideration of these recommendations will help inform future delivery and strengthen the programme’s capacity to support positive health, wellbeing and life‑course outcomes for young people across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.”  

Stronger Communities Through Partnership 

Creative Futures exemplifies the power of collaboration. National Youth Arts Wales worked closely with Gwent Music Service, Ballet Cymru, Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, local schools and youth services. Together, they co-designed solutions that delivered responsive, high-impact provision while breaking down barriers to the arts. Theatre trips to the Wales Millennium Centre and The Riverfront, alongside studio days at Ballet Cymru, opened up cultural experiences many participants had never accessed before. 

Creative Futures’ Project Manager, Bruna Garcia, said: “It has been a real blessing to work on Creative Futures and to meet so many amazing young people. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to give them the opportunity to explore their creativity through dance and music. The project offered more than just workshop, it created a safe and supportive space where young people could try new things, develop their talents, and build meaningful social connections with their peers. 

It has been truly rewarding to witness their growth and see how far they have come over the course of the project. For many, it has inspired them to get creative and pursue their passions in the arts. This project has been invaluable not only for the young people involved, but also for National Youth Arts Wales, allowing us to expand our reach and introduce more young people to the organisation and its opportunities.” 

Learning for the Future 

While the programme was overwhelmingly positive, honest feedback highlighted areas for development – such as offering more choice in wellbeing activities and managing noise levels in music sessions. These insights, along with the clear risk of losing momentum when projects end, will shape future work. 

Why This Matters 

“Creative Futures was more than a series of workshops. It is proof that when we invest in creative opportunities for young people affected by poverty, we see measurable gains in confidence, skills, wellbeing, aspiration and social connection. In the words of participants, without these opportunities many would have remained disengaged, isolated or "getting into trouble." With them, they became performers, filmmakers, musicians, confident young people ready to step into the world.” - Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance, National Youth Arts Wales 

“National Youth Arts Wales believes every young person in Wales deserves access to transformative creative experiences. Projects like Creative Futures demonstrate the powerful role arts organisations can play in tackling child poverty, supporting mental health and building stronger, more creative communities. We urge funders, policymakers and partners to continue investing in youth arts provision that is flexible, inclusive and deeply connected to local needs.”  - Evan Dawson, CEO, National Youth Arts Wales 

For more information about the project and the work done throughout Wales by National Youth Arts Wales, please contact nyaw@nyaw.org.uk or visit our website www.nyaw.org.uk 

National Youth Dance Wales announce 2026 company led by Welsh Choreographer Osian Meilir

Following a rigorous audition process after seeing it’s highest ever membership applications this year, National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW)’s 2026 cohort met for the first time last week at the University of South Wales, Cardiff.  

The NYDW 2026 Members Discovery Day was a chance for the young dancers aged 16-22 to meet their fellow performers from all across Wales, take part in pre residency preparation sessions and an official company photoshoot - capturing the start of what promises to be a memorable, transformative experience. 

“To be a member of National Youth Dance Wales is definitely a huge privilege and an incredible opportunity, especially seeing their past pieces that they’ve made.” - Isabella, aged 17 - NYDW 2026 Member 

“Being a part of National Youth Dance Wales opens up a lot of opportunities for me and allows me to work with amazing choreographers” - Baz, aged 16 - NYDW 2026 Member 

“Being a National Youth Dance Wales member is really important to me as I get to connect with lots of dancers from across Wales and collaborate with choreographers” - Tabitha, aged 22 – NYDW 2026 Member 

The talented and eager young dancers – 9 of whom are returning members – had the chance to meet the National Youth Arts Wales team and learn more about what’s involved in a NYDW summer residency, where the dancers will come together for an intensive two-weeks to train, collaborate and create. 

Packed with daily technique classes and creative workshops led by an exciting and diverse range of professional dance artists, the summer residency is a chance for the dancers to explore different dance techniques and grow as a versatile performer while gaining insight into the wider dance industry. 

Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales said: "I'm so energised by this year's ensemble. It’s exciting to see many returning faces alongside a wealth of new talent. Together, they bring a wonderful mix of familiar and fresh faces to NYDW. These dancers all bring something unique, and we can’t wait to see them at work this summer!" 

A key highlight of the residency will be the creation of a brand-new work with our 2026 guest choreographer, Osian Meilir. The NYDW 2026 members will be part of the full creative process, from initial ideas to performance, working closely with Osian to develop a piece that reflects their collective talent, individuality, and voices. 

NYDW 2026 Guest Choreographer, Osian Meilir, says: "I'm very excited to be creating with NYDW this year. Being a former member of the company myself, I know how important and informative those years of training were in my development as a young dancer. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with the incredible young dancers of Wales and to be back as part of the NYDW family."

For NYDW’s 2026 cohort, Osian will lead a creative collaboration, guiding this year's exceptional group of dancers through an exciting journey of creation and performance. Under his direction, the dancers will explore new movement languages, deepen their artistic identity and work together to create bold, original work that will be premiered both on stage and on film, set against some of Wales’ most inspiring landscapes. 

National Youth Dance Wales will perform alongside the outstanding Ballet Cymru at The Riverfront, Newport, this October. Ticket information will be announced soon. 

Sign up to NYAW monthly news and opportunities newsletter to keep up to date with the NYDW news.  

NYDW 2026. Photo by: Kirsten McTernan.

National Youth Theatre of Wales 2026 Members Announced

We're excited to reveal the National Youth Theatre of Wales 2026 Membership! 

Exceptional young performers from every corner of Wales and beyond, all sharing a creative drive that embodies the ambition and spirit of NYTW.  

This talented group of returning members and new faces will work with us across our Ensemble and Profession al Pathways programmes, taking part in exceptional skills and theatre-making residencies and be at the heart of developing NYTW's landmark 50th anniversary production. 

“What our audition tour of Wales revealed earlier this year is that Wales’s cultural and creative future is in safe and exciting hands. These 50 young people all bring an extraordinary appetitive to grow their practice and share their talent as members of Wales’s National Youth Theatre.  I can’t wait to get in the room with them alongside our industry professional teams and partners to celebrate NYTW turning 50 and shape the vision for the next 50!” - Megan Childs, Producer and Head of Theatre at National Youth Arts Wales

Keep your eyes peeled for creative team announcements soon...

National Youth Arts Wales Members Celebrate Success at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our members at Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026. Across music and drama performance competitions, our members secured an impressive number of first, second and third-place awards, demonstrating the exceptional skill, creativity and dedication of young musicians and performers from across Wales.  

Congratulations to all members who competed and represented their communities with distinction! 
 

Eisteddfod yr Urdd Ynys Môn 2026 winners - NYAW members: 
 

National Youth Brass Band of Wales members  

• Brass Solo – Under 19s: 1st - Gruffydd Siôn, 2nd - Iestyn Seiriol, and 3rd - Meilir Tudur Davies  

• Guitar Solo - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 1st - Meilir Tudur Davies 

• Percussion Solo - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 2nd – Catrin-Alaw Gwilliam  
   

National Youth Choir of Wales members 

• Sir Bryn Terfel Award - Solo, 19-25 year olds: 2nd - Leisa Mair Lloyd-Edwards 

• S/A - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 1st – Mared Eos Phillips, 2nd - Celyn Richards, and 3rd - Beca Hogg 

• Folk Song Solo - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 2nd - Celyn Richards 

• Cerdd Dant Solo - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 1st – Gwenno Beech, 2nd - Celyn Richards, and 3rd - Ela Mablen Griffith-Jones 

• Individual Recitation - Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 1st - Gwenno Beech 

• Performance of a Musical Song Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 2nd - Mared Eos Phillips 
   

Heledd Wyn Newton. Photo: Kirsten McTernan

National Youth Orchestra of Wales members

• Main Composer: 1st - Heledd Wyn Newton  

• Rakhi Singh Award - Instrumental, 19-25 year olds: 2nd - Carwyn Lloyd 

• Woodwind Solo Yrs.10 and under 19 years old: 1st – Owen Frohawk, and 3rd - Alys Lavery 

• String Solo (with the exception of guitar) - Yrs. 10 and under 19 years old: 1st - Tanwen Lloyd  

National Youth Theatre of Wales members

• The Drama Medal: Glain Llwyd

• Matthew Rhys Award - monologue, 19-25 year olds: 1st - Jona Milone 

• Performance of a Musical Song 19-25 years old: 3rd - Miriam Llwyd Davies  
  
  

National Youth Arts Wales is incredibly proud of every member who took part in this year’s festival. Their success reflects not only their talent and commitment, but also the strength of youth arts provision across Wales. Congratulations! 

National Youth Arts Wales announces Momentwm dance development programme

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is delighted to announce new funding support from Arts Council Wales for the development and launch of Momentwm, a youth dance development programme designed to strengthen high-quality dance provision for young people in Wales.  

The programme will provide consistent weekly training opportunities, offering sessions that create space for technical development, creativity, reflection and wellbeing. Momentwm aims to address gaps in regional provision while nurturing the next generation of dancers in an inclusive and supportive environment.  

Alongside the weekly programme, a series of events will be delivered across Wales to celebrate youth dance and bring the sector together through discussion, exchange and shared creative experiences. 

“Momentwm is about creating opportunities for young people to grow technically, artistically and personally through dance,” said Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales.

“We want young people across Wales to feel connected, supported and inspired, with access to regular, high-quality training and creative experiences that can have a lasting impact on their confidence, wellbeing and future ambitions. This funding allows us to build something sustainable and genuinely transformative for youth dance in Wales.”

Read Arts Council Wales’ statement here.

Your Sound of Summer! National Youth Arts Wales announces Summer 2026 Concert Tours

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is excited to announce the launch of its summer 2026 concert tours, with National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW), National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) and National Youth Choir of Wales (NYCW) taking to stage across Wales this July and August.   

NYOW celebrates an incredible milestone of 80 years as the world's oldest national youth orchestra in 2026, launching its Anniversary Tour in Bangor at the Prichard Jones Hall on 29 July. Leading the 100-piece orchestra for this celebratory year will be Andrew Gourlay. Hailed by The Guardian as "a star in the ascendent", Andrew has quickly established himself as an internationally recognised conductor with a dynamic, collaborative style. He has conducted extensively across the UK and Europe, is a regular guest at the BBC Proms and a passionate advocate for youth orchestras.  

Also kickstarting in North Wales, the NYCW launches its 2026 tour in St Asaph Cathedral on 19 August. Established in 1984, with its alumni including Sir Bryn Terfel and Katherine Jenkins OBE, the choir will be conducted by another former member of the Choir, Tim Rhys-Evans MBE. One of the most celebrated figures in Welsh choral music, Tim has been at the forefront of choral singing in Wales for over 20 years. 2026 marks his eighth year conducting the choir which this year is made up of over 90 young singers. Under Tim's direction, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of music - from brand-new pieces and choral favourites to a few surprises along the way. 

NYBBW will be led by Philip Harper as conductor of the Brass Band this summer. Philip, who last worked with the band in 2022, is one of the most influential conductors in the brass band world, having led The Cory Band to unprecedented success since taking the reins in 2012. Known for his high-energy rehearsals and inspiring leadership, we look forward to Philip bringing out the very best in our players in a varied programme that combines challenging competition works with entertaining concert pieces. Audiences can look forward to an evening of high-quality, energetic musicianship. The band – made up of 59 of the best young brass players in the country - finishes its 2026 tour at The Riverfront, Newport, on 23 August. 

Tickets for all three tours are on sale now. Book at nyaw.org.uk/whats-on‍ ‍and follow us on social media @nationalyouthartswales for the latest news and updates throughout the summer. 

Full concert tour dates:

National Youth Orchestra of Wales

29/07 - 7:30pm, Prichard Jones Hall, Bangor 

31/07 - 7pm, St Davids Cathedral, St Davids 

01/08 - 3pm, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 

National Youth Choir of Wales
2026 Season Sponsor: Lux Family Law

19/08 - 7:30pm, St Asaph Cathedral, St Asaph 

20/08 - 7:30pm, St Davids Cathedral, St Davids 

21/08 - 7pm, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 

National Youth Brass Band of Wales

21/08 - 7:30pm, Prichard Jones Hall, Bangor 

22/08 - 7:30pm, St Davids Cathedral, St Davids 

23/08 - 2pm, The Riverfront, Newport 

New Trustees Appointed at National Youth Arts Wales

Left to right: Karen Pimbley, Matthew Smith, Christina Timms, Sanea Singh, and Geraint Pugh.

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is delighted to announce the appointment of four new trustees to its National Board, following a public recruitment process earlier this year. They are Sanea Singh, Christina Timms, Geraint Pugh and Matthew Smith. 

Chair of Trustees, Karen Pimbley, commented: 

“We are thrilled to welcome Sanea, Christina, Geraint and Matthew to our Board. This year marks two major milestones for National Youth Arts Wales — the 80th anniversary of our groundbreaking National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Theatre of Wales. We are already reaching more young people than ever before, across the whole of Wales and from every kind of background. With the expertise and fresh perspectives of our new trustees, we are determined to go further still — so that every young person in Wales has the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of the arts. Welcoming four outstanding new trustees to our Board at such a pivotal moment for the arts in Wales reflects our confidence and optimism for the future of National Youth Arts Wales.” 

Sanea Singh is a dancer, choreographer, facilitator and advocate with a strong commitment to youth arts and inclusion. 

A First Class BA (Hons) Dance graduate from LIPA, she trained with Studio Wayne McGregor and Jasmin Vardimon Company (JV2). She has performed extensively as a company dancer with Ballet Cymru (2020–2025), appearing in over 300 performances across the UK, and has worked as Associate Artist with National Youth Dance Wales (2023–present) and as Movement Artist with National Youth Theatre Wales (2024). Through her facilitation, choreography and mentoring, she champions equitable access, representation and wellbeing for young people from diverse backgrounds. 

“I’m honoured to have been appointed as a Trustee of National Youth Arts Wales. I’m keen to support the organisation’s commitment to championing young people, widening access to the arts, and ensuring more diverse voices are represented within creative spaces and leadership.” 

Christina Timms is an experienced arts professional with over 25 years’ expertise in the cultural sector, specialising in music education, youth and community music, classical music, fundraising and organisational development. 

She has held roles with major funders including Arts Council England (as Relationship Manager for Music, 2012–2023) and Youth Music (Regional Executive Officer, 2005–2012), where she supported programmes that widen access to high-quality creative opportunities for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Christina brings valuable governance experience from board observer and funder liaison roles with organisations such as Welsh National Opera, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Ex Cathedra, alongside strong skills in advocacy, partnership building and strategic development. Having recently moved to Cardiff, she is committed to supporting the arts in Wales. 

"I'm delighted to be joining the board of NYAW to support a growing & thriving organisation, and to help promote a wide range of high quality arts opportunities for young people across Wales. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience from my work in England, and to contribute to the dynamic cultural scene in my new city and country, Wales." 

Geraint Pugh is an experienced professional in the field of governance and a fluent Welsh speaker who lives in Aberystwyth, with a strong commitment to youth arts and public service. A former member of the National Youth Choir of Wales (2000–03), he brings deep personal insight into the transformative impact of high-quality creative opportunities on the lives of young people. He currently works as Board Secretary of S4C (since 2021), where he provides strategic advice on governance, along with experience in risk management and regulatory matters. He represents the organisation in its dealings with the UK Government, the BBC, and Ofcom. Previously, he served as Secretary of Aberystwyth University, and he also brings valuable experience as a trustee with the HAHAV charity and as a former External Trustee of Bangor University Students’ Union. 

“NYAW does vital work in opening doors for young people from all backgrounds through the arts — work that I experienced directly as a former member of the National Youth Choir of Wales. I am delighted to be able to contribute my experience in strategic governance and public oversight to support the Board in delivering the organisation’s mission. 

Matthew Smith is a Partner at Blake Morgan LLP and Head of the firm’s national Education sector practice, with deep expertise in employment law and experience in governance and charity regulation. He advises boards and senior leaders across universities, further education colleges and charities on complex HR, employment, regulatory and succession issues. A Cambridge law graduate, Matthew brings valuable strategic, risk management and legal oversight experience to support NYAW’s governance and sustainability. Personally passionate about the arts and theatre, he has seen first-hand the positive impact of youth arts participation through his children's involvement in the arts. 

“I strongly believe in the enormous value of NYAW’s work in supporting excellence in music, dance and drama and in ensuring opportunities for talented young artists across Wales. I am delighted to become a trustee at an exciting time with some groundbreaking initiatives under way, such as the Creative Passport which has the potential to bring great benefits for those interested or involved in youth arts.” 

National Youth Arts Wales and Cardiff University School of Music

National Youth Arts Wales works with partner organisations throughout Wales to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to flourish through the arts. One of our key partners is Cardiff University’s School of Music, which offers Higher Education courses across a wide range of music genres. This Easter, they generously hosted residencies for the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales at their facilities in Cardiff. We were also delighted to welcome work placement student Poppy Ancell to work with us, helping us prepare for those intense rehearsals. 

“It’s been a privilege to host the choirs and instrumental ensembles of National Youth Arts Wales this past week and to hear their outstanding music-making filling our concert hall and rehearsal spaces.  

No one should underestimate the collective commitment in Wales to embedding transformative music and arts education, with National Youth Arts Wales standing at the very forefront of this work.  We hope that by experiencing our environment this week the students have gained a fresh sense of the fully realistic path that exists for them into higher education and the profession.

Speaking of which, we have also been thrilled to work with NYAW as part of our Business of Music scheme at Cardiff School of Music, which has so far given more than 250 students invaluable placement experience across the arts, music education, the commercial music industry and the charity sector as part of their degree.  

Our NYAW placement student Poppy was able not just to get involved in the extensive behind-the-scenes work towards the Spring courses but also to see how, like all of NYAW’s expert tutors, you can balance a successful performing career with being an inspiring mentor to future generations.”

Dr Charles Wilson

Director of Student Professional Development, School of Music, Cardiff University 

“Doing placement for the Business of Music II with NYAW was such a pleasure, and I was truly grateful for the unique opportunity it gave me to explore youth arts, as working with young people is something I’m passionate about. While my job was very admin focused, organising music for the Easter rehearsals, it gave me such a helpful insight into arts management and has inspired me to pursue it after my degree. Working in youth arts feels like making a valuable contribution to the life of young people and a way of watching them grow but in a different way to teaching, which I’m also interested in pursuing. Everyone was so welcoming and created a relaxed environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and sharing opinions.”

Poppy Ancell
Student, Cardiff University 

“It was great to be able to offer Poppy a work placement as part of her music degree at Cardiff University and it came at a very opportune time for us as well. In a particularly busy period for National Youth Arts Wales, Poppy provided vital support in the lead up to and during our music ensemble rehearsals which was very much appreciated. As well as helping us prepare for the rehearsals Poppy spent time with various members of the team learning about their roles and the different elements of the organisation. She even attended a leaving do for one of the team. It was a pleasure to work with Poppy, her enthusiasm for music and her hopes for working with young people in some way in the future aligned perfectly with us, making it a very positive experience all around.”

Matthew Jones

Senior Producer and Deputy CEO, National Youth Arts Wales 

We look forward to further developing our partnership with the School of Music and hopefully welcoming more of their students to enjoy a work placement with us in the future.