THE Eisteddfod yr Urdd's 'President of the Day' has opened up about what the historic festival means to her.

Throngs of visitors will be attending the Maes in Denbigh as the entertainment takes place this week.

Non Parry, born in Rhuddlan, has been talking about how the Urdd has helped shape her life.

Read more: Urdd Eisteddfod is the place to be if you're a fan of drama!

Educated at Ysgol Gynradd Dewi Sant in Rhyl and then Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, Non’s roots are firmly in Denbighshire.

As a child, she was a keen competitor at the Urdd Eisteddfod under the guidance and tutorship of Gwen Parry Jones and Rhys Jones (Caryl Parry Jones’ parents and aunt and uncle to Non).

She went on to study and graduate in Theatre Sudies from Trinity College, Carmarthen.

At the age of 21, she became one-third of one of Wales’ most popular and iconic bands, Eden. Emma, Rachel and Non had competed together many times at the Urdd, and forming Eden was a natural progression for them.

Denbighshire Free Press:

PIC: Your typical Eisteddfod yr Urdd venue.

Over the years, Non has turned her hand to a variety of projects and has shown her talent in a number of artistic fields.

An official ambassador for the mental health support website, meddwl.org, Non has spoken candidly about her experiences with mental health and has worked on many projects to support the charity and to raise awareness. 

Non now lives in Bridell in the West with her 3 children and husband of 21 years, the actor Iwan John.

Talking about what the Eisteddfod yr Urdd means to her, she said: "Without a doubt I wouldn’t be performing today without the Urdd. I was given so many experiences, learned discipline, opportunities to perform on large stages. 

"It is a HUGE part of where I learned to perform."

Asked about what it means to her to be President of the Day during the Urdd’s centenary year, Non added: "It is very very special. I’m so glad that the centenary is being celebrated in our area and being part of this special celebration with all the history I have with the Urdd and getting the opportunity to thank the Urdd, means a lot."