Organisers of the 46th annual Minsterley Eisteddfod have hailed it as a great success after paying tribute to the “amazing” standard of competition at this year’s event.

About 800 people came through the gates during the flagship event held at Minsterley Village Hall, near Shrewsbury, over the weekend.

Eisteddfod chairman Joe Evans said there had been a steady flow of competitors and supporters throughout Saturday, which was on a par with previous years. The quality of music served up to visitors was exceptional.

Proceedings ended last night with a concert featuring the Wessex Male Choir.

Mr Evans said: “There were a lot of young children performing and the standard of the instrumental competition was very impressive.

“The standard of competitions that we had was amazing really and we’re all quite thrilled with it.”

Press secretary Lesley Holder said everybody had enjoyed a “fantastic” eisteddfod with about 400 competitors taking part.

She said: “We had five children’s choirs in the afternoon (Saturday) which was probably the highlight of the day. It was an excellent competition.”

Ms Holder said the wet downpours had been tricky to deal with as many participants were unable to rehearse outside, but said the rain had failed to dampen any spirits.

She said the Wessex Male Choir had also delivered a brilliant finale on Sunday.

“They were amazing,” she said. “We’ve always had a Welsh choir and this was the first time we’ve broken with that tradition and they really were fantastic.

“They were a little bit different and in the second half came in with big hats and ponchos playing guitars. It was very entertaining and they gave us a very good programme, ranging from traditional songs to those by McFly.”

The eisteddfod saw hundreds of talented people take to the stage including musicians, singers, poets and speakers all demonstrating their skills.

Winners:

• Instrumental solo KS1 and reception: Nye Bullock, Berriew.
• Instrumental solo KS2: Freya Carsen, Nobold, Shrewsbury.
• Vocal solo KS1 and reception: Isaac Scott, Asterley; Vocal solo KS3: Harriet Turner, Llandrinio; Vocal solo KS2: Joanna Cooke, Minsterley.
• Recitation KS1 and reception: Alexander Davelis, Whitchurch; Recitation KS2: Joanna Cooke, Minsterley; Recitation KS3: Megan Rowlands, Copthorne.
• Children’s choir: Choirs of the British School of Amsterdam, conductor Gillian Cowie, accompanied by Margaret Kennedy.
• Instrumental Solo KS3: Jack Hancher, Shrewsbury.
• Instrumental group:
• Sky and Tiger-Lily Mileto, Copthorne, Shrewsbury.
• Original poem – junior school age: Jack Young, Llandysilio School.
• Original poem – senior school age: Sadie Beth Holder, Pontesbury.
• Popular singing: The Senior Singers of the British School of Amsterdam.
• Recitation 18 years and under: Sadie Beth Holder.
• Traditional folk song solo: Rhiannon Beck, Much Wenlock.
• Special Awards
• The Heather Game Cup: Sadie Beth Holder.
• Best child vocalist: Joanna Cooke.
• Best instrumentalist: Freya Carsen.
• The Shrewsbury Chronicle Cup: Sadie Beth Holder.
• The TH Lewis Memorial Cup: Sadie Beth Holder.
• The Harold Bishton Memorial Award: Billy Hardy, Llandysilio School.
• Evening session
• Original short story: “Opal” Cannon Julia Francis, Snailbeach.
• Original poem: “Wild Edric” Mr P Francis, Snailbeach.
• Original hymn words: “Arthur” Mr Bleddyn Roberts, Ardleen, Llanymynech.
• Limerick: “Wild Edric” P Francis.
• Special Award: The Reverend and Mrs H Emlyn.
• Memorial Cup: “Wild Edric” P Francis.
• Open instrumental solo: Jack Hancher.
• Solo from musical show or film: Sadie Beth Holder.
• Open individual speaking: Sadie Beth Holder.
• Vocal solo under 25: Rhiannon Beck.
• Sacred solo/hymn: Rhiannon Beck.
• Harmony singing: “Quindici” Mrs S Edwards, Tregynon.
• Open championship solo: Crwys Evans, Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth.
• Open choir competition: Of One Accord conductor Alison Stephens, accompanied by Ann Taylor.