Singing, reciting, folk dancing and instrumental performances, to the accompaniment of the harp, filled the auditorium throughout the day and evening on Saturday.
"We had a wonderful event, with the cream of the crop reaching the main pavilion sta
ge at the theatre, after a vast number of competitors participated in the preliminary rounds earlier in the day," said local chairman Leah Owen.
"It was a great joy for me, on a personal level, to see so many youngsters competing, even in the open age sections! It goes to show that the 'cerdd dant' tradition is strong and flourishing."
Competitions continued late into the night, with three choirs competing in the open cerdd dant choir competition.
Local newcomers, Lleisiau'r Nant from the Vale were pipped to the post by experienced and worthy winners, Côr Seiriol from the Bangor area, winning the title for the 10th time.
The local girls however, Lleisiau'r Nant were proud winners of the folk singing choir, beating neighbouring choir, Côr Rhuthun.
Alun Edwards, from Ruthin, chief steward for the day said: "The local support was exceptional, with over 70 stewards, all volunteers, steering the smooth running of prelims and the festival itself.
"My heartfelt thanks goes to these dedicated people, some of which were on duty from 8am until midnight."
The Gwyl Cerdd Dant was last in Rhyl 16 years ago, and for one competitor, 'Dyffryn Clwyd 08' will hold a special memory.
Harp tutor Meinir Llwyd from y Waun, St Asaph won the Under 16 harp solo in 1992.
On Saturday, Meinir's pupil, Marged Elen Williams, 13, from Bangor won the same competition 16 years later.
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