To mark the Urdd's centenary celebrations, the Welsh Government will provide funding so entry into next year's Urdd Eisteddfod is free, with the aim of making the eisteddfod accessible to all.
Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has announced that Urdd Gobaith Cymru will receive 527,000 of government funding to continue with plans for next year's festival, which celebrates its centenary year in 2022.
The announcement supports the Welsh Government's Programme for Government commitment to provide free access to the 2022 Urdd Eisteddfod.
The Urdd Eisteddfod is due to take place in Denbigh between 30 May to 4 June 2022 and it will be the first time the full festival has returned since 2019. Virtual festivals, known as 'Eisteddfod T', replaced the main event in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Free entry to the Maes' will mean that more people will be able to visit and experience the festival, some for the first time, and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may have otherwise struggled with the cost of entry to the event.
Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles yesterday said:
I'm delighted to announce funding to support this wonderful festival, and I hope that as many people as possible take up the opportunity to attend the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2022 and celebrate its one hundredth year.
It's testament to the work of the Urdd that so many adults reflect fondly on their experience of attending the Eisteddfod and competing when they were younger. The Urdd Eisteddfod is not only a cultural highlight of our Welsh calendar, but also a fantastic way for our children and young people to see and hear our language, speak it themselves, and take part in the many competitive and social events on offer.
Chief Executive of the Urdd, Sian Lewis yesterday said:
I am pleased that the Welsh Government can support the Urdd financially to ensure free access to the festival in such a landmark year and the centenary in 2022.
I know that the Urdd does a fantastic job in ensuring opportunities for children and young people across Wales but offering a 'free' event opens them up to an even wider audience.
The Eisteddfod will be a festival for young people to showcase their talents, celebrate our culture and a century of the Urdd's work and I look forward to enjoying the offer in Denbigh in 2022.