The Welsh Government has allocated £350,000 to the National Eisteddfod and £150,000 to the Urdd in one-time funding to allow families and individuals from lower income households to attend the national festivals in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Montgomery this summer.
This funding will provide free admission tickets and food vouchers for up to 18,400 eligible local people to attend the National Eisteddfod in Pontytpridd in August. Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, expressed his excitement about the additional funding to support these important Welsh language festivals. He emphasized the cultural significance of the eisteddfodau and the opportunities they provide for people to engage with the Welsh language and participate in various events.
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod, expressed gratitude towards the Welsh Government for their support in ensuring that local residents have the opportunity to attend this year’s Eisteddfod. The free ticket to the Maes along with food vouchers will make the festival accessible to all who wish to experience the language and culture.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, also extended his thanks to the Minister and Welsh Government for the generous funding. He highlighted the importance of inclusivity during the cost of living crisis and emphasized the collaborative effort to ensure that as many people as possible, regardless of their circumstances, can participate in and be inspired by the Eisteddfod.
The funding will be administered by the National Eisteddfod, while the Urdd will announce their plans for admission tickets after the Local and Regional Eisteddfodau have been held on the 18th of March. This initiative aims to make these cultural festivals accessible to a wider audience and promote the Welsh language and heritage.
