The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru is a celebration of Welsh culture, a mix of talent competitions and evening concerts, gigs, plays and exhibitions and much more. A family friendly event that encourages all (Cymraeg and di-Gymraeg speakers alike) to come experience the unique combination of competitive events and festival elements. The Eisteddfod was held in Pontypridd in RCT, it has not been in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area since 1956, when it was also in Aberdare.
Receiving support from Welsh Government and RCT Council to offer 150 young people from across RCT an opportunity to attend the Eisteddfod was fantastic.
The young people who attended were so grateful for the opportunity to experience the Welsh language and culture at the event and also seeing Pontypridd and RCT receiving such positive feedback from people all over Wales.Bedwyr Harries – Youth Services Manager
We asked some of the YEPS Team and young people who attended the Eisteddfod what they thought of the experience!
Chelsea Coles – Youth Engagement and Progression Officer;
“I really enjoyed having the chance to work and experience what the Eisteddfod had to offer in Pontypridd! I loved that it gave me the chance to practice speaking Welsh and loved experiencing some of the major ceremonies of the Eisteddfod like swearing of the bards and watching the druids walk around the park! Me and Ali got to meet Sion Tomos Owen, who is a local Rhondda artist and author, this really inspired me to try to speak more Welsh and attend another Eisteddfod in the future!”
Lee Taylor – Youth Enagagement Officer;
“It was a pleasure to be part of such an historic event, it was really important to take young people to experience what may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a pleasure to see all the Welsh culture and it make you realise how lucky we are to be part of such an amazing country”
Isabella, 13;
“The Eisteddfod was a good inspiration to all the Welsh children to speak more Welsh.”
Maisie, 13
“It was inspiring to see all the people speaking Welsh”
Chloe, 18
“I enjoyed the Eisteddfod because I got to speak to people from different universities which give me an understanding of what to do and how to apply to university, I also got to speak Welsh and meet new people”
Abigail – Youth Forum Member
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the festival and how friendly everyone was, it made me feel proud to be Welsh and it made me realise what it means to be Welsh, also my favourite thing was seeing all the small businesses and how much they put into the stands.”
Mari – Youth Forum Member
I had such a fantastic time at the Eisteddfod! I especially enjoyed the music coming from the colourful, vibrant stage with all the wonderful performers—it really brought the event to life. My favourite part was competing with other schools in Babell Len and watching their parody song music videos to Caryl Parry Jones; it was so much fun to see what everyone came up with! The most memorable moment for me was working at a Caribbean bar and grill stand and trying their sweet potato curry—it was absolutely delicious.”
Beca – Youth Forum Member
“Loved working in the Caribbean standing alongside my twin sister Mari, it was very enjoyable watching all the school perform their poems and more in the tents. My all-time favourite thing about the Eisteddfod was singing along to all the Welsh music (as I’m a Welsh speaker myself, it was also the most memorable part of the Eisteddfod for me). Through all the amazing poems, the great songs, the food and more I’d say my favourite part of the Eisteddfod was the mesmerising stalls, selling Welsh themed trinkets, jewellery, accessories and so many more things!”
