County council backs bid to welcome landmark festival back for first time in almost 20 years
CEREDIGION is set to host the centenary edition of the Urdd Eisteddfod after county councillors formally agreed to offer the festival a home in 2029.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru has welcomed the announcement by Ceredigion County Council, describing the proposed return of the festival to the county as a fitting way to celebrate 100 years of Eisteddfod yr Urdd.
If confirmed, it will mark the first time the festival has been held in Ceredigion since Ciliau Aeron hosted the event in 2010. Before that, the Urdd Eisteddfod visited Lampeter in 1999.
Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the organisation was “delighted” by the council’s decision.
She said: “We are delighted to hear that members of Ceredigion Council’s cabinet have formally agreed to offer a home for Eisteddfod yr Urdd in 2029, in what will be a very special year as the festival celebrates its centenary year.
“The success of the very first Eisteddfod yr Urdd in Corwen in 1929 laid the foundations for what we see today, and we are greatly looking forward to returning to Ceredigion for the first time since 2010.”
She added that the Urdd hopes to hold a public meeting on Thursday, June 18, to begin preparations alongside local volunteers.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said hosting the festival during its centenary year would be a proud moment for the county.
He said: “It is a very proud occasion for Ceredigion to be able to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd during its centenary year, which reinforces the deep roots and strong connections that Ceredigion has with the Urdd.
“The festival plays a key role in supporting the Welsh language, the arts, and opportunities for children and young people, and we look forward to working closely with the Urdd and local communities to deliver a memorable Eisteddfod in 2029.”
Helen Medi, Chair of the Urdd’s Ceredigion Region, said local organisers were eager to begin preparations.
She said: “The Ceredigion regional committee is delighted to hear the exciting news that the festival will return to the county in 2029.
“What better place to celebrate the Eisteddfod’s centenary than in the company of the Cardis? We are eager to begin working with all stakeholders to ensure the very best opportunities and experiences for our children and young people.”
Before arriving in Ceredigion, Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen, Gwent 2027 will be held in Newport for the first time, while the Caernarfon area in the Eryri region will host the festival in 2028.
