Urdd celebrates over 70,000 youngsters competing in local Eisteddfodau

18 March 2024

Urdd Gobaith Cymru have confirmed that 70,511 children and young people have competed in 208 of its Local and Regional Eisteddfodau this year - and the area with the highest number of competitors was Meifod, where the 2024 National Urdd Eisteddfod will be held.

As well as thanking competitors, teachers, instructors and supporters, the Urdd is also grateful to the 1,664 stewards, 1,040 accompanists and 832 judges who have given their time to ensure the success of these local and regional rounds.

Bedwyr Fychan, Chairman of Maldwyn Urdd Eisteddfod's Executive Committee, said:"It's great to hear that more children and young people from Maldwyn have competed in the local Eisteddfodau than ever before - and more than any other region in Wales this year. What better way to prove how excited our local youngsters are to welcome the festival to their doorstep?"

The National Urdd Eisteddfod is one of Europe's largest youth touring festivals, and 15,000 youngsters are expected to compete at the National Urdd Eisteddfod in Meifod, Powys between 27 May and 1 June.

Free entry to 2024's Urdd Eisteddfod for lower income families

Thanks to £150,000 financial support by the Welsh Government, the Urdd is pleased to confirm that free entry will be offered to lower income families to the Urdd Eisteddfod once again this year.

Entry tickets to the festival and to the primary and youth shows go on sale Monday, 8 April and early bird tickets will be available until 10 May. Lower income families will be able to claim their free entry tickets in two ways:

• Urdd £1 Membership. An e-mail will be sent to families who receive the Urdd £1 Membership with information on how to claim their tickets.
• The Urdd's website. Before tickets can be claimed, the person or family will need to confirm that they are eligible within the listed criteria. Full information and criteria of who can apply for the low-income tickets will be available on the website.

Siân Lewis, Urdd Chief Executive said: "On behalf of the Urdd I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their financial support and allowing us to offer free entry to lower income families to the Urdd Eisteddfod in Maldwyn. 9,000 people from lower income families were welcomed to the 2023 Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire and we look forward to offering another Eisteddfod for All.

"The cost-of-living crisis is putting such a strain on families, and we want to ensure that a family's financial situation doesn't mean children having to miss out on experiences with the Urdd. As an organisation we offer a £1 Urdd Membership scheme and free entry to Local and Regional Eisteddfodau to families or individuals who are eligible for free school meal vouchers, school uniform grant or the Educational Maintenance grant scheme."

Leading up to the Eisteddfod, the Urdd will be working with Powys County Council, the Welsh Local Government Association and local organisations who support low-income families to make sure that those who could benefit are aware of the low-income tickets.

To purchase tickets or to claim low-income tickets from 8 April onwards visit www.urdd.cymru/eisteddfod