The Urdd Eisteddfod is to be held in Margam Country Park in 2025, it has been announced. The Welsh language festival was last held in the park outside of Port Talbot in 2003. The decision was agreed at a public meeting held in Margam Park’s Orangery on Monday, April 24 involving volunteers and representatives from across Neath Port Talbot.
The Urdd Eisteddfod is Wales's largest youth festival which attracts 75,000 competitors and more than 100,000 visitors each year. The 2025 Urdd Eisteddfod will be held at Margam Park between May 26- 31 2025.
Before then the Urdd Eisteddfod will visit Llandovery from May 29 and June 3 this year, and Mathrafal Farm near Meifod for the Maldwyn Eisteddfod in 2024.
Read more: 100 years of the Urdd: A look back at memorable moments for young people in Wales
Siân Eirian, the Urdd’s Arts and Eisteddfod Director said: "On behalf of the Urdd I am pleased to announce that Margam Park will be the home of the 2025 Urdd Eisteddfod. It was great to see unanimous and enthusiastic support from representatives from across the county at the public meeting tonight to invite the Urdd Eisteddfod back to the area.
“The Urdd Eisteddfod last visited Margam Park in 2003. As an organisation we’re looking forward to returning to the area once again in 2025 and would like to thank Neath Port Talbot Council for its fantastic support.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Alun Llewelyn, said: “This is a fantastic accolade for Margam Country Park and Neath Port Talbot as a whole and is a great vote of confidence in this area and the park and the professional way it is run.
“We look forward to welcoming the many visitors who will attend the 2025 Urdd Eisteddfod and urge all those who live in Neath Port Talbot to take advantage of having this great festival on our doorstep.”
Cllr Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing, added: “The Urdd Eisteddfod is Europe’s largest Europe’s largest touring youth festival and will be a celebration of our Welsh language and culture. It will also boost Neath Port Talbot’s local economy through welcoming thousands of visitors to our county borough.”
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