Encouraging all schools in Carmarthenshire to compete in the Urdd Eisteddfod 2023

The Urdd Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s biggest youth festivals, is coming to Carmarthenshire in May 2023 and to celebrate this, Carmarthenshire County Council has set a challenge for every school in the county; primary, secondary, special, English and Welsh medium, to compete in the Eisteddfod.

If we complete this challenge, it will be the first time all schools within one county have competed in the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Carmarthenshire County Council is leading a partnership that will support the schools to compete, particularly the schools that are not used to competing in the Eisteddfod.  There are all sorts of competitions available; from singing, narrating and acting on stage, to dancing, arts and crafts and even hair and beauty.  There are competitions that are open to all and some open only to Welsh learners.  Carmarthenshire County Council wants every child in the county to have the opportunity to compete, gain confidence, learn new skills and have fun in Welsh.

Bodies supporting the project include Menter Iaith Gorllewin Sir Gâr (West Carmarthenshire), Menter Dinefwr, Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli, Yr Egin, Yr Atom, Carmarthenshire County Council and Coleg Sir Gâr.

Earlier this year, the Cabinet agreed that the Council would contribute £80,000 to the Urdd National Eisteddfod 2023, as well as approving a budget of £100,000 to cover any additional direct costs associated with the event celebrating Welsh and Welsh culture.

Whilst this will be the eighth time that the Urdd Eisteddfod will visit Carmarthenshire, it is the first time that Llandovery has hosted the festival.

One of Europe’s largest travelling festivals, it is being held during the Spring Bank Holiday, from May 29 to June 3. It attracts in the region of 100,000 visitors a year and historically contributes up to £6 million to the local economy of the host county, with the hospitality industry benefitting hugely.

More than 15,000 children and young people under 25 years old are expected to compete as finalists at the Eisteddfod.

Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Glynog Davies said: “I eagerly look forward to welcoming the Urdd Eisteddfod 2023 back to Carmarthenshire. This Eisteddfod will be a great opportunity for all the children in our county to experience and enjoy what is special about our culture in Wales.

“We would therefore like to take this opportunity to encourage all schools in the county to give it a go and compete; There are a host of different competitions that will suit each pupil’s talents.

“Support is available for those schools who are not used to applying to compete in the Urdd Eisteddfod, and I encourage those contact the Council via email iaithgymraeg@carmarthenshire.gov.uk“