Over 2,000 people gathered on the streets of Newport on Saturday (26 September) for Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen, Gwent 2027’s Welcome Festival. This is the first step as the region prepares to host the festival for the first time.
The celebrations included a lively parade from John Frost Square to the Riverfront Theatre, with a jamboree and live performances by Martyn Geraint and Mei Gwynedd also part of the entertainment.
The Welcome Festival reflected the excitement among the area’s young people, and attracted registrations by 55 of Gwent’s schools. The event reflects the effort of local volunteers to inspire more young people from the area to compete in Eisteddfod yr Urdd and to encourage local people to attend the festival over May half term.
Llio Maddocks, Director of Eisteddfod yr Urdd and the Arts, said: “It was lovely to see so many children and young people taking part in the Welcome Festival. It’s clear that there’s plenty of excitement around Eisteddfod Bro’r Wenynen already.
“Everyone’s welcome at Eisteddfod yr Urdd and hosting the festival in Newport is a great opportunity to bring our culture to the attention of new audiences.
“Thank you to everyone who came to support and volunteer today, and to the Executive Committee for organising the event. We’re really looking forward to Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen, remember to get in touch if you’d like to volunteer or support along the way.”
Efa Maher, Young Chair of the Executive Committee, said: “It’s an honour for us on the Executive Committee to see so many of the area’s young people taking part in activities surrounding Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen.
“The Urdd offers incredible opportunities for children and young people through the medium of Welsh, and I’m someone who’s benefitted so much from the organisation. It’s so important that Eisteddfod yr Urdd comes to areas like Newport so we can showcase all the opportunities that are available on our doorstep.”
Eisteddfod yr Urdd Bro’r Wenynen, Gwent 2027’s syllabus is available on the Urdd’s website along with the order of the competitions.
The festival will take place at Tredegar House, Newport during May half-term, between Saturday, 28 May and Friday, 4 June 2027.
