After almost three years in the making, the National Eisteddfod for Wales is almost about to open its gates to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the whole of Wales.
The National Eisteddfod has been working closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to deliver what is planned to be a very special Eisteddfod in the heart of Pontypridd. During Eisteddfod week, an expected 160,000 visitors will visit Rhondda Cynon Taf and Pontypridd, supporting local businesses. The boost to the local economy during this week is expected to be up to £16 million.
Over a number of years, the Eisteddfod has been engaging with local communities and schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf, building connections with residents, telling the story of the Eisteddfod and highlighting the diverse and exciting programme that will run throughout Eisteddfod week.
Rhondda Cynon Taf is proud to have been a key partner of the Eisteddfod, supporting to deliver the largest cultural festival in Europe.
The National Eisteddfod is a charitable organisation that delivers the Eisteddfod every year, at an estimated cost of £6.5m. The costs of the event are met through corporate sponsorship, donations, community fundraising, Welsh Government Grant and income from traders and ticket purchases
To make the Eisteddfod possible, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has provided support totalling £275,000 which includes tickets for Armed Forces Veterans, Park and Ride facilities, transport management, and staffing costs such as the Community Safety team.
For every £1 spent by the Council, it is expected that nearly £60 is put back into the local economy during the Eisteddfod week, which is in addition to the increased profile of the County Borough as a result of hosting Europe’s largest cultural event.
The support provided to the Council will help to put on a successful event, which will make the boost to the local economy – of up to £16m – possible. This is money that will be spent in local businesses, supporting local employment opportunities.
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “With the local economy expecting a boost of up to £16 million, it is important that the Council, along with partners, helped to support the Eisteddfod both logistically and financially. It works out that for every £1 spent by the Council on supporting the Eisteddfod, nearly £60 is put back into the local economy.
“One of our goals as a Council is to support the local economy and local businesses, and the return on investment makes sense. The Eisteddfod will provide a huge boost to local businesses, and we are hopeful that once visitors see what we have to offer in Rhondda Cynon Taf, they will continue to visit in the years to come.
“The Eisteddfod is an event of national importance, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the whole of Wales to Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“The Eisteddfod is for everyone. It is a warm and welcoming family-friendly event, promoting the language and culture of Wales through a wide range of activities.
“No matter your Welsh language ability, there is something for everyone, and we hope that local residents take advantage of an Eisteddfod on their doorstep!”
