Coming to the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Builth Wells? Not sure what it entails?

Brecon-born actress Nia Roberts, star of Oscar-nominated ‘Solomon a Gaenor’, ‘Bang’, ‘Rillington Place’ and ‘The White Princess’, offers her Top Tips for those attending the Urdd Eisteddfod.

1. Buying your tickets

You don’t need to decide which day you want to go before hand either, as you can now buy any day tickets for the first time!

2. Getting there is easy

Follow the relevant yellow signs to arrive at the car parks at the showground. If you’re coming on the train, the ‘Builth Road’ railway station is about two miles from the Maes, on the Heart of Wales Railway Line. On the bus, the Traws Cymru T4 service runs from Cardiff to Newtown and stops at Builth Wells and Llanelwedd.

3. Finding your car afterwards

Why not try that old trick of tying a ribbon or small flag to your car aerial, to make it stand out!

4. Planning your day before you get there, or go with the flow?

If you’re a planner, the App is just the thing for you and will have details of everything going on on the Maes and maps to help you find your way around.

5. Don’t wear heels…

From experience though, it is always a good idea to have a pair of wellies, warm jumper, coat and brolly in the car – whatever Derek the weatherman says!

6. If you have small children, head for Mudiad Meithrin and S4C first

At the Mudiad Meithrin tent you will be able to get name wristbands for your children to wear to keep them safe in case you get separated.

7. There is so much to do on the Maes, it’s hard to know where to begin!

The Urdd Eisteddfod is a large festival in a field, so it can be a bit mind-boggling if you’ve never been before. Familiarise yourself with the map, and then make your way around the array of stalls to see what freebies you can pick up. The stage competitions will all be held in the main pavilion, which you are welcome to go into at any point during the day when the doors are opened. Head over to the sports field where there will be all sorts of activities going on throughout the day. The kids can let off some steam while you enjoy a little break in the (hopefully) sun!

8. No cash or 3G? Don’t panic!

There are plenty of cash machines on site, so there’s no need to worry about running out of spending money or rushing to get some before you arrive. And if you run out of data on your phone and need to get online, you can use the on-site Wi-Fi – just ask in the Croeso tent if you need more information.

9. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Welsh

Although the Urdd Eisteddfod is a Welsh medium festival, learners and non-Welsh speakers are always welcomed with open arms. Welsh learners always say that the support you get on-site is a fantastic help. You’ll get a leaflet when you arrive containing useful words and phrases.

10. Don’t miss out of the amazing evening entertainment

Here’s some highlights of the evening entertainment this year:

  • Youth Concert / Cyngerdd Ieuenctid (May 26), Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
  • Opening Concert / Cyngerdd Agoriadol (May 27), Urdd Eisteddfod Pavilion
  • The Primary Show / Y Sioe Gynradd (May 29), Urdd Eisteddfod Pavillion
  • Saturday Night Gig (June 2), Eisteddfod yr Urdd Maes (field)