FOR THE first time in 30 years, the Urdd National Eisteddfod is back in Powys.

Brecon and Radnorshire have the honour of hosting one of Wales’ largest cultural events which attracts more than 90,000 visitors.

In total 15,000 children and young people from across Wales and beyond will descend on the Royal Welsh Showground. It is the first time since 1978 that Llanelwedd has hosted the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Aled Siôn, director of the Urdd Eisteddfod, said there had been an “Urdd explosion” in Brecon and Radnorshire thanks to investment in Urdd staff in the area. He thanked the main sponsors of this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod, Powys County Council, for their support.

“It’s about time to see you all here – croeso nôl!” said Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Powys County Council Education Portfolio Holder.

“This event has joined two of the most significant events in Wales - the Urdd Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show.”

Cllr Alexander praised the people of Brecon and Radnorshire for their effort and determination.

“The enthusiasm for the Welsh language and the Urdd has been like a plague. It’s an achievement for an area that is not well-known for its Welshness, but the roots are deep and it is fantastic to see it flourish. Not only has money been raised, but also the status, awareness and respect for the Welsh language in the area,” she added.

It has been 40 years since Llanelwedd last hosted the Urdd National Eisteddfod. John Davies, chairman of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said it was an honour to welcome people to “Europe’s most iconic youth festival” and to sponsor the main competition – the chairing of the Bard.

“Congratulations to the whole team for their commitment. It has been challenging in terms of language and culture but it has united the area thanks to Steve Mason and his army of people.”

Stephen Mason, Chair of Working Party for 2018 Urdd Eisteddfod, said he was very much looking forward to enjoying the Urdd Eisteddfod after more than two years of hard work, He thanked the many volunteers for helping raise tens of thousands of pounds to host the Urdd Eisteddfod and “a lot more awareness where there hadn’t been in the past”. Mr Mason, once a Welsh-learner and now the Head of Welsh at Builth Wells High School, thanked the Urdd’s Brecon and Radnorshire Youth Officer Rhiannon Walker for her tireless work. Thanks to her, he said, Urdd membership has more than doubled in the past year.

At her first Eisteddfod as Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s chief executive, Sian Lewis, said it was an honour to be appointed to champion and encourage children and young people to grow in confidence to use Welsh as an everyday language. She thanked the support of Education Secretary Kirsty Williams AM, Ysgol Calon Cymru headteacher Ionwen Spowage and Rhiannon Walker.

Rhiannon Walker has been instrumental in the success of the Brecon and Radnorshire Urdd National Eisteddfod. She said there had been an “incredible” response to the Urdd with almost 900 young people competing this year in three local Eisteddfodau in Brecon and Radnorshire compared with 328 in 2016. Despite it being the largest area in Wales with a very small population, she is thankful to everyone for helping put on a great show.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams AM said it was an “absolute privilege” to host the Urdd Eisteddfod in “Powys’ best counties,” and emphasised how important the Urdd’s work to help meet the Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.