More children and young children from Montgomeryshire have competed in the local rounds of the Urdd Eisteddfod than ever before, it has been revealed.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru has confirmed that more than 70,000 children from across Wales will have competed in 208 local and regional Eisteddfodau this year.
The area with the highest number was this year's hosts Montgomeryshire which will welcome one of Europe's largest youth touring festivals, with around 15,000 youngsters expected to compete in Meifod between May 27 and June 1.
The Urdd has confirmed that free entry will be offered again to lower income families.
Entry tickets to the festival and to the primary and youth shows go on sale Monday, April 8, and early bird tickets will be available until May 10.
Lower income families will be able to claim their free entry tickets in two ways:
Urdd £1 Membership. An e-mail will be sent to families who receive the Urdd £1 Membership with information on how to claim their tickets.
The Urdd’s website. Before tickets can be claimed, the person or family will need to confirm that they are eligible within the listed criteria. Full information and criteria of who can apply for the low-income tickets will be available on the website.
As well as thanking competitors, teachers, instructors and supporters, the Urdd is also grateful to the 1,664 stewards, 1,040 accompanists and 832 judges who have given their time to ensure the success of these local and regional rounds.
- No jail for mum who attacked retiree, after finding partner in victim's bed
- Couple re-mortgage home to expand organic vegetable and flower business online
- New trees 'should be planted if dangerous Powys pines are chopped down'
Bedwyr Fychan, Chairman of Maldwyn Urdd Eisteddfod’s Executive Committee, said: “It’s great to hear that more children and young people from Maldwyn have competed in the local Eisteddfodau than ever before – and more than any other region in Wales this year.
"What better way to prove how excited our local youngsters are to welcome the festival to their doorstep?”
Siân Lewis, Urdd Chief Executive said: “On behalf of the Urdd I would like to thank the Welsh Government for their financial support and allowing us to offer free entry to lower income families to the Urdd Eisteddfod in Maldwyn. 9,000 people from lower income families were welcomed to the 2023 Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire and we look forward to offering another Eisteddfod for All.“The cost-of-living crisis is putting such a strain on families, and we want to ensure that a family’s financial situation doesn’t mean children having to miss out on experiences with the Urdd.
"As an organisation we offer a £1 Urdd Membership scheme and free entry to Local and Regional Eisteddfodau to families or individuals who are eligible for free school meal vouchers, school uniform grant or the Educational Maintenance grant scheme.”
Leading up to the Eisteddfod, the Urdd will be working with Powys County Council, the Welsh Local Government Association and local organisations who support low-income families to make sure that those who could benefit are aware of the low-income tickets.
To buy tickets or to claim low-income tickets from Monday, April 8, onwards visit www.urdd.cymru/eisteddfod.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here