Anglesey Council bids to host Urdd National Eisteddfod in 2026

A bid is being been made to host one of Europe’s biggest youth events on Anglesey.

Anglesey County Council wants to host the Welsh-medium Urdd National Eisteddfod on the island in 2026.

The Urdd was established in 1922 to give children and young people the chance to learn and socialise in the Welsh language

During a full council meeting held yesterday (Tuesday, May 23), members unanimously supported a notice of motion brought by council leader Llinos Medi.

The Urdd National Eisteddfod welcomes up to 95,000 visitors every year. Ynys Môn last hosted the event in 2004.

The Eisteddfod consists of competitive singing, recitation, art, composition, dance and instrumental events for contestants aged between seven and 24 years. Regional qualifying heats are held around Wales.

The first Urdd National Eisteddfod was held in Corwen in 1929.

Cllr Medi said hosting the event would provide a “huge boost” for the Welsh language, young people and the local economy.

She said: “We as Anglesey County Council wish, in principle, to invite the Urdd National Eisteddfod to our County in 2026.

“The Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s main youth events and there would be no better place than Ynys Môn to stage a Welsh event for the young people of Wales.

“I’d like to thank all my fellow council members for unanimously supporting this notice of motion.

“We will now contact Urdd Gobaith Cymru and make them aware of our support for hosting the event in 2026.”

Cllr Medi added: “Many children and young people from Ynys Môn will, of course, be competing at the Urdd National Eisteddfod next week. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck in Llandovery.”

Next week sees the Urdd National Eisteddfod visiting Llandovery in Carmarthenshire for the first time.

Anglesey Council’s chief executive Dylan J Williams said there was “great local enthusiasm and eagerness” to welcome the “unique youth festival” to the island.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to show Ynys Môn at its best.

“We will now continue to work with our colleagues at the Urdd with the aim of hosting the Eisteddfod and welcoming the people of Wales in 2026.”

Urdd Gobaith Cymru is a national voluntary youth organisation with over 55,000 members aged between 8 and 25.

Since it was founded by Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards, the organisation has provided opportunities for children and young people to enjoy experiences through the medium of Welsh.

The Urdd National Eisteddfod is usually held during the last week of May, coinciding with schools’ half term holiday. Locations alternate between north and south Wales.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter