Plans announced for this year’s National Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh

Organisers have announced their plans for the 2022 Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod has been postponed for the last two years due to Covid-19, but is intended to be held on the outskirts of Denbigh between 30 May and 3 June.

The event is Europe’s largest touring youth festival, which annually attracts over 65,000 competitors and 100,000 attendees from all over Wales.

Thousands of children and young people are busy competing without audiences at local and regional level this spring.

Regional winners progress to the National Eisteddfod at Denbigh and organisers have confirmed that this year, every competitor will perform on one of the main stages at the event.

This means there will be three pavilions on the Maes this year, instead of the usual one.

The Welsh Government confirmed £527,000 funding for the Urdd in December 2021, meaning that entry to this year’s Eisteddfod, in the organisation’s Centenary year, will be free.

Tickets for the festival can be booked online and this year the event offers attendees more than ever, from competing , shows, performances and entertainment.

For the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history, a festival within a festival will be held during the last three days of the Eisteddfod (2-4 June) to celebrate the best of contemporary Welsh music and culture.

Gŵyl Triban will be the “largest reunion of the Century”, where all current and former Urdd members and friends are invited to join in the celebrations. Entry will be free and included in the Eisteddfod’s day tickets.

The festival will include street food and drink, an opportunity to reminisce, and live performances by bands including Eden, Gwilym, Eädyth, Tara Bandito, N’Famady Kouyaté and many more.

Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “I’m delighted the Urdd Eisteddfod will be able to return to the ‘Maes’ this year, in Denbighshire.

“It’s such an important event in our cultural calendar and something most of us in Wales have grown up with in some form or other, whether taking part in competitions or just visiting the Maes when it’s been held in our area.

“Visiting the Eisteddfod is a great way to speak Welsh and hear the language spoken widely, with activities for everyone, whether you’re a fluent Welsh speaker, a learner or you’re just interested in the language and culture.

“I’m really pleased the Welsh Government has been able to support the Urdd to make entry to the Maes free for everyone to enjoy.”

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council said: “We’re really pleased that the free tickets to the Urdd Eisteddfod are now available to the public.

“This is an exciting development and a first in the Eisteddfod’s history.

“It gives Denbighshire local residents and everyone in Wales a fantastic opportunity to access a wealth of our children and young people’s talents, arts and culture.

“As one of the event main sponsors we’re working closely with the Urdd on the arrangements to make sure that this will be a festival to remember.

“The festival site is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we and we look forward to offering everyone a warm welcome to the breath-taking Clwyd Valley in May.”

Siân Eirian, Eisteddfod yr Urdd arts director added: “From competitors to teachers, trainers, volunteers to supporters and stall holders, there’s no doubt that we’ve all been longing for the Eisteddfod and it’s cultural delights.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers, judges, teachers, trainers and staff that have given their time to ensure that the local and regional Eisteddfodau are able to go ahead this spring.

“This year’s event at Denbigh marks the halfway point in our centenary year celebrations, and I’m sure it will be a festival to remember – with the dedication of all those involved in the preparations, it certainly deserves to be.”