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Train named after Welsh festival mascot

Eleri Griffiths
BBC News
The singalong took place at an event to name a train in honour of Mistar Urdd [Mr Urdd] to commemorate the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod

A train has been named in honour of the Welsh mascot Mistar Urdd in celebration of the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod.

It was unveiled in Port Talbot on Wednesday ahead of the annual Welsh-language youth festival of literature, music, and performing arts which will be held at the nearby Margam Park later this month.

The new fleet of CAF Class 197 trains, have been running across Wales and the borders since 2022 as part of Transport for Wales' £800m investment.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru's mascot Mistar Urdd officially welcomed the train with First Minister Eluned Morgan, Urdd CEO Siân Lewis and pupils from Neath's Ysgol Ty'r Ynn.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru is Wales' largest youth group, providing a wide range of opportunities in sports, arts, volunteering, apprenticeships and outdoor activities - all through the medium of Welsh.

One of its key events is the Eisteddfod yr Urdd, a youth festival featuring more than 400 competitions in music, literature, performing arts, and more.

One of the festival's most recognisable figures is its red, green and white character, Mistar Urdd, who was introduced in 1976.

Morgan said it was "great" as Mr Urdd has a "special place in the hearts of so many of us in Wales and will bring a smile to the faces of passengers".

Lowri Joyce, from Transport for Wales, said she was proud to give the "iconic" Welsh character a big "Croeso Cynnes" onto the rail network.

Eight pupils in white shirts and yellow and black ties stood on the platform. Eluned Morgan is inside the train holding up a large train ticket with Mistar Urdd standing next to her.
First Minister Eluned Morgan and pupils from Ysgol Ty'r Ynn were invited to the naming ceremony

Siân Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd, said travelling to the festival by public transport would be "extremely easy" as a bus service will run between Port Talbot railway station and the Maes (field).

She added that the initiative aligned with the festival's commitment to sustainability and went "hand in hand" with efforts to host a green event and lower carbon emissions.