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Rhondda Cynon Taf prepares for first National Eisteddfod in 68 years

Tom Wren | Visa Treorchy High StreetTom Wren | Visa
Treorchy is one of the best known shopping areas in Rhondda

National Eisteddfod organisers say the event "belongs to us all" as Rhondda Cynon Taf builds towards hosting it for the first time in almost 70 years.

A launch festival is being held on Saturday in Treorchy as the area prepares for August 2024.

Officials said the all-day event at The Lion pub will offer a "taste of what to expect" when the week-long celebration of Welsh language and culture arrives.

"We want everyone to get involved," said 2024 chair Helen Prosser.

Organisers are portraying the 2024 festival as the eisteddfod's "homecoming", because its first modern version was held in Aberdare in the Cynon valley in 1861.

It travels around Wales each year, and has not been in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area since 1956, when it was also in Aberdare.

Officials describe it as "one of Europe's largest festivals with 1,000 individual events, attracting over 160,000 visitors every year," and "warm, friendly, and inclusive".

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council 1956 National Eisteddfod in AberdareRhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
The last time the National Eisteddfod was in RCT was in 1956, at Aberdare

Ms Prosser said: "Our main message as we launch the project is that the eisteddfod belongs to us all, whether we've been to the festival in the past or if we're just curious about what's coming to Rhondda Cynon Taf next year.

"We want everyone to get involved, Welsh learners, confident Welsh speakers, and everyone who's lost touch with our language since school or who've never had the chance to learn."

Saturday's event in Treorchy includes circus skills, street theatre, a light-hearted poetry competition, a comedy club, and a gig by rock band Candelas.

Helen Prosser
Helen Prosser says the goal is to make next year's event an inclusive one that will "reach everyone"

The head of the eisteddfod, Betsan Moses, said it will be a challenge raising funds for the festival in the midst of a cost of living crisis, but having a "tight-knit" community will help.

"They want to start the journey and provide opportunities for people to participate in a mix of different events," she said.

"There's so much positivity. That's the beauty of an eisteddfod."

Betsan Moses
Betsan Moses says the community are looking forward to the opportunities the festival will provide

Rhys Lewis, RCT council's cabinet member for education and Welsh language, said the eisteddfod was "for you, it's for me, it's for all of us".

"We want all our communities involved, no matter their age, background or circumstances," he added.