Urdd's festival to run seven days per week from next year

THE Urdd Eisteddfod will become a seven-day event from next year, bosses have confirmed.

- IAN LEWIS

The announcement was made on the fifth day of this year’s event at Margam Park in Port Talbot.

Demand for taking part in its wealth of competitions has driven the decision, as well as calls for a second stage at the annual showcase.

Since 1929, the Urdd Eisteddfod has offered a wealth of invaluable and unique opportunities for children and young people in Wales to showcase their talents, develop new skills and socialise with others from all parts of the country.

Next year’s Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey will be the first to expand to seven days.

Llio Maddocks, director of the arts at Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: "Eisteddfod yr Urdd is an ever-evolving festival, and we listen to our members. We've seen more registrations to compete than ever before and a demand for additional stage competitions, and we're so pleased to see the positive impact the festival is having by increasing opportunities to engage with the Welsh language outside the classroom.

"In response to this demand and to ensure we continue to be an inclusive organisation to each and every child and young person in Wales, we'll be expanding the Eisteddfod to a seven-day festival."