The Isle of Anglesey County Council is welcoming the official start of the Urdd National Eisteddfod 2026 as the festival begins on Saturday, 23rd May.
Thousands of children and young people compete and celebrate the Welsh Language and culture at the event.
The County Council will be on their stall (N4) throughout the week welcoming visitors from all parts of Wales. The aim is to promote the council's services, celebrate local resources, and offer a positive experience for young people, families and visitors. Several core services run by the council and external partners will be holding various activities throughout the week.
The Urdd National Eisteddfod provides an opportunity to demonstrate the County Council's strong commitment to the Welsh language, which remains one of the council's strategic aims, it said. Having the festival on the Island allows the Welsh language to be celebrated and promoted amongst future generations.
Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, said
“It is a huge honour for us, as a Council, to welcome the Urdd National Eisteddfod to Anglesey. This event is a great opportunity to showcase Anglesey as stronghold for our language and culture, as well as our welcoming communities. We are looking forward to seeing people from across Wales enjoying this weeklong event on our Island.”
Chilef Executive, Dylan J Williams, added
“Welcoming the Eisteddfod is an important milestone and a testament to our continued commitment to promote the Welsh language in all aspects of life. We are glad to be part of this celebration and look forward to welcoming visitors to the council's stall and our Island.”
Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said:
“It's been 22 years since the Eisteddfod last came to Anglesey, and I know that there has been huge excitement around welcoming the Eisteddfod once again and celebrating our young people's creativity in 2026.
“It will be an historic week this year with the event being held over seven days for the first time ever and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the people of Anglesey for their warm welcome, to the local committees for their tireless work and generous support, and to the hundreds of volunteers who will make next week's event possible.
“I would also like to thank all the coaches and teachers who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure that children and young people from across Wales, including more competitors than ever from Anglesey, benefit from the priceless opportunities provided by the Urdd.”
