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Speaking on the first day of the event, Monday, May 26th, 2025, Cllr Hunt said: “We are delighted to welcome the thousands of people who have come to our county borough for this prestigious event which will have huge benefits for our local economy while at the same time giving everyone in Neath Port Talbot the chance to experience Welsh culture. 

“It will also form part of our Welsh Language Strategy which aims to ensure the language is heard, spoken and celebrated.”

Following the final rounds of the Urdd’s Composing and Creating Competitions (homework), the organisation is proud to announce a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete in this year’s festival, which also includes a significant rise (of 42%) in the number of young Welsh learners compared to last year.

Cllr Hunt added: “The record-breaking number of registrations and the increase in young Welsh learners highlight the festival’s growing impact and importance. We are proud to host such a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture and arts at Margam Country Park. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in organising this event.”

As well as competitors, local talent and celebrities will be visiting the event, including the festival’s President, Neath MS Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and five ‘Presidents of the Day’: actor Steffan Rhodri, famous for his role as ‘Dave Coaches’ in Gavin and Stacey, presenters and sports stars Lowri Morgan and Sarra Elgan, entrepreneur Emyr Afan from media company Afanti and singer and TikTok star Bronwen Lewis, who also performed the Eisteddfod’s Welcome Song alongside Huw Chiswell.

For those unable to attend this year, S4C will be broadcasting the competitions from the Red, White and Green pavilions from 8 am every day and they will be streamed on Clic.

For the first time, it will also be possible to look back on the streams and re-watch competitions, by watching Clic on desktop devices. The streams will be available for a period of three days after the competitions have taken place and it will be possible to ‘spool’ the stream by watching on a computer or laptop. 

Approximately 15,000 children and young people will compete in a variety of events. There will also be:
•    Exciting exhibitions and activities in the GwyddonLe Science Pavilion and the Art and Craft tent
•    Performance stages with dancers, live bands and groups entertaining visitors all day, every day

The Eisteddfod Maes gives a taste of what the Urdd has to offer, with a host of artistic and sporting activities. Don’t miss the Triban Festival for those who enjoy live Welsh music – there’s enough to entertain everyone!