Article

This year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Margam Country Park attracted a record-breaking 119,593 registrations to compete. There was also a 42% increase in the number of Welsh learners taking part compared to last year,

In total, 17 schools from Neath Port Talbot were positioned either first, second or third during the finals week with many more taking part in the earlier qualifying rounds.

Cllr Hunt said: “These were remarkable results reflecting the talent and dedication of our young people. Along with others in the Gorllewin Morgannwg (West Glamorgan) region, Neath Port Talbot proudly secured 3rd place overall—a testament to the hard work of Neath Port Talbot’s pupils, teachers, and families.

“At a time of financial and employment stresses it has been uplifting to see our county borough in the national headlines for all the right reasons.

“This is a prime example of how major events can deliver benefits – and we are confident many of those first-time visitors who came to this hugely popular event will return in the future.

“It was also fantastic to see local businesses contributing directly. Both the Urdd Crown and Chair were created locally using steel from Tata. The Crown was crafted by Nicola Palterman and Laura Thomas of Jewel and Grace in Neath, while the Chair was designed and created by Angharad Pearce Jones from the Brynaman area.

“So the Urdd has truly put a positive spotlight on Neath Port Talbot and reminded us—and shown the rest of Wales—that this is a proud, vibrant, and resilient place.

“Let us build on the momentum the Urdd Eisteddfod has given us.”

Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Margam Country Park was a positive demonstration of the council’s support for encouraging the use of Welsh with the event seeing the launch of the council’s Dewch i Sgwrsio – Let’s Talk campaign.

The campaign signposts residents to opportunities and resources to use and learn Welsh and is part of the council's wider effort to promote the Welsh language, aligning with its Welsh Language Promotion Strategy and the Welsh Language Standards. 

This year, for the first time ever, the Eisteddfod yr Urdd television studio and staff EV charging was powered by AfanGo using a green hydrogen generator with the hydrogen being supplied by Protium based the Bagan Energy Park.

The event also provided a major boost for the local tourism sector. Each day, the arrival of thousands of visitors through the gates of Margam Country Park meant extra business for local accommodation providers, restaurants, and attractions many of which saw a noticeable boost in trade.