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National Eisteddfod comes to Ponty

Saturday, 3 August 2024 14:48

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Aled Llywelyn

Over 150,000 visitors are expected as the National Eisteddfod, taking place this in Pontypridd.

It's the first time the Brifwyl has visited Rhondda Cynon Taf since the 1956 event in Aberdare - and the first to be held in the town since 1893.

Competitions got underway in the main Pavilion on Saturday morning - with entrants from the Vale of Glamorgan among those taking part over the next eight days.

Organisers also announced that over £450,000 had been raised towards hosting the Eisteddfod - including nearly £332,000 by a local fundraising campaign..

Over 15,000 free tickets have also been given out to local families.

Helen Prosser, chair of the executive committee, said: "It’s hard to believe that we’ve managed to raise so much money in just eighteen months."

"Volunteers from every corner of Rhondda, Cynon and Taf have organised activities in the name of the Eisteddfod, and we’re particularly grateful to friends in other parts of Wales, including Caernarfon and Cardiff for organising events to help us reach our goal."

"Thank you to all our volunteers, to local residents and to everyone who’s been so supportive throughout the period. And there’s only one thing left for us to do now, which is to encourage everyone to come over to see us at this lovely park during the week and enjoy the festival."

This year, visitors are being urged to leave the car at home and use public transport to visit the Eisteddfod, which is being held near the town centre at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

Organsiers say traffic and parking will be difficult during the week, with a high number of expected cars enterting and leaving the town.

Transport for Wales (TFW) is running extra train services to and from Pontypridd, including late night services - visitors travelling from Bridgend, Barry Island or Penarth will need to change at either Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central.

There's also a new direct service to Pontypridd running from Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

Colin Lea, planning and performance director at TFW, said: "With the National Eisteddfod returning to Rhondda Cynon Taf for the first time in almost 70 years, we recognise the importance of the event to the area, and to Pontypridd in particular where we have our headquarters."

"To accommodate the expected influx of visitors we have implemented a comprehensive plan that includes additional services throughout the week and lots of colleagues on the network to help customers. We’re excited to welcome visitors to the town and wish all the competitors the best of luck."

Pontypridd's bus and train stations are a five-minute walk to and from the Maes - and the train station is a 25-minute walk to and from Maes B, where late night gigs will be held during the second half of the week.

Betsan Moses, Eisteddfod chief executive, said: "The National Eisteddfod is committed to promoting and encouraging our visitors to use public transport when visiting the festival."

"Pontypridd is very well served by public transport options, and we’re delighted to work with Transport for Wales to promote sustainable travel options."

"The station is just minutes from the Maes and is a great opportunity to leave your car at home and enjoy a day at the Eisteddfod."

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