Rhondda Cynon Taf has been confirmed as the 2022 location for the National Eisteddfod for Wales.
The National Eisteddfod Committee recently met to consider expressions of interest to host the 2022 event and ratified Rhondda Cynon Taf as the host County.
Preparatory work will now commence to develop this iconic national event in the area. An expression of interest to host the event was made back in 2017 and preliminary discussions have been ongoing over the last two years.
Commenting on the news, County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “Our County Borough is honoured to be confirmed as host for the 2022 National Eisteddfod of Wales and I’m sure that this event will provide a major economic opportunity for Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“This event has the potential to deliver a major economic boost by allowing us to showcase the whole of our County Borough as a visitor and cultural destination.
“It is our intention to focus the event around a central location to take maximum advantage of its pivotal location in the region, which I know was a key consideration in the deliberations of the Eisteddfod in making the commitment to bring this major national event to Rhondda Cynon Taf. All corners of Rhondda Cynon Taf will have a role to play in delivering a successful event and ensuring visitors receive a warm welcome to our County.
“In 2022, the South Wales Metro will ensure the availability of the best possible public transportation infrastructure, to cater for the significant visitor numbers this event attracts, which are estimated at up to 150,000. The opportunities the South Wales Metro creates provides the ability for us to take an innovative approach in the delivery of the event.
“It is estimated that the event will deliver an economic boost worth up to £10m to our County as a whole during the August 2022, and that is why myself and Council officers have put a significant amount of effort into attracting this event to Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“Hosting the National Eisteddfod will provide the opportunity to showcase the unique cultural heritage of Rhondda Cynon Taf, to promote the cultural importance of our language and support the Council’s work to contribute towards the Welsh Government’s vision of growing a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
“The work now begins, to deliver an event which Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf can be proud of in 2022. To make the event a success, the engagement of the community will be key as we develop our plans.”
National Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, added, “We are delighted to be working with Rhondda Cynon Taf to bring the National Eisteddfod to the area in 2022. We are proud that the first modern day Eisteddfod was held in Aberdare in 1861, and look forward to working with the local community across the area to bring the festival of the 21st century to the County.
“We believe this will help to boost the language within the area, with the festival and the community project supporting the aim of achieving a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”
Posted on Thursday 7th March 2019
