WELL over 100,000 people attended the hugely successful Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh.
The long-awaited 2022 Urdd Eisteddfod was the first and largest national cultural event held for the young people of Wales since the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Access to the festival at Kilford Farm, Denbigh was free this year, which resulted in 118,000 people visiting the site.
Thousands of competitors from across Wales had the opportunity to perform on stage in one of the three pavilions as the Urdd offered ‘a stage for everyone’ for the very first time, an experiment which was a “major success” according to event organisers.
Siân Lewis, chief executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles and the Welsh Government for enabling us to offer free entry to this year’s Eisteddfod.
"Free entry has helped attract more visitors and competitors from all parts of Wales. We’ve seen such a diverse audience attend the Eisteddfod – it really has been a festival for all.”
Siân Eirian, director of the Urdd Eisteddfod and the arts, added: “As organisers we’re delighted that the experiment of having three pavilions rather than one, and to offer a stage for everyone, has been a major success and welcomed by our competitors.
"We will continue with this development as we organise Carmarthenshire’s Urdd Eisteddfod in 2023.
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“Several new and exciting elements have been introduced on the Eisteddfod Maes this year, but as with all good events, the Urdd will assess and evaluate all developments before deciding which new elements will be adopted next year and into the future.
“We’re extremely grateful to all the teachers, trainers, parents, and carers for working so hard to teach, create and train the competitors over the last few months, ensuring the high standard and success of this very special Eisteddfod.
"I would also like to thank all our sponsors and partners for their support, and of course, to all the staff and volunteers for all their hard work.”
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