The 2019 Urdd National Eisteddfod will be free to attend for the first time ever, Urdd Gobaith Cymru has confirmed.

With around 100,000 visitors expected between May 27 and June 1, and over 15,000 young competitors set to take part, the Urdd Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals.

After a successful event this year in Brecon and Radnorshire, the 2019 edition of the Urdd Eisteddfod will take place in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, with the site, or ‘maes’ as it is known, located around Roald Dahl Plass being free of charge for everyone to enjoy.

This is the first time the Urdd Eisteddfod has offered free entry and means that thousands of young competitors and their supporters will be able to take advantage of the free entry tickets. It’s hoped that the move will enhance the accessibility of the festival and hopefully attract a new audience to the Eisteddfod.

Sian Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer free entry to the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Cardiff and the Vale 2019. The Urdd prides itself on being an inclusive and accessible organisation for children and young people from all walks of life.

“We hope that offering free entry to an event at the capital city of Wales, will attract visitors who would not normally visit an eisteddfod or interact with the Urdd. The Eisteddfod is the perfect event to showcase the language itself and range of Urdd activities,” she added.

Everybody under the age of 18, and all competitors, who will have won their places in Urdd Eisteddfod after local and regional rounds in Spring, will enjoy free admission to all the preliminary rounds and performing areas – including the Pavilion.

Over-18s who wish to see the preliminary rounds and Pavilion competitions, however, will need to buy wrist bands, which will go on sale in the New Year. There will be no restrictions on the sale of wrist bands and access to each location will be based on space, as with previous Urdd Eisteddfod events.

Tickets and wrist bands are due to go on sale on 1 February 2019.

For further information, contact Mari Williams: mari@urdd.org / 01678541025 or Mali Thomas: mali@urdd.org / 02920635695