URDD EISTEDDFOD 2021 POSTPONED FOR A YEAR
NEXT year’s Urdd Eisteddfod has been postponed until 2022 due to coronavirus.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru has decided to postpone the annual youth event, which was due to be held in Denbighshire, for another year after previously delaying it from 2020 until 2021.
It is now set to be held in May 2022.
Sian Eirian, acting director of the Urdd Eisteddfod, said: “The decision to postpone for another year was not an easy one to make.
“But unfortunately, given the current situation we are in, it was felt there was no real alternative.
“Under normal circumstances, very soon into the new year, schools, Urdd youth clubs and households alike would be busy preparing for the local and regional Eisteddfodau.
“But the current restrictions in place would make it almost impossible for our contestants to prepare for these preliminary rounds, let alone stage them.
“The decision had to be made as soon as possible for the sake of our competitors and their teachers, but also with regards to organising and contractual work with stakeholders and companies who play key roles in the planning and the set-up of the annual festival.”
She added: “I am fully aware of the disappointment today’s announcement brings to the volunteers in Denbighshire who have worked so tirelessly, not to mention the children and young people who were looking forward to returning to compete on stage.
“Circumstances permitting, we look forward to welcoming the Eisteddfod to Denbigh in 2022, which also falls on the Urdd’s centenary - which will make it an extra special occasion.”
The Urdd Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire will now move to 2023, and Urdd Eisteddfod Maldwyn (Montgomeryshire) to 2024.
Following this year’s first-ever digital Eisteddfod, the Urdd said it hoped to stage a pioneering ‘Eisteddfod T’ during Whitsun half-term 2021 for children, young people, and their families.
The Urdd is in discussion with all its partners, and final plans are expected to be announced by the end of January 2021.
Gwenno Mair Davies, chair of the Urdd Eisteddfod and Arts Board, said: “Everyone involved in the Eisteddfod - from competitors to teachers, supporters, stallholders and volunteers alike - are longing to return to the festival.
“Despite this disappointing announcement today we must remain positive and look forward to 2022, when the Eisteddfod will be held in Denbighshire during the Urdd’s centenary year.
“There is no doubt it will be a festival to remember, and those associated with the preparations deserves nothing less.”
Back in March, organisers announced that this year’s Urdd National Eisteddfod had been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And in July, Urdd Gobaith Cymru warned they were facing a reduction in income of £14 million over the next two years, resulting in significant changes to its resources and could lead to job cuts and a remodelling of its services.
It has been forced to cut its workforce in half, and its three centres, which attract over 40,000 visitors annually, including Glanllyn, on the shore of Llyn Tegid, remain closed to residents.