3,000 to march in Urdd parade
AROUND 3,000 people are expected to march through Bridgend town centre on Saturday as part of the May 2017 Bridgend, Taff-Ely Urdd National Eisteddfod Proclamation Festival.
The march will begin at 11.30am from Bridgend College making its way to the sound of brass and samba bands to Newbridge Fields by 12.15pm.
There the celebrations will continue until 3pm with an afternoon packed full of free entertainment for the whole family, including performances from Syrcas Circus, S4C’s Stwnsh presenters and Cyw characters, goods stalls, the Bridgend Big Band, local singer Danielle Lewis, Cpt Smith and performances by local schools, ‘adrannau’(Urdd youth clubs) and groups.
The Urdd Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals, will be held at Bridgend College’s Pencoed Campus between May 29 and June 3 next year.
As part of the celebrations on Saturday at Newbridge Fields there will also be a range of sports activities organised by the Urdd Sports Department.
People are encouraged to wear red, white and green on the day, and Ei- steddfod 2017 goods will be for sale on the field including hoodies and Tshirts.
Aled Sion, director of the Urdd Eisteddfod said: “The support we have received to date from people in the area to the Urdd Eisteddfod’s coming, one of the largest travelling festivals in Europe, has been fantastic. We are extremely grateful for the assistance provided by Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils, as well as the local community, schools and groups.
“I look forward to a lively proclamation festival and a day of celebration, looking ahead to May 2017.”
A cash prize is being offered to the winners of a competition to create and display a banner on the day, which promotes the school/adran (club) and highlights the coming of the eisteddfod.
Welsh, Urdd and Owain Glyndwr banners are also welcome on the march.
There will be parking spaces on the Bridgend College campus, but people are encouraged to use the town’s parking facilities and walk.
The march will take the following route: Nolton Street, Caroline Street, Adare Street, Wyndham Street, Dunraven Place, Queen Street, Angel Street – Newbridge Fields.