Pupils show their colours to celebrate love for Urdd
A PATRIOTIC splash of colour has chased away the winter gloom at schools across Bridgend.
Pupils wearing red, white and green descended on classrooms and sports fields on Friday for a special day called Cariad@yrUrdd (Love@ theUrdd) to celebrate and raise funds for the Urdd Eisteddfod – one of Europe’s largest youth festivals – which is coming to Bridgend this summer.
The day was called Cariad@yrUrdd to coincide with St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh equivalent of Valentine’s Day.
The family-friendly, sixday Urdd Eisteddfod will be held on the Pencoed campus of Bridgend College between May 29 and June 3. It is expected to attract 90,000 visitors.
Executive committee chairwoman Tegwen Ellis said: “The Eisteddfod brings an enormous benefit to the area it visits and offers a fantastic day out for the whole family.
“Local businesses also stand to benefit greatly from the influx of around 90,000 visitors, with up to 70% staying for two days or more and 15% staying an entire week. A total of 78% of visitors report spending money in local businesses.
“Including the investment in the Maes itself, it’s estimated that hosting the Eisteddfod represents an economic boost of around £6m to an area.”
She said: “Within the 20 acre festival site, or ‘Maes’, you will find the competing pavilion, a funfair and around 80 stalls selling all sorts – from jewellery and clothes to picnic tables and trailers.
“There is also an activity field with a climbing wall, quad bikes, trampolines and various workshops as well as live bands performing in the food arena.
“With its exciting arts and science pavilions and the Cwtch Cymraeg, which is a specific resource for Welsh learners, it’s a brilliant opportunity to spend a day with the family in a unique Welsh atmosphere.”