Turf-cutting begins as Eisteddfod on its way

THE first piece of turf has been cut to mark the start of reconstruction at the Bridgend Taff-Ely Urdd Eisteddfod site in Pencoed.

The Eisteddfod, which is taking place between May 29 and June 3, will be the first time the festival has come to the area since 1991, when it was held in Tonyrefail.

The turf was cut on Monday, and it will now take five weeks to get the area ready for the estimated 90,000 visitors.

Tegwen Ellis, head of Ysgol Cynwyd Sant, is the chairman of the executive committee and a key member of the group of volunteers that have worked hard over the last two years raising money and awareness of the Eisteddfod in the area.

She said: “I’ve had a great team of volunteers organising various events to raise money and awareness in their communities. Many of the local people remember when the Eisteddfod visited Maesteg in 1979, and they are among numerous people in the area that are looking forward to welcoming children and young people from all corners of Wales to our area.”

It’s estimated that hosting the Eisteddfod represents an economic boost of around £6m to an area, with 78% of visitors spending money in local businesses.

A total of 15,000 children and young people will compete during the week in competitions ranging from singing, acting and dancing to cookery and hairdressing.

There will be activities for the whole family on the Maes, including sport sessions, a climbing wall, children’s shows, a funfair, live music and more than 80 stalls selling a range of goods.

In the evening there will be concerts, shows and competitions, with famous faces such as Sophie Evans and Only Boys Aloud performing in the opening concert.