The Senedd has celebrated the unparalleled success of the 2024 National Eisteddfod, held in Pontypridd, with attendance exceeding 186,000. Heledd Fychan, representing South Wales Central, lauded the event’s significant impact during a debate on September 18.
Pontypridd transformed into a bustling hub as thousands gathered at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in early August. This event marked the first time the Eisteddfod had returned to Rhondda Cynon Taf since 1956, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Fychan highlighted the anticipation and scepticism preceding the event, noting the eventual widespread acclaim. “There is a question to begin with: ‘The best Eisteddfod ever. That was the question posed by Tudur Owen, that was the question on the front page of Golwg and that was the question on the lips of many of those who attended,” she stated.
Ms Fychan, formerly a Pontypridd councillor, expressed delight at the positive feedback on social media platforms, pointing out the shift in public opinion. She noted, “You should have seen the comments … on these very same websites, with some of the greatest sceptics amongst those praising the event to the skies, and even expressing hopes that the Eisteddfod would return.”
Plaid Cymru’s shadow culture secretary underlined the uniqueness of this year’s Eisteddfod, which seamlessly integrated with the entire town. Businesses thrived, with nearly 40,000 people visiting on the busiest day, leading to some running out of food. Peredur Owen Griffiths praised a “wonderful” competition featuring over a dozen new choirs, emphasising the mental health benefits and community cohesion derived from choral singing.
Conservatives’ Tom Giffard echoed the sentiment, deeming the event very successful. He stressed the importance of extending Welsh language initiatives beyond traditional heartlands to meet the goal of one million Welsh speakers by 2050. Plaid’s Sioned Williams reflected on the memorable week and expressed anticipation for next year’s “steel and sea” Eisteddfod, scheduled for Margam Park, Neath Port Talbot.
Responding for the Welsh Government, Jane Hutt underscored the revitalising effect the Eisteddfod had on the Welsh language within the region. She remarked, “This year’s Eisteddfod offered an opportunity to show Pontypridd and the valleys at their best, and what is possible by working together. The people of Ponty and the whole county have made Wales proud.” Hutt highlighted the event’s record-breaking achievements, including its status as the greenest Eisteddfod ever, facilitated by 100,000 train journeys. She concluded, “The Eisteddfod delivered an unforgettable cultural experience for thousands of people in the county, with the Welsh language at the heart of it.”
The 2024 National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd has set new benchmarks, not only in terms of attendance but also in cultural and environmental impact. The event has significantly bolstered the visibility and use of the Welsh language, creating a lasting legacy in the region. The anticipation for next year’s Eisteddfod at Margam Park is set high, promising to continue this tradition of excellence.