Census results reinforce the need for the National Eisteddfod to travel

With mixed results for our language released today, it’s more important than ever to make sure we reach our national goal of a million Welsh speakers and double the daily use of our language by 2050 with the need to continue with our work to inspire people in all parts of Wales to use and learn our language crucially important.

Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said, "It’s essential that the Eisteddfod continues to travel in the future, so that people in all parts of Wales get a taste of our language and culture on their doorstep.  We’re pleased to see the number of Welsh speakers increasing in some parts of Wales, and it’s important that we continue to visit these areas to support the work being done locally.

"Creating opportunities for young people to discover Welsh music and socialise at festivals such as Maes B and the Eisteddfod itself is vitally important. It’s often the first time that many of them have used Welsh in an informal and natural atmosphere. Meeting like-minded people from other parts of Wales who speak our language is a positive and memorable experience.

"Projects such as Merched yn Gwneud Miwsig create a Welsh language voice for young women through music, giving them the confidence to perform or get involved in the Welsh music scene in other ways.  

"We need to further develop our role in our communities, working at grassroots level to reach new and unfamiliar audiences in the run-up to the Eisteddfod, so that our language and culture take root locally before the Eisteddfod festival itself.

"Bringing people together, in Welsh language activities, is one of the most important elements of our project.  Our visit is gives people a reason to get together in their community, whether it’s a densely populated community in a town or city or a small village deep in the countryside.

"The last few weeks have shown how important it is to be positive about our country on the international stage. We’ve joined together to support Wales in the World Cup. And now we must join as one to support our language, starting at a micro-local level, looking out at our own community and then at Wales as a whole.

"It’s important we continue to encourage and attract people to our language, and that we become more determined than ever to make a difference across Wales.  Our aim today like every other day is to carry on with the work to reach a million Welsh speakers and double the daily use of our language by 2050.

"Here at the Eisteddfod, we’ll continue to use our festival as an excellent opportunity to promote all elements of culture and the arts in Welsh, offering a warm, friendly and inclusive welcome to everyone."

The Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod will be held in Boduan, near Pwllheli from 5-12 August 2023. For more details go to www.eisteddfod.wales.