Urdd Eisteddfod Llandovery

We’re proud to be the host county for this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod and look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to the Maes in Llandovery from May 29 - June 3.

Throughout the week we will have a host of different activities, information, drama, fitness sessions and much more that you can get involved in when you come and visit us at our stand on the Maes.

You can find us near the main entrance.

Each day will focus on a different topic – from supporting businesses and focussing on our aim to become net carbon zero authority by 2030 to launching our Welsh language strategy and work opportunities in the county, come and find out what we have to offer as well as give your views on a wide variety of topics.

Every afternoon we welcome some of our primary and secondary schools who are competing during the week to provide them with a stage to perform – please come along to support and see some of the amazing talent we have in our county.

On your way into our marquee, we are sure you will notice the wonderful planters which have been skilfully crafted by our Skills Hub – a community day service for adults with disabilities. Our thanks also go to the National Botanic Garden of Wales who have dressed the planters so beautifully with plants and flowers from their national attraction.

Nearby you will find a selection of local businesses who have been supported to be able to trade on the Maes at our 100% Carmarthenshire marquee. View a detailed timetable of which businesses will be at the stand on which day here.

If you are still feeling energetic head on over to the find Actif Sir Gâr at the sports village on the Maes. There you’ll find a daily timetable of activities taking place, including a pump track, tennis, netball, football, cricket, athletics, skills sessions and more.

Free entry for low-income families to Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod 2023

Urdd Gobaith Cymru are pleased to announce that free entry will be offered to low-income families to the Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod 2023.

Thanks to £150,000 financial support by the Welsh Government, this year low-income families will be able to claim free entry to the Urdd Eisteddfod. The funding is an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru through their Co-operation Agreement. The Urdd Eisteddfod will be held between 29 May – 3 June in Llandovery.

There are two ways for low-income families to claim free tickets to this year's Urdd Eisteddfod:

 - Urdd £1 Membership – an e-mail will be sent to families who receive the Urdd £1 Membership with information of how to claim their ticket. The e-mail will include a unique discount code that can only be used once with their account.

 - Application form – an application form can be completed on the Urdd’s website to claim low-income tickets. Before tickets can be claimed, the person or family will need to confirm that they are eligible within the listed criteria. Full information and criteria of who can apply for the low-income tickets will be available on the Urdd website.

Tickets for the Carmarthenshire 2023 Urdd Eisteddfod go on sale Tuesday 28 March. To purchase tickets or to claim low-income tickets visit www.urdd.cymru/eisteddfod 

Llandovery

The town’s location - nestled as it is along the banks of the river Tywi, separating the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Cambrian Mountains – makes it a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding area.

The beauty of Llandovery lies in its broad appeal; nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the town is the perfect base from which to explore the western part of the park. Thanks to its proximity to the Black Mountains, Crychan Forest, Cwm Rhaeadr (valley of the waterfall), the River Towy and Usk Reservoir it’s ideal territory for hiking, biking and horse riding, and a haven for nature lovers.

Places to stay

If you are not looking to stay and the official Urdd caravan and campsite, there are plenty of places for you to stay, relax and enjoy the week of the Urdd Eisteddfod. Whether you are looking to stay in high-quality, self-catering properties, picturesque camping sites and caravan parks, or excellent independent hotels and guesthouses, Llandovery has a rich and varied mix to choose from. Lovely caravan parks, such as Abermarlais and Dolbryn, are on sites surrounded by the natural beauty of Carmarthenshire and close to its vibrant market towns, while those such as Erwlon are also providing glamping experiences with log cabin-style riverside pods.

Places to eat

In Llandovery there is a vibrant and diverse range of independent eateries that can cater for everyone’s taste buds. If you are looking for somewhere to dine out, a place for coffee and cake or maybe a takeaway treat, take a look on 100% Sir Gâr to sample Llandovery’s culinary delights.

Things to do

Llandovery is one of Carmarthenshire’s honeypots attracting devotees of the great outdoors from far and wide, pretty much everywhere you turn in and around Llandovery you’ll be greeted with a breath-taking view.

You will find Llandovery rich in history and culture with plenty to see and do in and around the town.

For more on LLandovery

Getting to the Carmarthenshire 2023 Urdd Eisteddfod

The Urdd National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire will be held in the Market Town of Llandovery.

Directions: 

Please note that drivers are asked to follow the official yellow signs to reach the car parks, and to listen to any advice given in order to ensure that traffic keeps moving smoothly. Please also listen to traffic announcements on the radio.

Using Sat Nav
Please use Llandovery in the sat nav / google maps / Waze / any other navigation tool.
Llandovery is situated on the A40 where it meets the A483.

The Eisteddfod's Car Parks

The Car Parking for this year’s Urdd has been designed to accommodate traffic coming via all the main routes to town – as you enter the town, please follow the EVENT SIGNAGE to the official car parks.

All parking is free and from each car park there are safe pedestrian routes on pavements to the Maes, there are some additional pedestrian crossings being installed for the Urdd Eisteddfod week.

Blue badge holders

Dedicated parking areas will be allocated for blue badge holders in the official Eisteddfod Car Parks. Visitors should follow the appropriate signs to guide them to the Blue Badge car park, and follow the signs to the car park entrance. It will be necessary to display the badge in the vehicle.

Please note:

There will be a number of parking restrictions in Llandovery preventing cars parking on the highway – please do not illegally park on the highways of Llandovery.

Please be aware there is a level crossing on the A40 in Llandovery – please do not queue under any circumstance on the railway lines.

Please allow plenty of time for your journey and the walk to the Maes

Car Parks open at 6.30am

Caravans and Camping
Caravans and campers arriving Friday 26th – Sunday 28th May – please follow the event signage once arriving in Llandovery – as this differs to the rest of the week.

Bikes
You can Park your bike in a dedicated area near the Main Entrance.

Public Transport

Rail
There is a train station in Llandovery. This is the Heart of Wales line that runs through Llandovery from Swansea to Shrewsbury.

Rail Timetable

Bus services
There are regular buses from Carmarthen

Bus Timetable

Useful Links

www.Urdd.cymru

https://tfw.wales/places/events/urdd-eisteddfod

Monday - Welcome to Carmarthenshire

As we officially say Croeso to the Urdd and visitors to Sir Gâr we will have a range of events taking place today to suit all ages.

Join in our activities which take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
How to recycle – Join us and Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) project members to find out more about waste reduction and sustainability by taking part in our hands-on activity.
Get dressed up – Dive into our fancy dress box and become a character of your choice with Theatrau Sir Gâr. Make sure you snap a photo with your friends in our selfie frame.
Claim what’s yours – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
Design your own pebble – Get creative and design your own pebble with our Education team to take home as a memento from the Urdd.
Minecraft challenge - Taking inspiration from Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel Development in Llanelli, come and take part in a Minecraft mini build challenge and create something amazing!
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.

On the stage:

9am – 10am Live fitness class with Actif Sir Gâr
Start the morning with a fitness session and find out more about our Actif Anywhere for Schools platform.
Calling all teachers! Come along and have a behind the scenes look at the resources section and find out more about accessing the platform at your school.

10.30am – 12pm Interactive children’s show with Mewn Cymeriad
Suitable for pupils in reception and years 1 & 2.
Do you wear a special outfit to celebrate St David’s Day? Learn more about the Welsh costume and the wool industry in the company of Wales’ Queen of fashion – Arglwyddes Llanofer

2pm -5pm Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s young talent
Enjoy a second performance from some of our talented schools across the county as they perform their competition items.

Tuesday - Supporting local business

As part of the Shared Prosperity Fund initiatives our focus for today are the various projects around the county.

Visitors can find out more about the Pentre Awel at Delta Lakes in Llanelli aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people across the region, creating up to 2000 high quality, well paid jobs and boosting the economy by a staggering £467 million over 15 years.

Visitors will be able to see the £200million-plus project brought to life in a fly-through video of the village created using 3D modelling software and Google Earth technology.

Join in our activities which will take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
Get dressed up – Dive into our fancy dress box and become a character of your choice with Theatrau Sir Gâr. Make sure you snap a photo with your friends in our selfie frame.
Claim what’s yours – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
Stori a Chân – Listen to the fables of Sir Gâr and join in with our sing-along sessions.
Minecraft challenge - Taking inspiration from Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel Development in Llanelli, come and take part in a Minecraft mini build challenge and create something amazing!
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.

On the Stage:

9am – 10am Live fitness class with Actif Sir Gâr
Start the morning with a fitness session and find out more about our Actif Anywhere for Schools platform.
Calling all teachers! Come along and have a behind the scenes look at the resources section and find out more about accessing the platform at your school.

10.30am – 12pm Interactive children’s show with Mewn Cymeriad
Taran has travelled the world listening and searching for new stories. When he returns to Wales, he discovers, and falls in love with the legends of the Mabinogi - the characters and the magic.

2pm -5pm Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s young talent
Enjoy a second performance from some of our talented schools across the county as they perform their competition items.

Wednesday - Prosiect Carbon Zero Sir Gâr

Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr shines a spotlight on every effort that continues to be made as we works towards being completely carbon neutral by 2030.

It involves thousands of council staff, local schoolchildren, businesses and residents and hopes to inspire and encourage everyone to play their part in tackling climate change by reducing Carmarthenshire’s carbon footprint.

Every effort and change made - large or small - will help towards the target of becoming net carbon zero.

Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr calls on people to make changes, share ideas, and start conversations at home, in shops and offices, in classrooms and on social media to encourage everyone to work together to tackle climate change.

Join in our activities which take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
Makey Makey – Come and take part in Carmarthenshire Libraries interactive quiz using Makey Makey Invention kits.
Claim what’s yours – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
How to recycle – Join us and Circular Economy Innovation Communities (CEIC) project members to find out more about waste reduction and sustainability by taking part in our hands-on activity.
Seed Bombs – Join us for a fun and practical workshop creating wildflower seed bombs.
Wildflower walkabout - Want to find out more about wildflowers? Join the Education Team from the National Botanic Gardens of Wales for a ‘Wildflower Walkabout’
10.30 – 11.30
12.30 – 13.30
14.00 – 15.00
Minecraft challenge - Taking inspiration from Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel Development in Llanelli, come and take part in a Minecraft mini build challenge and create something amazing!
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.

On the Stage:

9am – 10am Live fitness class with Actif Sir Gâr
Start the morning with a fitness session and find out more about our Actif Anywhere for Schools platform.
Calling all teachers! Come along and have a behind the scenes look at the resources section and find out more about accessing the platform at your school.

10.30am – 11:00am & 11.15 – 11:45am Singing and dancing with Siani Sionc
Come for an adventure with Siani Sionc as we enjoy a sing-along of well-known Welsh rhymes and songs. There will be a lot of fun, singing and dancing.

2pm -5pm Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s young talent
Enjoy a second performance from some of our talented schools across the county as they perform their competition items.

Thursday - Welsh Language

Join in our activities which take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
Claim what’s yours – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
Stopmotion Video – Come and enjoy a hands-on experience of stopmotion videos with staff from Carmarthenshire libraries.
Thinking of joining us? – Find out more about the opportunities available – from apprenticeships, graduate placements to Care Academi. Come along for a chat with our team.
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.
Treasure Hunt – Help our Education team search for clues around the Maes – If you find the treasure you may be a lucky winner!
Minecraft challenge - Taking inspiration from Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel Development in Llanelli, come and take part in a Minecraft mini build challenge and create something amazing!
2021 Census Results - Come to learn more about the Welsh language in Carmarthenshire. 

On the Stage:

9am – 10am Live fitness class with Actif Sir Gâr
Start the morning with a fitness session and find out more about our Actif Anywhere for Schools platform.
Calling all teachers! Come along and have a behind the scenes look at the resources section and find out more about accessing the platform at your school.

10.30am – 11:00am & 11.15 – 11:45am Singing and dancing with Siani Sionc
Come for an adventure with Siani Sionc as we enjoy a sing-along of well-known Welsh rhymes and songs. There will be a lot of fun, singing and dancing.

4pm -5pm Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s young talent
Enjoy a second performance from some of our talented schools across the county as they perform their competition items.

Friday - Working in Carmarthenshire

Join in our activities which take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
Claim what’s yours – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
Coding and Robotics – Join the Carmarthenshire Libraries team to learn all about Scratch coding for creating games and animation.
Minecraft challenge - Taking inspiration from Zone 1 of the Pentre Awel Development in Llanelli, come and take part in a Minecraft mini build challenge and create something amazing!
Thinking of joining us? – Find out more about the opportunities available – from apprenticeships, graduate placements to Care Academi. Come along for a chat with our team.
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.
Clwb Clecs Dysgu Cymraeg - Come and meet our learn Welsh team with County Councillor Handel Davies and Learn Welsh tutor Jean Hughes in a special session of Clwb Clecs Trysorau.
1:00pm Jean Hughes
3.30pm Councillor Handel Davies

On the stage:

1:30pm - 2:30pm Arfor
Are you aged between 11-35 and interested in setting up a new business? Do you want to learn about opportunities across Carmarthenshire? If so, come along and find out more about the Arfor programme.

3pm – 4pm Music workshop
Come along to a Sharange workshop. Music teachers from the education team will be on hand to help you create music on ipads through a new web-based programme.

4pm -5pm Celebrating Carmarthenshire’s young talent
Enjoy a second performance from some of our talented schools across the county as they perform their competition items.

Saturday - Tourism in Carmarthenshire

As the Urdd draws to a close, we welcome you back to enjoy Summer in Carmarthenshire.

In summer, Carmarthenshire is bursting with life, but the endless days don’t mean we are bursting at the seams. Even in summer, you’ll find the space and the time to make the most of a visit.

Even on the warmest days there’s room to yourself on our beaches. But if lazing in the summer sun isn’t your thing, just get active. Try sea kayaking or coast-steering. Ride the waves on a surfboard or ride horses along the sands. Or simply just enjoy the views of Carmarthen Bay from the Glansteffan – the amphibious “boat” which crosses Carmarthen Bay between Ferryside and Llansteffan.

In summer, the Carmarthenshire countryside is full of life too. The flower beds at Aberglasney and the National Botanical Garden of Wales are vibrant with colour. Our country towns and markets are bustling. Alive with independent shops, full of produce. Some people are in search of crafts, art and fashion from nearby artists and designers. Others are ready to enjoy home-grown food and ale in an unmistakably Welsh setting.

Join in our activities which take place all day:

Power up! – Get on the bike to charge your mobile phone or even a light bulb with pedal power with Ynni Da.
Pledge your support – Join us in the fight against Climate Change by pledging to reduce the amount of energy you use. 
By making a pledge you will get the chance to enter a free daily competition to win a night’s stay at the newly opened Caban accommodation in Pendine.
Green fingers - Join us in planting tomato/cucumber seeds which you can take home and enjoy.
How can we help? – Our Hwb advisers are here to sign-post and help with any support you may need – from council services to cost of living support.
Minecraft Free Play – No brief, no rules! Saturday will be free play, call by anytime, enter the world of Minecraft and design and build any kind of building in any kind of world.
Have your say – Have your say – We would love to hear your views on our daily discussion points. By having your say you’ll also be entered into a free daily competition to win a hamper of 100% Carmarthenshire produce.

100% Sir Gar Marquee

Here in Carmarthenshire we are lucky to have a vibrant and diverse range of small local businesses who are producing some wonderful arts and crafts, food and drink, fashion, homeware, gifts and more.

Come and support our local businesses at the 100% Sir Gar marquee.

Monday 29th May & Tuesday 30th May

Cwyr Cain
Canhwyllau, toddion cwyr, tryledwyr cyrs persawrus, cynheswyr toddion cwyr, hamperi rhodd.

Primavera Therapy / Primavera Wellness Space
Vegan and cruelty free bath and skincare products including bath bombs, bath oils, body scrubs and salts

Doris and daughters
Crochet wearable items, home gifts

Trysorau'r Môr
Naturally tumbled sea glass jewellery

Skills Hwb
Locally handmade Welsh ladies, cockle ladies, traditional welsh love spoons and more

Rachel Beckford Gemstone Jewellery
Handmade Gemstone jewellery using high quality stones, Sterling 925 Silver. Bracelets, necklaces

Sians Emporium
Welsh Themed crafts, crystals and fossils

ETO CCC

Iona Llyr - Hwyangerddu

Wednesday 31st May & Thursday 1st June

Whimsical Waxettiere
Wax melts, home fragrances and cosmetics

Citrine Skincare Ltd
A range of vegan, and cruelty free skincare products formulated and manufactured in Carmarthen. The range includes cleansers, moisturisers, and products for face, body, feet and hands.

HAFOC
Busness bach Cymraeg, yn gwneud a gwerthu pob math o crefftau, mygiau, coasters, placiau pren a slat i hongian at y wal ac yn y blaen.

Louise Jones Art
Art prints based on welsh locations, merchandise from the artwork.

County Cycles Ltd
Bikes

Gemwaith Defna
Handmade Jewellery

ETO CCC

Cariad Candles
Hand made soy wax candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.

Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd

Karitree Limited
Homemade Natural artisanal skincare

Delyn Pottery and Lagoon jewellery
Hand thrown and hand decorated earthenware pottery. Lagoon handmade jewellery using recycled silver, gold and enamels.

Wibbly Wobbly Surf Co.
Dillad syrffio ac sydd wedi gael eu argraffi ac cynllunio yn mewnol

Jo Partridge Glass Design
Fused glass/leaded panels , glass lanterns , coasters, and other decorative glass pieces

Siop Y Pentan

Coffee Alfies
Coffee

ETO CCC

Chwilio'r Chwedl

See the magic of Carmarthenshire tales brought to life on The Urdd Eisteddfod Maes!

Over the past few months, hundreds of Carmarthenshire children and young people have been busy preparing and looking forward to seeing the project come to life in the company of Dewin Myrddin himself!

With all elements of the arts woven together, ‘Chwilio’r Chwedl’ showcases the history of the area. 

Watch all the perfomances

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Grav

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Mewn Undod Mae Nerth

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Y Pyllau Glo

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Cymru 23 Tan a Gwaed

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Gorau Chwarae, Cyd Chwarae

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Gwiber Emlyn

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Deffro'r Dewin

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Twm Sion Cati

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Llyn Llech Owain

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Twrch Trwyth

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Dan y Wenallt

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Llyn y Fan Fach

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Merched Beca

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Carwyn

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Gwenllian

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Gwaith Tin Tinopolis

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Sioe 9-3

Chwilio'r Chwedl: Glannau Sir Gâr