Merthyr Tydfil Council to Apply for Presence at National Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Merthyr Tydfil Council is looking to apply for a stall to have a presence at the National Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf next year.
Cabinet and full council could approve applying for a presence at the event in 2024 at meetings on Wednesday, December 6.
It would also involve a steering group to support the organisation and co-ordination for the festival.
The report to go before cabinet and full council said the Eisteddfod provides an opportunity to showcase the work of MTCBC (Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council) through purchasing a stall on the Maes (Eisteddfod field).
The council has registered its interest in having a space for the event and final applications will open on March 1, 2024.
The steering group will co-ordinate council departments and schools to support the event ensuring as wide a range of activities as possible across the week.
The Welsh digital app, Caru Cymru, currently being developed by primary schools across the county borough, will be launched at the event with its aim being to support both the learning and teaching of the language.
Other activities would include showcasing the work done by schools to promote the Welsh language with specific days focussing on, for example, early years work, youth work and the opportunity for councillors to get involved.
The report said that funding would need to be secured for this, preferably through grant, although it would be possible through core council budget.
Costs of stalls have yet to be released but these are estimated at £3,000 –
£4,000 and other cost implications such as transport, promotional and activity resource will also need to be factored in.
The report said that Cymraeg 2050 is a key driver, led by the Welsh Government, to reach a million Welsh speakers by 2050 which has the vision that the Welsh language will be thriving and used in every aspect of life and that this vision is replicated in the council’s #Shwmaeronment “a place where thec Welsh language is celebrated.”
The report said; “Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTCBC) and its partners have made positive progress with the WESP (10-year plan) and Welsh Language Strategy (5- year plan) through partnership working and collaboration.
“Welsh language businesses, partners and schools have collaborated to deliver an increasing range of successful opportunities and events across the county borough to support and showcase the Welsh language, heritage, and history.
“The annual National Eisteddfod is an important part of Welsh culture and heritage and provides an opportunity for key organisations to showcase their work in relation to the development of the Welsh language.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​