Written - Additional Funding for Urdd Gobaith Cymru

I am pleased to announce that the Welsh Assembly Government has reached agreement with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to put in place long term financial support for the Urdd Eisteddfod.

From 2009 onwards, the Welsh Assembly Government will provide financial support of £150,000 per annum which will be matched by an equal contribution from Welsh Local Authorities.

The Urdd Eisteddfod is the largest youth festival in Europe and attracts over 100,000 visitors and 15,000 competitors. The Urdd Eisteddfod plays a vital role in support of the Welsh Assembly Government’s wider policies for culture, the Welsh language and young people. It has however become increasingly difficult for individual authorities to manage to financial burden associated with hosting the annual event.

Under the long term agreement with the WLGA local authorities will each be contributing on an annual basis rather than the host authority making a one-off contribution. This would build on the pattern already adopted for the National Eisteddfod. As well as reducing the burden placed on individual authorities this arrangement will make it possible for the Urdd Eisteddfod to visit all parts of Wales. This reflects our commitment to promote the language in every part of Wales.

The Government’s contribution to this new arrangement will be channelled via the Welsh language Board. This new funding will be in addition to the revenue support the Urdd receive from the Board. Urdd Gobaith Cymru will receive £663,754 from the Welsh Language Board, during the current financial year.

A long term programme for the Urdd Eisteddfod will now need to be agreed with the WLGA and the Board. I am delighted however that this agreement means that the 2009 Eisteddfod can be held in Cardiff at the Wales Millennium Centre.