One Show presenter Alex Jones has been announced as the host of the opening gala concert for the Urdd National Eisteddfod when it is held at Llancaiach Fawr in May.
The BBC star will host the concert, being held at 8pm on Sunday May 24 alongside the musical director of Welsh male voice choir Only Men Aloud, Tim Rhys Evans.
Performing at the concert will be Caerphilly-born TV host and singer Matt Johnson, choir Only Kids Aloud and Welsh speaking singer-songwriter Kizzy Crawford, from Merthyr Tydfil.
The Urdd National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals with over 15,000 children and young people competing. A touring festival, it is held in a different location in Wales each year.
This year it is being held at Llancaiach Fawr, near Nelson, between May 25 and May 30.
Within the 20 acre festival site, or ‘Maes’, visitors will find a funfair, around 80 stalls selling a variety of different things from jewellery and clothes to picnic tables and trailers.
There will also be an activity field with a climbing wall, quad bikes, trampolines and various workshops as well as live bands.
Activities will be suitable for all, not just Welsh speakers and learners, and will be a brilliant opportunity to see Welsh culture at its best.
Hundreds of local volunteers have been raising money and raising awareness over the last two years to make hosting the Urdd National Eisteddfod possible.
Sara Davies from Caerphilly, who is a teacher at Ysgol Cwm Rhymni and the Chair of the local Executive Committee, said: “We’ve had so much support over the last two years, from the south of the county to the north, with hundreds of people involved promoting and raising money.
“All sorts of activities have been arranged – from a sponsored cycle ride starting at the Meirionnydd Urdd Eisteddfod to Llancaiach Fawr site last May, a banquet at Caerphilly Castle and numerous local concerts.
“If I had to choose one highlight however, it would have to be the proclamation ceremony in October when over 4,000 people joined a parade to Caerphilly Castle to officially welcome the Eisteddfod to the area.
“I would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and support, and we very much look forward to welcoming people from across Wales to our area at the end of May.”
I would like to attend this as I think my daughter would really enjoy this but I will be in Spain instead lol. Pity as Miss Jones certainly isn’t difficult to look at.
I would like to attend this as I think my daughter would really enjoy this but I will be in Spain instead lol. Pity as Miss Jones certainly isn’t difficult to look at.