2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod Honorary Presidents announced

They are well-known people in the area and have been invited to be the festivals Honorary Presidents for their "contribution to the cultural life of the area and the Welsh language locally".

Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod, said they had been invited "because of their contribution to the cultural life of the area and the Welsh language locally."

"Without these people, the area would be a lot poorer in culture," she said.

Among the six is Eirlys Britton who was one of the first pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen and who later returned to the Pontypridd area as a teacher at Ysgol Heol y Celyn. There she taught children to recite and dance, experiencing success year after year at the Urdd's eisteddfodau.

While doing this she was also a leading member of the Cardiff Aelwyd yr Urdd and played the role of Beth Leyshon in Pobol y Cwm drama series for over 15 years.

In 1981 Dawnswyr Nantgarw was formed which have won many awards nationally and internationally. She was honoured with the Sir TH Parry-Williams medal at the Vale of Glamorgan Eisteddfod in 2012.

Since moving to the Pontypridd area over half a century ago from Trefor in Gwynedd, Wil Morus Jones has dedicated himself to being an ambassador for the language in every way in his adopted area.

He started teaching Welsh to adults in the Pontypridd area and did so for decades.

One of his main musical successes was establishing Côr Godre'r Garth fifty years ago. On their first attempt at the Bro Myrddin National Eisteddfod they won the mixed choir competition. He has led many Cymanfeydd Canu and leading the Cymanfa in the Pavilion once again this year will be a great privilege for him.

After retiring he was inspired to establish BanglaCymru after seeing children suffering from cleft lip and palate in Bangladesh. By now he has managed to raise enough money to give over 1,500 operations to those who suffer from the condition.

Born in Cwmaman, apart from some 12 years living in Swansea and Pontardawe, Susan Jenkins has spent her life in Cwm Cynon. She graduated in Welsh from Swansea University College and was fortunate to be able to use Welsh throughout her career, as Swansea University's first translator, editor and then director of the University of Wales Press, and in several editorial positions with the WJEC.

She has been the editor of Clochdar, Cwm Cynon's local paper since 2009, is the current secretary of RCT's Menter Iaith Management Board and for two years she has been one of the volunteer tutors at Clwb Dysgwyr Hirwaun.

Geraint Davies was born in Treherbert and his early life revolved around the Chapel where his father was Secretary, and the Treorci Boys' Choir where he was Leader.

After graduating in pharmacy he returned to Wales and opened a pharmacy in Treherbert where he served his community for 43 years.

The disappointment of the '79 devolution referendum spurred his political activity and in 1983 he was elected a councillor on the Rhondda Borough Council. He took part in a number of campaigns and went on to stand in the Assembly election. He won and was the first member of the Rhondda in the Assembly.

He was governor of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda and is still governor of Ysgol Gymraeg Ynyswen. He has been a member of the Godre Garth Choir for over twenty years and Secretary of Blaen-y-cwm Chapel where he continues to serve his community.

Menna Thomas in Maesteg and Bridgend but in the Pontypridd area her home has been for over 30 years now. Throughout her career as a teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen (later Garth Olwg), she found great satisfaction as one of the crew who trained pupils for concerts and eisteddfods.

She regularly competed in the National Eisteddfod winning some of the top prizes in the Folk singing and Cerdd Dant sections. Over the years she was a member of the Talwrn Y Garth and Dwrlyn teams. She led the Merched y Garth choir from 1989 until 1999 and since 1995 he has led Parti'r Efail, a group of men who have, so far, competed in 26 National Eisteddfods and 26 Cerdd Dant festivals.

Menna is a tutor on the Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru's annual Setting Course and is active with Cymdeithas Alawon Gwerin Cymru. A proud member of the Tônteg girls' choir, she also enjoys singing in the Eisteddfod choir this year.

Martyn Geraint was born in Pembrokeshire but his father, Herbie, who was a train driver, moved the family to Pontypridd in 1965. At Ysgol Pont Siôn Norton and at the Sunday School Martyn started performing but at Ysgol Rhydfelen he developed performing for National audiences.

After training to be a teacher and four years as an actor including "Falabalam" and an episode of "Dr Who" Martyn started performing live shows for small children. Then came about 15 years on S4C on programs "Slot Meithrin", "Planed Plant" and three years as presenter of "Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol".

He has composed dozens of songs for children and performed thousands of school shows and pantomimes, weddings and birthday parties since 1991.

The six will be presented during the opening ceremony in the Pavilion on Saturday, 3 August at 13:15. The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod is held in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd until 10 August. For more information go to eisteddfod.cymru