While welcoming everyone to the Eisteddfod Field in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd on the first morning of the Festival, Chair of the Executive Committee, Helen Prosser announced that the Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Eisteddfod Fund has reached almost £332,000
With support in kind from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and others, the total has passed £450,000.
Helen Prosser said, "It’s a great pleasure to be able to announce such an incredible total this morning. It’s hard to believe that we’ve managed to raise so much money in just eighteen months. Where do I start to thank everyone for their hard work, energy and enthusiasm.
"Volunteers from every corner of Rhondda, Cynon and Taf have organised activities in the name of the Eisteddfod, and we’re particularly grateful to friends in other parts of Wales, including Caernarfon and Cardiff for organising events to help us reach our goal.
"Thank you to all our volunteers, to local residents and to everyone who’s been so supportive throughout the period. And there’s only one thing left for us to do now, which is to encourage everyone to come over to see us at this lovely park during the week and enjoy the festival.
"We’ve been waiting for the Eisteddfod to return to the county since 1956 - and I’m so proud to be able to say Welcome to the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod!"
The Eisteddfod will be held on Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd until 10 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.cymru.