Thousands of local Rhondda Cynon Taf people flocked to the Eisteddfod Maes on Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd over the first weekend, and thousands more will come before the end of the week
The free ticket scheme for eligible families, funded by the Welsh Government has helped to ensure that the National Eisteddfod is certainly the festival for everyone when looking to the future.
Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said, “It’s important that we reflect contemporary Wales in all elements of our work, and today we’re announcing our volunteering plans to encourage more individuals to work with us on different projects throughout the year .
“We’ll be working with currently underrepresented groups to reach new volunteers across all areas of society, and we’re currently mapping opportunities across our projects and the festival itself.
"Opening up the Eisteddfod to secure its place as the festival for everyone here in Wales has been a priority for us for many years, and as we prepare to announce our strategy for the next five years, this will become a more prominent element of our work
"We’ve already taken great strides to ensure that our artistic programs reflects society here in Wales, and we’ve been working closely with partners such as Tŷ Cerdd over the past few years on projects such as Codi Cân, to nurture and develop individuals by offering them opportunities to perform at the Eisteddfod, often for the first time in Welsh.
"We’ve also worked with artists like Eadyth over a number of years, offering developmental and mentoring opportunities, on projects such as the worldwide network for female music producers.
"It’s important that we represent everyone in society in every element of our work, and this year we’ve introduced a new competition for choirs competing at the first time in the Eisteddfod.
"Over the next year, we’ll develop a plan to promote this with groups and associations from communities that are currently underrepresented. We hope to see from underrepresented groups competing in 2025.
Eisteddfod President and Chair of the Management Board, Ashok Ahir, added, "We strongly believe in an inclusive Eisteddfod that creates and offers opportunities for everyone to be part of every element of our work.
"By announcing that we’ll be collaborating with a number of bodies and organisations to reach communities and groups currently underrepresented in our work, we’re trying to ensure that yet another element of our work is appealing and welcoming to everyone .
"It’s vital that we as the main festival in Wales reflects contemporary Wales in every element of our work and we’re keen to collaborate and partner with others to help us achieve the goal."
The Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod is held at Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd until 10 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.cymru.