With just a few days to go until the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod, Montgomeryshire is making the final preparations to welcome the event for the first time in over 30 years.

As tens of thousands of people expected to descend on the fields of Mathrafal Farm near Meifod,the chairman of the event’s committee has described an atmosphere of “enthusiasm” following a “challenging” effort to put the celebration together.

The National Urdd Eisteddfod, which will start on Monday, May 27, and end on Saturday, June 1, will be the first time Montgomeryshire has hosted the event since 1988.

Bedwyr Fychan, chairman of the Urdd Eisteddfod Maldwyn 2024 committee, said: “The buzz and the enthusiasm has been growing momentum over the last few months across the county

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“That could be seen with Mr Urdd cycling with a group of his friends around each primary school in the county as part of the celebration.

“The fundraising has been carried out in a relatively short and challenging - period and the effort in the county has been a special one. I can only thank, from the bottom of my heart, everyone for their dedication. It really shows how important the Urdd movement is to so many people in Montgomeryshire.

 "The opportunities that the Urdd offer to build confidence and nurture the skills of our children and our young people, in all kinds of fields, are tremendous.   

"I am extremely proud that a generation new of Maldwyn children and young people getting the thrill of experiencing this in our county this year."

"It has been quite a journey for us to be able to get here, but is a worthwhile one."

Also at the forefront of the Eisteddfod will be the six Presidents of the Day during the week, with each person on attendance for a different day during the festival’s runtime.  

On Monday, the President of the Day is West End actor Steffan Harri; folk singers Linda Griffiths and Siân James are on Tuesday; Elen Rhys, Entertainment Commissioner at S4C on Wednesday; presenter, actor, and country singer Aeron Pughe on Thursday; and on Friday Guto Rhun, Young Audiences Commissioner at S4C.

Powys County Council has also working closely with the Urdd, the local organising committee, local communities, businesses and volunteers to make the most of the opportunities the Urdd Eisteddfod brings.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, leader of Powys County Council, added: “We’re extremely excited and honoured that the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod is taking place in Powys and to welcome children and young people and their families from across Wales as they attend and participate in this special festival.”