Anglesey to Host Urdd National Eisteddfod Starting 23 May

Anglesey will host the Urdd's National Eisteddfod for the first time in more than 20 years. The festival runs from 23 to 29 May at the Mona showground. The Urdd Eisteddfod is an annual event focused on Welsh language, culture, and the arts for young people. The island last hosted the event in 2004 at the same location.

Llio Maddocks, the Urdd's Director of the Arts, said the island has been decorated in red, white, and green ahead of the festival. Staff and volunteers have worked for more than three years to prepare the site. Businesses across Anglesey have decorated shop windows. Volunteers reached a fundraising target of £380,000 last week.

Henblas have been rehearsing with a school band. Many children are playing instruments for the first time. Parent Bronwen Evans said the children practiced every night after school. " Eight-year-old Llywela said she plays the cornet and has never played an instrument before. Fellow pupil Mia said the group will continue practicing until the performance is perfect.