Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

The recent Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod held in Ynysangharad Park was undoubtedly a resounding success, with many people saying that it was the best ever Eisteddfod. I agree! 

So many people from across the county borough played a key role in this, from fundraising to preparing bunting and signage, volunteering during the week, putting on complimentary events, ensuring public transport links worked efficiently, as well as promoting everything Rhondda Cynon Taf has to offer. I’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them. It was a community effort, and we put on a show that we can all be proud of.  

Personally, I loved seeing Pontypridd so busy with cafes, bars and restaurants even running out of food at times! It was also wonderful to hear so many people who know no Welsh, or are learning, enjoy everything the Eisteddfod has to offer, proving that the language belongs to all of us here in Wales, whether we speak it or not. 

It was also wonderful to see so many people perform during the week, as well as seeing so many local people win, such as Tonyrefail’s Gwynfor Dafydd who won the crown, Pontypridd’s Eurgain Haf who won the prose medal and Tonyrefail’s Nathan James Dearden who won the Composer’s Trophy. RCT is obviously a county brimming with talent! 

With so many people now speaking highly of Rhondda Cynon Taf, and also enthusiastic about the Welsh language, what steps must now be taken to ensure a lasting legacy? 

Countless times, I heard people express surprise how easy it was for them to get to Pontypridd, with many vowing to return to visit the market, have a meal, attend an event at YMa or the Muni, or enjoying the Lido. Many also said that they now wanted to explore the rest of the county, having learnt about what is on offer through the eisteddfod. We must therefore continue to build on our tourism offer, and continue to promote the cultural and heritage offer, as well as local businesses.  

In terms of the language, we must continue to invest in Welsh medium education, formal and informal opportunities to learn and practice Welsh for people of all ages, and also crucially, Welsh language events that are open to all, but provide an opportunity for people to have fun and enjoy themselves so that Welsh continues to be seen as a living language. Places like Clwb y Bont, the Hen Lyfrgell in Porth and the Lion in Treorchy all play a crucial role in this, and I hope people continue to support them. Our choirs also offer opportunities to perform in Welsh, and if you feel inspired to join one after the Eisteddfod, I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms! 

Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf also play a crucial role in promoting the language, and providing opportunities for people to use whatever Welsh they have. The team performs miracles, with a very small budget, but can play a pivotal role in building on the success of the Eisteddfod. They are also responsible for organising Parti Ponty, and we need to ensure that they will be funded to deliver one next year, so that those that enjoyed the eisteddfod can have further opportunities to enjoy Welsh language events.  

These are all issues that I will be raising with both RCT Council and the Welsh Government in the coming weeks, and I’m sure that many others across the county borough will also have their own ideas in terms of securing a legacy.  

If you’d like to get in touch about this, or any other issue, please feel free to email me via [email protected] My team and I are here to help.