University plans packed programme of Welsh language activities for National Eisteddfod
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Teams at Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University are preparing a jam-packed programme of Welsh language themed activities and learning opportunities ready for their appearance at this year’s National Eisteddfod.
Staff from across the University will be on hand throughout the week to demonstrate its commitment to offering students and staff the chance to speak the Welsh language, as well as study bilingually and celebrate the culture, while studying and working at the institution.
The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe, held in a different part of Wales every year. This year it’s taking place at Rhondda Cynon Taf from this Saturday, August 3 to next Saturday, August 10.
Throughout the week, Wrexham University’s stand will focus on a different theme for each day of the event. They include:
- Monday, August 5 – Learning Welsh
- Tuesday, August 6 – Education
- Wednesday, August 7 – Health
- Thursday, August 8 – Law and Criminology
- Friday, August 9 – Art
While, activities during the weekend of the event will be led by Wrexham University’s partner organisation, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre.
Elen Mai Nefydd, the University’s Head of Welsh Development, said the National Eisteddfod is “the most fitting event” to demonstrate the institution’s positive contribution to the development of the Welsh language.
She said: “We are delighted to be returning to the National Eisteddfod for the second year in succession – and are looking forward to welcome attendees to our stand and find out more about our Welsh medium offer, with some exciting surprises up our sleeves.
“We are proud to say that we continue to make immense strides in relation to our Welsh language provision and we can’t wait to share what progress has been made since last year’s event.
“The Eisteddfod provides a superb opportunity to meet and speak with prospective Welsh-speaking students, engage with other institutions and organisations from across Wales, and really showcase our commitment to offering everybody the chance to speak, learn and be supported in Welsh here at Prifysgol Wrecsam.
“This year’s event is extra exciting as it means we are a year closer to hosting next year’s National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. We cannot wait to be holding the festival in our home city and are looking forward to working with the community in the run-up to next year’s event.”
Jonathan Lloyd, Marketing and Communications Content Producer at Wrexham University, who started the second level of the Welsh at Work course, is one of the staff members, who will be on hand at the University’s stand during the National Eisteddfod.
He said: “As a Welsh learner, I’m thrilled that I’m able to utilise those skills during the week of the Eisteddfod. It’s situations like this, which help to boost my confidence. It’s also great that we will have such a strong presence at the event – it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the institution’s commitment to bilingual provision.”
Jonathan Lloyd, Marketing and Communications Content Producer, with fellow Welsh learners. Sixth from left.
Elen Mai is the 2025 National Eisteddfod’s Deputy Chair (Culture) and will be leading on the event’s artistic elements.