Eisteddfod crowds urged to leave their cars at home

Harry, 7, and Freddie, 5, outside the National Eisteddfod sign in Pontypridd

People visiting the National Eisteddfod are being encouraged to use public transport as the annual event visits the south Wales valleys.

Based in the town centre of Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, this year's eisteddfod will be "different and urban", according to the local council.

Ynysangharad Park is providing the focus for most of the activities, with 150,000 visitors expected over the course of the week.

With no event parking near the festival, those attending are being urged to walk, cycle or take the train or bus.

Transport for Wales (TfW) said there would be extra trains throughout the week and additional staff across the network to help passengers.

It is the first time the National Eisteddfod has been held in Rhondda Cynon Taf since 1956.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said the local economy could be boosted by £16m.

What is the National Eisteddfod?

About 150,000 visitors are expected at this year's eisteddfod in Pontypridd

The National Eisteddfod is an annual festival that celebrates the language and culture of Wales.

The festival has taken place each summer since 1861, with the location alternating between north and south Wales.

It is best known for its competitions – allowing people from across Wales to compete in various cultural contests - with actors, musicians and poets competing on the national stage.

The main site, known as the maes, is the home of many of the eisteddfod's activities.

Where is the National Eisteddfod 2024?

The Maes is at Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd

This year’s eisteddfod takes place in Pontypridd, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with the maes - or field - at Ynysangharad Park, a stone's throw from the centre of the town.

Some aspects of the festival will take place at local arts centres and other venues around the town.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over Wales and beyond and can promise something for everyone on over 10 individual stages around the park and in the town,” said Helen Prosser, chair of the eisteddfod's local executive committee.

“The last time the festival was held locally was in 1956, so we’ve waited a long time for this year.”

When does the eisteddfod start?

This year's eisteddfod began Saturday, 3 August and runs until Sunday, 10 August.

The Maes opens from 08:00 BST each day, with last entry at 21:00.

A new mural has been created by graffiti artist Tee2Sugars in the centre of Pontypridd to celebrate the festival

Eisteddfod travel advice

There is no event parking near to the festival, but there are two park and rides available at Abercynon and Hawthorn.

The nearest train station is Pontypridd, a short walk from Ynysangharad Park. There will be additional trains from Cardiff to Pontypridd until the event finishes each evening.

"To accommodate the expected influx of visitors we have implemented a comprehensive plan that includes additional services throughout the week and lots of colleagues on the network to help customers," said Colin Lea, from TfW.

There are a number of bus services that run directly to Pontypridd bus station, which is a five-minute walk to the festival.

Ynysangharad Park is also accessible from the Taff Trail, with bike lockers available at both entrances.

More information about how to get there is available on the National Eisteddfod website.

What can I do at the National Eisteddfod?

The eisteddfod features a range of events including arts, literary, and music competitions.

“There’s a definite local feel to the programme this year,” said Ms Prosser.

“I’m glad that we’re able to provide a national stage for so many local performers and artists.”

Some of the highlights include the opening ceremony, which takes place at the pavilion at 13:15 on Saturday.

New members of the Gorsedd will be welcomed in a ceremony at the pavilion at 10:00 on Monday.

The Crowning of the Bard ceremony, when the eisteddfod crown is given to the poet of the best free verse, takes place in the pavilion on Monday at 16:00.

The Chairing of the Bard ceremony, when the eisteddfod chair is presented to the winning bard, takes place in the pavilion at 16:00 on Friday.

Final preparations are made before the eisteddfod opens on Saturday

What is the Gorsedd?

The Gorsedd of the Bards is an association made up of poets, writers, musicians, artists and other people who have made a distinguished contribution to Wales.

The head of the Gorsedd of the Bards is the archdruid, who is elected for a term of three years and is responsible for conducting the Gorsedd ceremonies during the eisteddfod week.

Well known members of the Gorsedd include the Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, the singer Bryn Terfel, and the BBC presenters Alex Jones and Huw Stephens.

You can read more about the Gorsedd here.

Will Pontypridd Lido still be open during the Eisteddfod?

Yes and no - Pontypridd Lido will be closed to the general public but open to Eisteddfod attendees during the course of the week.

What will the weather be like?

The forecast for Pontypridd looks set to be fine and warm for most of the week, though there is a chance of some rain on Friday.

You can stay up to date with the latest weather forecast here.

More on the National Eisteddfod

• What is the Gorsedd?

• How to follow the National Eisteddfod on the BBC