After putting significant pressure on the Welsh Government last year to fund free entry to the Maes in Llanrwst, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has welcomed the fact that Baroness Eluned Morgan AM, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, has now made money available to fund some free tickets for Conwy residents on the opening Sunday.
Following the announcement, Janet said:
“I encourage everyone in Conwy to apply for a free ticket so that they can experience this fantastic celebration of Welsh language, culture, and talent.
“In November I challenged the Minister for Welsh Language to provide the necessary financial support to ensure that there is free entry to the Maes.
“Given the success of free access in Cardiff Bay last year, and the inclusion of the Eisteddfod in the strategy for achieving a million speakers by 2050, it seemed a common sense request to me.
“Whilst I cannot but welcome the fact that the Welsh Government has made £50,000 available to fund tickets, I am disappointed that they have not gone as far as I requested last year.
“Despite the different location, access to the Eisteddfod in Llanrwst should have been on similar terms to Cardiff Bay”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question by Janet Finch-Saunders AM to Baroness Eluned Morgan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning (November 2018):
Further to WAQ77240, will the Cabinet Secretary provide the necessary financial support to the National Eisteddfod to ensure that there is free entry to the Maes in 2019?
Response by the Minister:
The National Eisteddfod have as yet not made clear their intentions as regards to repeating this year’s trial at Cardiff of offering free entry to the Eisteddfod Maes. We hold regular meetings with the Eisteddfod and intend to continue to work with them to see how we can build on the success of this year’s Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay, and to consider how best to support the Festival to develop and attract a wider audience.
Notes:
Galw am ddileu tâl mynediad i brifwyl Llanrwst
