With the National Eisteddfod being held in Llanrwst in less than a year, and it playing a key role in the Welsh Government’s language strategy, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has been calling in the Senedd for more to be done by the Welsh Government to help support this fantastic festival.
In addition to requesting the construction of a temporary train station by the maes, after discovering that the Welsh Government has been “limp” in its support over recent years - there having been a reduction in funding this year, she has called for an increase in investment by the Welsh Government so that there is no financial barrier for people wanting to visit the weeklong event.
Janet said:
“Like constituent and resident across Wales, I am looking forward to the Eisteddfod next year.
“Admirably, communities across Conwy have come together to strive to raise the £320,000 target asked of them to pay for this fantastic celebration of Welsh language, culture, and talent.
“Whilst the people of Conwy are most certainly playing their part, it seems to me that the Welsh Government is being limp in its support.
“I have found that the funding allocated to the National Eisteddfod fell to £697,300 this year, and has not really significantly increased since 2015-16.
“The seriousness of this is apparent when considering that the Eisteddfod has a key role in the strategy for achieving a million speakers by 2050. As such, so to help the Eisteddfod promote the Welsh language and have a positive impact on both a local and worldwide audience, I do want to see the removal of a major financial barrier: the cost of tickets.
“Free entry was a great success in Cardiff Bay, so I cannot see why the Welsh Government shouldn’t support such a policy in Llanrwst”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question by Janet Finch-Saunders AM to Baroness Eluned Morgan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning:
How much financial support did the Welsh Government give to the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, how much will be given in 2019, and does the Welsh Government recognise the key role the festival plays in encouraging use and learning of Welsh?
Response by the Minister:
The Welsh Government recognises the key role the festival plays in encouraging the use and learning of Welsh. The National Eisteddfod has a key role in the delivery of the Welsh Government’s Welsh Language Strategy Cymraeg 2050, and I congratulate the Eisteddfod on the success of this year’s vibrant festival in Cardiff Bay. Discussions with Eisteddfod officials will take place over the coming months to consider how Welsh Government can support the Eisteddfod to develop new initiatives in the years ahead.
Funding received by Welsh Government for the years requested are as follows:
2015-16: £603,000
2016-17: £627,000
2017-18: £739,900
2018-19: £697,300
Funding for 2019-20 has not been agreed as yet.
Notes: