Eisteddfod celebrates prestigious Welsh language recognition

* Pedair bring their beautiful harmonies and rich Welsh folk sound to the Globe Stage at Llangollen International Eisteddfod on Thursday July 10.

* Jane Edwards from the Welsh Language Commissioner's Office has been working for 18 months with Dr Rhys Davies and the Eisteddfod team on their Welsh Development Plan.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has received formal recognition under the Cynnig Cymraeg (Welsh Offer) scheme from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

This accolade reflects the festival's long-standing commitment to promoting the Welsh language as a central pillar of its internationally-renowned cultural status.

The Eisteddfod takes place from July 8-13 and features amazing artists like Sir Bryn Terfel, Sir Karl Jenkins and Il Divo as well as a special Welsh language event on Thursday  July 10 when it hosts an early-evening showcase on the Globe Stage, entitled Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno/Rhys Mwyn Presents. Led by BBC Radio Cymru’s Rhys Mwyn, it features three standout Welsh Language artists Pedair, Mared, and Buddug before the evening concert with KT Tunstall.

Dr Rhys Davies, Board Member of the Llangollen Eisteddfod and Chair of its Welsh Language Working Group, expressed his pride in receiving the recognition: “We are absolutely delighted to receive formal Cynnig Cymraeg recognition from the Welsh Language Commissioner. 

"It is a major milestone for our organisation and a strong endorsement of our commitment to the language of Wales. I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the Commissioner and her office for their guidance and support throughout this process. In particular, I’d like to pay tribute to Jane Edwards, who has worked closely with us over the past 18 months and has been instrumental in helping us achieve this.”

The Cynnig Cymraeg recognition is valid for three years and signals to the public that Welsh services are available and valued. 

It is an opportunity to transform engagement with the public by showing how proud the Llangollen Eisteddod is to offer services in Welsh in a meaniful, measurable and ambitious way. The festival encourages all volunteers to use the Welsh they know - however little - and “rhoi Croeso” when welcoming visitors 

With over 4,000 competitors from across the world preparing to descend on Llangollen in just a few weeks for the 2025 Eisteddfod, organisers are eager to showcase Welsh culture and language on the global stage. 

They are actively encouraging volunteers to take up courses in basic Welsh, and working closely with like-minded organisations to promote the Welsh language, contributing to the Welsh Government’s ambition of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Dr Davies added: “The Eisteddfod has always celebrated the best of international culture, but we are equally passionate about ensuring the language of Wales is front and centre. Welcoming thousands of performers and visitors to Llangollen gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that – and we are proud to be promoting Welsh in such a positive and vibrant way.”

Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones commended the Eisteddfod’s approach,

“The Llangollen International Eisteddfod has an important role to play in Welsh cultural life and it allows for the Welsh language to be seen on an international stage. The development plan which the Eisteddfod has put forward is ambitious yet practical and measurable.

”Awarding the Cynnig Cymraeg is a recognition of the Eisteddfod’s dedication to embedding the Welsh language across its services and communications. In congratulating them on their achievement, I would also like to wish them well with this year’s Eisteddfod and for many years to come.”  

* For more information about the 2025 Eisteddfod, visit www.llangollen.net