How Will the 850th Eisteddfod Benefit from the Welsh 2050 Initiative?

The National Eisteddfod is set to celebrate the 850th anniversary of its inaugural event in Aberteifi, supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s Welsh Language 2050 initiative. This financial boost, in addition to the £238,100 awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to enhance the festivities surrounding this historic milestone.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

This year marks a significant moment for Welsh culture, with the National Eisteddfod celebrating 850 years since its establishment in 1176 under the patronage of Lord Rhys. The Welsh Government has earmarked an additional £290,000 from its Welsh language budget for the fiscal year 2025/26 to support these celebratory plans. This funding comes as a reallocation of resources, primarily due to fewer applications than anticipated for the Perthyn grant scheme, which is designed to assist community groups in establishing social enterprises.

Key takeaways

The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol will celebrate its 850th anniversary in 2026.
The Welsh Government is providing £290,000 to support the celebrations.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has contributed £238,100 for the same purpose.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key milestones leading up to the 850th anniversary of the Eisteddfod:

1176: The first Eisteddfod held in Aberteifi under Lord Rhys.
2023: Announcement of funding for the 850th anniversary celebrations.
Spring 2024: Further details about the anniversary plans are expected to be released by the National Eisteddfod.
March 2024: The Welsh Government will disclose more about the funding investment.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest revelation is the allocation of £290,000 from the Welsh Government's budget specifically for the Eisteddfod's 850th anniversary celebrations. This funding is seen as a significant boost to ensure that the event is commemorated appropriately. The government has indicated that this funding will also support the implementation of the Welsh Language and Education Act.

What was already established

It has been previously noted that the Eisteddfod, which has been a cornerstone of Welsh culture for centuries, was first established in 1176. The ongoing initiative of the Welsh Government, known as the Welsh Language 2050 strategy, aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050, alongside raising the percentage of daily Welsh speakers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The funding for the Eisteddfod and the Welsh Language 2050 initiative directly impacts households by promoting the Welsh language and culture. This can lead to increased community engagement and participation in events celebrating Welsh heritage, which may also enhance local economies through tourism and related activities.

Businesses and jobs

The additional funding can stimulate local businesses by attracting visitors to the Eisteddfod and related events, providing opportunities for job creation in the hospitality and service sectors. Furthermore, community projects supported by the Perthyn grant can lead to new social enterprises, potentially enhancing employment opportunities.

Policy and regulation

The Welsh Government's commitment to enhancing the Welsh language through these initiatives aligns with broader policy goals aimed at cultural preservation and promotion. Upcoming consultations and announcements regarding the funding distribution will be crucial for stakeholders involved in Welsh education and community development.

Numbers that matter

£290,000: The total amount allocated from the Welsh language budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
£238,100: Funding provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Eisteddfod celebrations.
1 million: The target number of Welsh speakers by 2050 as part of the Welsh Government’s strategy.
20%: The goal for the percentage of the population speaking Welsh daily by 2050, up from 10% in 2013-15.

Definitions and jargon buster

Eisteddfod: A Welsh festival of literature, music, and performance, celebrating Welsh culture and language.
Perthyn grant: A funding scheme aimed at helping community groups establish social enterprises or community-led housing projects.
Cymraeg 2050: A strategic initiative by the Welsh Government that aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers and promote the language.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders should prepare for the forthcoming announcements regarding the specific plans for the Eisteddfod 850th anniversary celebrations, scheduled for spring 2024.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Community groups and potential beneficiaries of the Perthyn grant should actively engage with the funding application processes to maximise the benefits of the reallocated resources.

Signals to watch

Details from the National Eisteddfod regarding specific projects or events planned for the anniversary.
Updates from the Welsh Government on the implementation of the Welsh Language and Education Act.
Community engagement levels and the number of applications for the Perthyn grant scheme.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local community groups to explore potential projects that can receive funding.
Stay informed about the developments related to the Eisteddfod celebrations.
Support Welsh language initiatives in your area.

Don’t

Neglect to apply for grant funding if you have a viable community project idea.
Overlook the importance of participation in cultural events like the Eisteddfod.
Assume that funding opportunities will remain open indefinitely; act promptly.

Checklist

Review the eligibility criteria for the Perthyn grant.
Identify potential community projects that align with the Welsh Government’s objectives.
Plan to attend the Eisteddfod in August 2026 and participate in the celebrations.
Engage with local schools about promoting Welsh language education.
Follow updates from the Welsh Government regarding funding and policy changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the funding allocation presents opportunities, there are uncertainties regarding the exact outcomes of the projects funded. The number of applications for the Perthyn grant may fluctuate, which could affect the distribution of resources. Additionally, the success of the Welsh Language 2050 initiative will depend on the commitment of local communities and educational institutions in promoting the language.

Bottom line

The upcoming 850th anniversary of the Eisteddfod represents a pivotal moment for Welsh culture and language. With significant funding from both the Welsh Government and the National Lottery, there are promising prospects for celebrating this rich heritage. Engaging with community initiatives and supporting Welsh language education will be essential steps for individuals and organisations alike.

FAQs

What is the significance of the 850th anniversary of the Eisteddfod?

The 850th anniversary of the Eisteddfod is a celebration of Welsh culture and language, marking its long-standing tradition since its first event in 1176.

How will the Welsh Government support the Eisteddfod celebrations?

The Welsh Government is providing £290,000 to support the Eisteddfod celebrations, along with additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

What is the Welsh Language 2050 initiative?

The Welsh Language 2050 initiative aims to increase the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050 and to raise the percentage of daily Welsh speakers from 10% to at least 20%.