In a timely and much-needed uplift, the Urdd Eisteddfod — Europe’s largest youth festival — has arrived in Port Talbot, offering more than just cultural celebration. This year’s festival, held in the scenic surroundings of Margam Park, brings a powerful symbol of resilience and regeneration to a town still reeling from the fallout of major industrial upheaval.
The closure of Tata Steel’s blast furnaces last year dealt a severe blow to the region, leading to the loss of 2,800 jobs and casting a long shadow of uncertainty over the local community. But this week, the sound of young voices, the rhythm of Welsh poetry, and the celebration of heritage have reclaimed the headlines — for all the right reasons.
Among those finding new purpose is Cassius Walker Hunt, a former steelworker who, like many, was left jobless by the redundancies. Rather than succumb to despair, Hunt has channelled his determination into entrepreneurship, launching a coffee business that now has a presence at the Eisteddfod itself.
“A lot of people didn’t think I could do this,” he told BBC Radio Wales. “But I’m here now — in the shopping centre and at my first-ever festival. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
His story mirrors the festival’s own spirit — one of renewal and opportunity. For Port Talbot, the Urdd has arrived not merely as an event, but as a catalyst for pride and cohesion in a community that has endured its share of hardship.
Llio Maddocks, Director of the Arts at the Urdd, emphasised the significance of the Eisteddfod’s presence in this particular town.
“Port Talbot has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently,” she noted. “But what we’re seeing here is people — especially young people — choosing to turn that narrative around. They’re channelling their energy into something deeply positive, something uniquely Welsh.”
Every year, the Eisteddfod travels to a new location, allowing it to uplift communities across Wales. This year, its arrival in a post-industrial town brings not only the spotlight, but also real cultural momentum.
“It’s a platform,” Maddocks said. “A chance for the community to showcase its rich heritage, culture, and creativity — qualities that no factory closure can ever extinguish.”
Strikingly, 37 English-medium schools from Neath Port Talbot are participating this year — a testament to the growing appetite for Welsh language learning even in areas not traditionally considered heartlands of Cymraeg.
Urdd Chief Executive Sian Lewis affirmed the organisation’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
“Learning Welsh shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for a few,” she said. “We’re making sure that people from every background — especially those in areas of economic hardship — feel they have a place in the Welsh language movement.”
Among the festival’s many bright young talents is Ruby Davies from Llanelli, whose recitation of a Welsh-language poem last year won hearts — and headlines. The young learner, who took home top honours in the Welsh learners category for years 5 and 6, shared how the past year had transformed her life.
“I got to meet the Prince of Wales and perform my poem for him,” she said, beaming. “He called me a ‘one-man band’!”
Since her viral interview in 2024, Ruby has grown even more fluent, now confidently using phrases she didn’t understand then. “I know what they mean now,” she said with a laugh — before wishing this year’s finalists llongyfarchiadau.
In a town often defined by steel, it is now the steel of its people — their talent, tenacity and pride in Welsh identity — that is taking centre stage. For Port Talbot, the Urdd Eisteddfod is more than a festival. It’s a reminder that culture, language and community can forge futures every bit as strong as iron.
