My experience at IOPC’s first National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024

As someone who has attended many Eisteddfods across Wales since I was a little, it was a different experience for me this year to attend as part of my work with the IOPC and it was great to be a part of our organisation’s debut at the festival. 

This year the National Eisteddfod, which is the largest cultural festival in Europe, was held in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd and what a lively, colourful and beautiful location it was! Members of our staff, both Welsh speakers and learners, were present on a stand alongside other organisations associated with the UK Government Welsh Language Services, raising awareness about our organisation and our Welsh language services.

Hundreds of people visited the stand and completed our questionnaires, providing us with a very useful insight into how many people had heard of our organisation, were aware of what we do and our services that we provide through the medium of Welsh. 

People learned that they are welcome to use Welsh with us in various ways, such as by calling our customer contact centre and by filling in forms on our website.

It was lovely to chat with members of the public and it was a personal highlight for me to hear our staff who are Welsh learners practising the language and developing their confidence with each conversation. 

Everyone had a great time, especially as several members of staff experienced the Eisteddfod for the first time. We had the chance to wander the stalls, attend the Pavilion to see a few competitions, and enjoy Welsh music from several famous Welsh artists and bands who performed live on stage.

Overall, it was great first experience for our organisation at the Eisteddfod.