Urdd Eisteddfod a boost for the local economy

Llandovery is the place to be this week as the town hosts Eisteddfod yr Urdd on behalf of Carmarthenshire.

During the weeklong festival, children, young people and families, from across Wales, are making their way to the town of the drovers. Local shops and businesses have been busy preparing for their much anticipated arrival. 

Peter Rees is the owner of long established family business in Llandovery, 5* Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park. Speaking ahead of the Urdd Eisteddfod, Peter said:

“Events are great for the town and often bring in visitors for the very first time to this part of Carmarthenshire and to us in Erwlon. Our Whitsun half term is always very busy for the team here but the addition of the Urdd has mopped up any spare availability we might have had. We hope the event goes well and that participants have such a great time they want to come back and explore a little bit more – we have so much to offer and Llandovery is well placed to get to so many attractions and places.”

The Bear Inn is another business that has experienced the positive vibes of the Urdd Eisteddfod coming to town. Kirk Denton is the Landlord at The Bear:

“The Eisteddfod has already begun to positively affect The Bear. We’ve seen an increase in bookings for both accommodation and dining along with seeing a real community spirit building up in anticipation of the event. The town is looking fantastic as everyone is pulling together to give Llandovery a splash of White, Red and Green! We are all looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to our town”.

It’s not only businesses offering accommodation that are making the most of the youth festival. Caroline Whitney is the owner of The Old Printing Office. Caroline said:

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the many thousands of visitors to the town and the Old Printing Shop. We have sourced and produced some special gifts to mark the occasion. We’ll also be open every evening during the week, so that we can welcome visitors who may have been unable to leave the Maes during the day.”

100% Sir Gar – Go for local

Here in Carmarthenshire, we are lucky to have a vibrant and diverse range of small local businesses who are producing some wonderful arts and crafts, food and drink, fashion, homeware, gifts, toys and more.

100% Sir Gâr is a Carmarthenshire County Council scheme that has been developed as a virtual shop window with support from town and community councils, business and retail groups, to give local retailers and producers a platform to highlight their products.

Carmarthenshire based independent retailers, producers, makers and crafters are encouraged to register to become part of the platform which will provide an extra opportunity to promote and market their business to new and existing customers.

One such company to have taken advantage of the scheme is luxury candle makers, Cwyr Cain, who will have a presence on the 100% Sir Gâr stand at the Eisteddfod.

Carys, co-owner of Cwyr Cain said:

“The Cwyr Cain homemade candles and fragrance boutique came about following a complete career change after working in education. Following a training day on to how to make candles and homemade fragrance products, the idea came to venture into business as a partnership.

“Through the support and assistance of 100% Sir Gâr, we have had great opportunities to promote our initiative and sell our Welsh/bilingual products in nearby locations and learn how to improve and develop the shop window of our new business. Being part of the Sir Gâr platform also ensures that we are seen on social media and therefore reach more people.

“Receiving the Iaith Gwaith grant from Carmarthenshire County Council has proven to be beneficial so we can promote the Welsh Language, as well as develop our new bilingual website. Being part of 100% Sir Gâr has been a very positive experience for Cwyr Cain.”

Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “It’s wonderful to see the Urdd Eisteddfod and the local economy complimenting each other in this way. I’m confident that visitors from across Wales and beyond have enjoyed what the Drovers’ Town and surrounding area have to offer this week and I hope they will consider us again when planning their summer holidays.

As a county, Carmarthenshire is blessed as a haven for holiday makers, from our beaches, museums, cycling and walking routes to our theatres, country parks and markets, there are plenty of things to do here whilst on holiday. For inspiration for your next vacation, visit the Discover Carmarthenshire website.”

Cllr. Ann Davies, Cabinet lead for Rural Affairs and Planning Policy said: “I’m delighted to see Llandovery and other towns and villages of Carmarthenshire decked red, white and green for the Urdd Eisteddfod.

“Llandovery is amongst one of the Council’s Ten Towns initiative, which has been established to support the economic recovery and growth of rural towns across the County. Hosting events such as the Urdd Eisteddfod at Llandovery demonstrates a clear ambition by the community of Llandovery and Carmarthenshire as a whole.

“There are clear cultural benefits of hosting the Eisteddfod to the children and young people of our county and its positive impact upon the Welsh language. However, we should also celebrate the valued contribution this festival brings to local businesses, both on the Maes and to Llandovery and the surrounding area.”