Park closures, tickets, and opening times: Everything you need to know about the Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf

The 2024 National Eisteddfod is being held in Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The event is the largest cultural festival in Europe and moves to a new location in Wales every year.

This year it is being held in Pontypridd which is where Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was written and composed almost 200 years ago. The event brings together performers and visitors from across the world and is a highlight of the cultural calendar in Wales.

When is it?

The Eisteddfod runs from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10.

Where does it all happen?

The majority of things are taking place in Ynysangharad Park in the centre of Pontypridd with preliminary competitions and some evening performances at the nearby Muni Centre and theatrical performances in YMA. Entrance to those is free with a Maes wristband.

When will the park close?

Ahead of the event in August sections of the park are already being closed off. From June 22 the football pitch, cricket pitch, and pavilion were closed. From July 8 the band stand, bowls pavilion, multi-sports court, dog exercise area, and rose garden have been shut. Footpaths and roadways though the park remain open but may temporarily close while site equipment is moved. From July 22 the event area is closed off and from July 30 the area including the park and lido is also closed off. Parkrun activities and agreed arrangements for cricket and bowls continue until July 14.

How much are tickets?

There are a variety of tickets including weekly tickets and seats in the pavilion where competitions take place. A ticket with admission for the whole week and a reserved seat is £185.

Weekly tickets for adults (aged 19-65) are £150 reduced to £140 for those over 66. A weekly ticket for those 16 to 18 is £115 and kids aged between five and 15 are £75. A family ticket (one adult, two children) is £225 and for two adults and two children is £370.

Day tickets range from between £12 and £23 for adults. Under-fives can attend for free.

What happens at the Eisteddfod?

It's a huge event for local schoolchildren who will perform and compete and have been involved in weeks of preparations but throughout the week a range of competitions take place for people of all ages including singing, dancing, and poetry – all through the medium of the Welsh language. Translation sets are available for all events in the main pavilion.

On Saturday, August 3, from 8pm, the evening concert is Nia Ben Aur and on Sunday, August 4, at 8pm is Cymanfa Ganu. Tickets to those are available separately.

On the opening weekend there are performances by choirs, a comedy night hosted by Tudur Owen, a one-woman opera, and a candlelit celebration of queer love. There is also a Welsh translation of The Vagina Monologues, folk music, and poetry.

On Tuesday there is a collaboration between Irish fiddler Aoife Ni Bhriain and harpist Catrin Finch and on Wednesday there will be a Welsh E-sports competition. On Friday singer Al Lewis will perform a candlelit concert and on Saturday, August 10, songs by Meinir Gwilym.

Kids show Cyw will also perform. Around the Maes – the event space–- there are stalls and games as well as food and drink stalls.

What are the opening times?

The Maes is open from 8am and the concerts run into the evening. Organisers say that 4pm to 7pm and after 10pm are the busiest times. Park and ride services are being set up which are around a 20-minute trip from the Maes. There are two park and ride sites (north and south of Pontypridd) which will be open from Saturday, August 3, to Saturday, August 10, and will run from 7am to midnight. Services will run frequently non-stop between the car parks and the Maes

How do I get there?

RCT Council has warned there is no event parking near the festival so people should use public transport or car-share. The council has warned bus and train services are expected to be very busy.