This month at GwirVol, we’re talking about our love for the Welsh language, (and our love for volunteering as well, of course.) Are you just as passionate? Have you ever thought it was possible to volunteer whist keeping the native language alive? Well it is! The national Eisteddfod is approaching and this event combines the two most important things in the GwirVol world – volunteering and the Welsh language. Long live Cymraeg!

Officially named ‘The Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys National Eisteddfod’, the event is a week long festival running from the 31st July until 7th August. The event fundamentally aims to promote and encourage the Welsh culture and language. It also aims to promote volunteering, because without the 300 stewards that are needed for the event the festival would not to able to take place. The National Eisteddfod 2010 is being held at The Works, in Ebbw Vale, and with an expected crowd of 150,000 and economically, an estimated value of £6.5 million, the festival is sure to be a huge event. The festival brings home Wales’ most famous stars, such as, Katherine Jenkins, Rhydian Roberts and Aled Jones to name a very small few - the festival is big, but brimming with glamour. The event is an internationally recognised festival that foreigners also flock to, so the event is not just televised in Wales, but in England and throughout the world. As stated previously, the festival endeavours to promote the Welsh language and culture, and The National Eisteddfod does this by hosting a range of activities to suit different ages and interests. Activity and entertainment categories include music, science, literature, theatre, learning Welsh, dance, visual arts and so much more. Listen to the saintly sound of the Welsh mezzo-soprano, Katherine Jenkins whilst taking part in some traditional folk dancing and fall in love with the Welsh way of life!

GwirVol wouldn’t miss this event for the world. We will be in one of the pavilions, Sbardun, where we will be promoting our opportunities for young people to volunteer, the grants organisations can apply for and all the services and support we can offer. We will also be asking young people about volunteering and running a competition to win High Street Vouchers. GwirVol will be taking this opportunity to showcase some of our projects too. There will also be the chance to meet GwirForce, a group of young volunteers who support the work of GwirVol who will be talking about their work in the activity area of Sbardun on Friday 6th August 1-2pm.

No doubt by now the burning question on everyone’s mind is how do I volunteer at this event? With free access into the event and the chance to be part of one of Europe’s largest competitive cultural festivals, who wouldn’t want to volunteer? The National Eisteddfod is so successful because of its army of 300 volunteering stewards – without them the event would never be able to happen. They are devoted and committed to the festival purely for their love of promoting Welsh language and culture. The only requirement that the National Eisteddfod ask for is that applicants are over eighteen and are in good health. No previous experience is necessary as the volunteers will be provided with training for one day where they will learn about first aid and fire safety – building on your skills will also enhance your CV. If you would like to apply to be a volunteer for the 2010 National Eisteddfod then visit their website and click on the link below.

http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/

Also, if you would like to purchase tickets for the festival then click on the following link: http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/

The National Eisteddfod isn’t the only organisation that promotes the Welsh language and volunteering. There are many other establishments that encourage these features. The Urdd is an institution which organises activities across Wales for Welsh speakers, and Welsh learners. The Urdd objective is to stress that people don’t have to live deep in the valleys to learn Welsh, The Urdd offer a community for beginners and expert speakers in Welsh. The organisation encourages volunteers to interact, learn and socialise through the Welsh language. The Urdd runs activities for volunteers all year through; it’s organisations like these which keep the Welsh language alive. The Urdd also have some famous members within their organisation These are, news reader Huw Edwards, and world famous singer Bryn Terfel to name a few.

It is clear that it is important for people to volunteer at events like The National Eisteddfod and to join organisations such as The Urdd, so that Wales can maintain its culture and language. To support one of Wales leading events then volunteer at The National Eisteddfod, or become a member of The Urdd, and make your mark in Welsh history.

For more information about The National Eisteddfod then click the link below.
http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/
Also, if you would like to learn more about The Urdd then visit their website by clicking the following link.http://urdd.org/

Don’t forget to come and see GwirVol in Sbardun at the Eisteddfod. We will be there all week and would love to speak to you!