​Preparations are underway in the Senedd and the historic Pierhead building to welcome thousands of visitors as part of the Cardiff and Vale 2019 Urdd Eisteddfod, which is held in Cardiff Bay next week.
Throughout the week the Senedd will house the Urdd Eisteddfod's Art, Design and Technology exhibition and the Pierhead will become the Learners' Pavilion. The youth festival attracts up to 90,000 visitors annually, and between 27 May and 1 June the Bay will be buzzing with activity; bringing back fond memories of the successful Cardiff National Eisteddfod in August last year.
Members of the Welsh Youth Parliament will set up shop in the Senedd during the week. They will make the most of the opportunity to chat with visitors, to spread the word about their work and the topics that they, as a Parliament, have chosen to prioritise during the next two years. These are Emotional and Mental Health Support, Littering and Plastic Waste, and Life Skills in the Curriculum. A survey will be available to gather opinions about Life Skills in the Curriculum as a consultation which will contribute directly to the Youth Parliament's work on the topic.
The Children's Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland, has been invited to take part in a discussion session with Welsh Youth Parliament members on Thursday 30 May. The Llywydd, Elin Jones AM, is hosting the event which will discuss the role of the Welsh Youth Parliament so far, as well as their hopes for the future. The debate will also take in to consideration that this year marks the 20th anniversary of devolution in Wales and 18 years since the establishment of the Children's Commissioner for Wales. They will also look at what major developments have we seen in the past two decades, and what work is yet to be done to meet the aspirations of young people.
Young people will be centre of attention next week, says Manon Antoniazzi, Chief Executive of the National Assembly for Wales, as activities to mark 20 years of devolution continue;
"We're really looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to enjoy the Senedd and Pierhead buildings next week. This will be the first Urdd Eisteddfod since the Welsh Youth Parliament was formed, and the members will want to embrace the opportunity to spread the word about their work and to gather the opinions of the young people at the Eisteddfod. During a period of activity to mark 20 years of devolution, next week our young people will be the focus of attention; as we celebrate their talents and abilities and discuss with them the work of the Assembly and their aspirations for the future."
The Senedd is looking forward to hosting the Art, Design and Technology opening ceremony, on Monday 27 May, which includes the unveiling of the winning pieces in the Urdd's Medal and Scholarship competitions.
Over 400 pieces in all will be proudly displayed on the three floors of the Senedd; in the Neuadd, Oriel and Cwrt areas. All entries have been submitted by creative young people from all corners of Wales and beyond, and includes 2D and 3D pieces, photography, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, puppets and more.
Whilst enjoying the exhibition, people will explore all areas of the Senedd, including the Cwrt which is usually restricted to the public. The door of the Siambr debating chamber will also be wide open to visitors all week, with a special opportunity to have your photo taken in the Llywydd's chair. It's an opportunity to ask questions and to learn about the Assembly's work.
The historic Pierhead building will host the Welsh Learners' Pavilion, with a busy schedule of activities for young Welsh learners and their families.
Both buildings are spectacular additions to this year's festival, according to Morys Gruffydd, the organiser of the 2019 Urdd Eisteddfod;
"Holding the Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay brings with it the bonus of taking advantage of the spectacular buildings along its shores. We and the Eisteddfod visitors will feel very much at home in the Senedd and Pierhead, thanks to the warm welcome from the National Assembly for Wales."
More information about activities at the Senedd during the Urdd Eisteddfod: http://www.cynulliad.cymru/en/visiting/whats-on/Pages/Urdd-2019.aspx
20 Years of Devolution website: https://devolution20.wales/
Welsh Youth Parliament website: https://www.youthparliament.wales/home/