Tenby Town Council members have pledged £5,000 to aid local fundraising efforts for the 2026 Eisteddfod, expected to bring significant cultural and economic benefits to Pembrokeshire.

The National Eisteddfod is coming to Pembrokeshire, south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire in August next year, and the awareness and fundraising work to host this world-famous festival is underway locally.

In correspondence that went before the Town Council’s November meeting, the chair of the 2026 National Eisteddfod Local Fund stated: “We have a local target of £400,000 to raise to ensure the success of the festival.

“The festival is dependent on the support of local residents, businesses and companies, and the support of local Community Councils is a real boost to the local fund in each area.

“The National Eisteddfod was last held in Pembrokeshire back in 2002, and the area and the Eisteddfod itself have developed extensively since then.

“The Eisteddfod is a dynamic festival offering over 1,000 activities for people of all ages and backgrounds over a period of eight days, and costs almost £7 million to host annually.

“The economic boost from hosting the Eisteddfod locally is huge. Ceredigion saw an economic benefit of £17.5 million during the week of the festival alone in 2022.

“Considering that we'll be organising events and activities across the catchment area for the next few months, the impact on the economy will be much higher.

“We're writing to ask for your support this year and in the next financial year, to help us reach our financial goal. All contributions, big or small, will go entirely to the Fund and to the work of the Eisteddfod locally.”

At the Town Council’s meeting on November 11, members welcomed Julie Jones and co-volunteer, Tegryn Jones, who are part of the working committee Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las 2026 - taskde with raising awareness and money for Tenby and its surrounding area.

Councillors were then given a presentation, on the lead up and legacy of the event, which is deep rooted in Welsh culture.

Fundraising events have already taken place with more planned, including a Christmas market in Sergeants Lane.

Engaging with the volunteers, members of the Town Council said that they would look at ways that Tenby schools and local residents can get involved and the benefits to the local community.

The possibility of extra support by providing transport to the venue for those taking part and supporters, would also be considered.

Councillors said that this may be unfamiliar terrain to those who are newcomers to Wales and to a certain generation of locals.

Members said that the Town Council would commit to ongoing dialogue, and to keep ideas flowing, touting such suggestions such as - a 2026 flowers in colour scheme; event linking where possible; enhancement to Tenby St David’s week events; giving support to school involvement.

Cllr Laurence Blackhall proposed granting £5,000 as a starter and to keep the item as a standing item on the Town Council agenda. This was seconded by Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall.