Welsh Language Standards Annual Report 2025-26

Promotion Standards

• The promotion standards require the Council to produce and publish a 5-year strategy that sets out how we will promote the Welsh language and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. We have set objectives and actions to achieve this in the Welsh Language Strategy 2021–26 and the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan 2022-31. During 2025-26, the Welsh Language Strategy Delivery Group have reviewed the current Welsh Language Strategy 2021-26 to inform the development of the next 5-year strategy which will run from 2026-2031. Stakeholders have been consulted and the Strategy will need to be scrutinised and approved for adoption by Council.
• The 2026-31 Strategy’s objectives will align with 'Cymraeg 2050: A million Welsh speakers' Strategy and reflect the Welsh Government Strategic Themes: increase the number of Welsh speakers, increase the everyday use of Welsh, and create favourable conditions (infrastructure and context).

 

Promotion and Celebration of Welsh Language and Culture

 

St David’s Day Parade

• Hundreds of children from Pembrokeshire’s schools took part in a special St David’s Day celebration on Friday, 27^th February. The popular parade organised by the Pembrokeshire Language Forum returned to Haverfordwest once again. The children paraded down High Street, through Bridge Street and back through Quay Street, led by Samba Doc before gathering on Picton Playing Fields for songs and dancing at an open-air jamboree with Tomos Tanllyd.
• Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: "St David’s Day is always a special occasion in Pembrokeshire, and it was wonderful to see so many young people coming together to celebrate our language, culture and national identity."
• This was echoed by Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, who added: “The annual St David’s Day parade is a shining example of what schools in Pembrokeshire do to celebrate the Welsh language and culture, and they are certainly enthusiastic about it.”
• Council Vice Chairman and Champion for Welsh Language and Children and Young People, Cllr Delme Harries, added: “It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm from pupils across the county, proudly celebrating St David’s Day.”
• Catrin Phillips, Welsh Language Development Officer, said: “The St David’s Day parade, organised by the Pembrokeshire Language Forum, is always a highlight of the year and it’s wonderful to bring schools together to celebrate Welsh language and culture in such a joyful way. It has been especially encouraging to see new schools joining us to celebrate this year, helping the event continue to grow.”

 

St David’s Day Coffee Morning

• A coffee morning to celebrate St David’s Day was held in County Hall for staff with opportunity to discuss Welsh language courses with the Work Welsh tutor.

 

Urdd Eisteddfod 2025

• Urdd Eisteddfod (Dur a Mor) 2025 had significant success for several Pembrokeshire competitors, with the county reaching 4^th place in the medals table. This followed tremendous success at the Urdd Eisteddfod (Maldwyn) 2024, with the county reaching 3rd place. Pembrokeshire had the highest number of competition entries from all counties and regions in 2024.

 

Eisteddfod 2026

• On 1st July 2024, Cabinet formally approved the offer from the WLGA to host the 2026 Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire on a site in Llantood. In terms of Eisteddfod history, 2026 marks the 850th anniversary of the Eisteddfod in the Dyffryn Teifi area. Hosting the Eisteddfod in 2026 continues to support and promote the Welsh language within our communities.
• Preparations are continuing at pace for 'Eisteddfod y Garreg Las', which will take place from 1st–8th August 2026. The event represents a unique regional collaboration, with the catchment extending beyond Pembrokeshire into western Carmarthenshire and southern Ceredigion.
• Building on this regional approach, work is underway to develop Pentre’r Garreg Las, a shared county presence on the Maes representing Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire. The Pentre is being led by Pembrokeshire, with contributions from neighbouring authorities, and will provide a strong, cohesive regional presence that reflects the wider area. The space is being developed as a welcoming and engaging environment that showcases the culture, communities, and priorities of the region, while promoting the Welsh language as a living and inclusive language for all visitors.
• Activity within the Pentre will be structured around a number of key themes, including the Welsh language, heritage and landscape, sustainability and the future, and the region’s maritime identity. A range of partners will also be involved in delivering the space, including organisations such as Visit Pembrokeshire and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, ensuring a broad and representative offer.
• Alongside this, a large-scale education project has been delivered across the region, bringing together over 600 pupils from more than 50 primary schools to create and record a song to welcome the Eisteddfod to the area. The project celebrates the Welsh language and the unique identity of the region, while providing meaningful opportunities for children to use Welsh creatively and collaboratively. The song will be released 50 days prior to the Eisteddfod, contributing to a wider programme of promotional activity and helping to build excitement across communities in the lead-up to the festival.
• There has also been a significant increase in Welsh language community activity across the region in preparation for the Eisteddfod. Local committees have organised a wide range of fundraising and cultural events, which not only support the Eisteddfod financially but also create valuable opportunities for communities to use and engage with the Welsh language in social and cultural contexts.
• We are honoured to have been chosen as the host authority for the 2026 National Eisteddfod “Eisteddfod y Garreg Las” (opens in a new tab) and look forward to celebrating the Welsh language and culture at this prestigious event.