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Business News Wales
08-05-2025
- Business News Wales
Transport for Wales Celebrates Eisteddfod with Newly-Named Train
Transport for Wales has named a train after the mascot of the Urdd. The newly named Mistar Urdd train was launched in Port Talbot ahead of the Urdd's Eisteddfod in Margam Park later this month. Additionally, TfW has supported the Urdd's Fund for All . The train was welcomed by First Minister Eluned Morgan, along with Siân Lewis, CEO of the Urdd and Ysgol Tyler'r Ynn. The new CAF Class 197 trains have been running all over the Wales and Borders network since 2022 and are part TfW's £800 million investment into brand-new trains. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'It's great to see one of our new trains named after Mr Urdd, who has a special place in the hearts of so many of us in Wales and will bring a smile to the faces of passengers. 'What better way to travel to the Urdd Eisteddfod, and so many events in Wales this summer, than aboard one of our brand new Transport for Wales trains.' Lowri Joyce, Welsh Language Strategy Lead, said: 'Who better and more iconic than Mr Urdd, who is recognisable by almost all children in Wales. We are also pleased to be supporting the Urdd's Fund for All, to allow children from impoverished backgrounds to enjoy a holiday at one of their many camps. 'We are proud to give him a big Croeso Cynnes onto our network ahead of the Eisteddfod in Margam Park so do keep an eye out for him as he travels all over Wales.' Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of the Urdd, added: 'Getting to the Eisteddfod in Margam by public transport will be extremely easy. A bus service will be provided between Port Talbot train station and the Maes, and further details will be on our website. 'This goes hand in hand with our commitment to running a green festival and reducing carbon emissions.'
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Eisteddfod mascot Mistar Urdd has train named after him
Train named after Welsh festival mascot 12 minutes ago Share Save Eleri Griffiths BBC News Share Save BBC Mistar Urdd was welcomed on the train as part of the unveiling in Port Talbot on 7 May ahead of the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod A train has been named in honour of the Welsh mascot Mistar Urdd in celebration of the upcoming Urdd National Eisteddfod. It was unveiled in Port Talbot on Wednesday ahead of the annual Welsh-language youth festival of literature, music, and performing arts which will be held at the nearby Margam Park later this month. The new fleet of CAF Class 197 trains, have been running across Wales and the borders since 2022 as part of Transport for Wales' £800m investment. Urdd Gobaith Cymru's mascot Mistar Urdd officially welcomed the train with First Minister Eluned Morgan, Urdd CEO Siân Lewis and pupils from Neath's Ysgol Ty'r Ynn. Urdd Gobaith Cymru is Wales' largest youth group, providing a wide range of opportunities in sports, arts, volunteering, apprenticeships and outdoor activities - all through the medium of Welsh. One of its key events is the Eisteddfod yr Urdd, a youth festival featuring more than 400 competitions in music, literature, performing arts, and more. One of the festival's most recognisable figures is its red, green and white character, Mistar Urdd, who was introduced in 1976. Morgan said it was "great" as Mr Urdd has a "special place in the hearts of so many of us in Wales and will bring a smile to the faces of passengers". Lowri Joyce, from Transport for Wales, said she was proud to give the "iconic" Welsh character a big "Croeso Cynnes" onto the rail network. First Minister Eluned Morgan and pupils from Ysgol Ty'r Ynn were invited to the naming ceremony
