During Whitsun week 29 May – 3 June, the County Borough of Bridgend welcomes the whole of Wales, as the Urdd Eisteddfod opens its doors on an area of ​​Pencoed College to some 90,000 visitors over six days, and we want to give ‘ the warmest welcome possible for them! We are calling for Welsh speaking volunteers, who are passionate about our area to join our Bridgend Ambassadors, and receive training ready to offer hospitality and local information service to visitors of the festival.

A group of approximately twenty volunteers will be ambassadors for Bridgend. They will share a love for the area and will be interested in continuing to learn and share information about the culture, wildlife, history, art, and food in the county. They will engage with visitors to our area in many different ways, such as meeting and greeting at events, support groups to shape their visit, writing blogs, sharing local knowledge with families and generally doing what they can to raise the profile of the region. Being an Ambassador is a lot of fun and is very rewarding. Here’s what our current Ambassadors have to say:
“Just a word to say how valuable an experience the training as an ambassador was. Not only have we learned so much about the area, but we have also developed a small community of people who have a really strong common goal, which is to take every opportunity to promote our special part of Wales”

“Engaging in the Ambassadors program has been a wonderful way to learn about our heritage, music and local folklore, as well as enjoying some great tours of the leading visitor attractions, and a few secrets of the area as well.”

In addition, the benefits of being an ambassador include: • Access to a series of training and enjoyable excursions • self development • Networking with other people of like mind, and tourism businesses in the area • A sense of contributing to the community and the region in general, and the satisfaction that comes with it. • Free admission to events for those who volunteer at events • A certificate and identity card which so that you are recognized as an Ambassador of Bridgend.
Training is free and commitment of time is just two days. These days will be based on a workshop learning about the treasures of the region. The training will include information about the history, folklore, heritage, culture and natural delights of Bridgend County.

You will need to attend two training sessions, which are set out above, and be available to volunteer for at least one half-day session on the Eisteddfod field during Whitsun week. As Ambassadors of Bridgend, you can then participate in volunteer activities as they occur throughout the year. Ambassadors who volunteer at the Eisteddfod will receive free access to the area during their volunteer day, and can enjoy some of the performances of the 15,000 children under 25 who will compete in top cultural competitions such as singing, dancing, reciting and performing. At least two volunteer Ambassadors will work on each day of the festival. We are specifically looking for individuals who are able to converse in Welsh, and this training will be held in Welsh, with support materials offered in both English and Welsh.

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Angharad on angharad@angharadwynne.com / 07786 256722.