Record numbers of Welsh learners in Wrexham

Record numbers of people are taking up Welsh lessons in Wrexham, with 640 people having completed a course in 2023-24, up 82 per cent since 2017-18.

This is largely thanks to a new partnership between the Welsh government, the National Eisteddfod and the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Maes D, the Eisteddfod’s dedicated space for Welsh leaners, has grown into one of the festival’s most vibrant places. Anyone can visit Caffi Maes D for a paned a stars (cuppa and a chat) to practice their Welsh with volunteers.

The second phase of the Welsh government’s Welsh Communities Commission is looking at how Cymraeg can thrive in areas where the language is spoken by a smaller proportion of the population, including Wrexham. It examines young people’s engagement with the language, intergenerational language transmission and the role of Cymraeg in sport and everyday life.

Welsh language secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Welsh is our national language and every community has an important role in the future. The research we are doing will inform future policy development and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support.

“Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we’re seeing through the growing enthusiasm here. It’s fantastic to see the Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners participating in it.”