As the Urdd National Eisteddfod at Mona approaches its climax, the countdown has begun for next year's festival in Newport.

Europe's biggest youth festival will visit the city for the first time in 2027 with the Maes situtated in the grounds of Tredegar House.

The 2028 event will take place in the Caernarfon area - with the venue yet to be determined - while the 2029 Eisteddfod is expected to be held in Ceredigion following an offer from the county council.

To mark one year until the start of the Bro'r Wenynen Eisteddfod yr Urdd, the festival's welcome song (Cân Croeso), performed by rap duo Lloyd and Dom James, was unveiled on Thursday.

Over 400 young people from across Gwent contributed to the song, from appearing in the music video to writing the lyrics.

Cllr Jason Hughes, cabinet member for the Welsh language at Newport City Council, said: "Newport is a proud Welsh city, and use of the Welsh language is growing all the time."

"We see that in the fantastic work our brilliant Menter Iaith is doing in the community, in Welsh-language bands headlining in our city centre venues and festivals and in our growing Welsh-medium school community."

"It’s great as well to be here in Ynys Môn to launch the countdown to next year’s Eisteddfod. Growing up in Caernarfon with lots of family on this side of the Menai Strait as well, it means a lot to me that Newport will be taking on the mantle of building on the success of this year’s event."

"I’ve also got fond memories of attending many Eisteddfod yr Urdd festivals growing up, and singing in school choirs on stage and the confidence and pride that brings, so I know first-hand that everyone coming to Newport next May will have a fabulous time."

Elin Maher, chair of the executive committee for next year's Eisteddfod, added: "A real sense of excitement is already beginning to build across the region as we look forward to welcoming the Urdd Eisteddfod Bro’r Wenynen, Gwent 2027."

"A great deal of preparation work is already underway, and it is extremely important to us that we reach every community across the region, giving everyone the opportunity to feel part of the journey towards the festival."

"By working closely with schools, local partners and communities across the area, we want to ensure that the festival reflects the diversity, energy and creativity of the Bro’r Wenynen area."

"It will be a special opportunity to showcase everything the region has to offer, and we are very much looking forward to giving a warm welcome to children, young people and families from all over Wales to celebrate with us in a year’s time."

Earlier this week, Urdd organisers announced the 2028 festival would be held in the Caernarfon area - for the first time since 1956.

This year's event is being held less than 30 miles away at the Anglesey Showground at Mona, near Gwalchmai.

Just over a year ago, Cyngor Gwynedd announced it had made a formal bid to invite the Urdd Eisteddfod back to the county, which was accepted by Urdd officials.

On Wednesday, the Urdd formally welcomed a bid by Ceredigion Council to host the 2029 event, which will mark the festival's centenary.

The council says it is prepared to spend up to £500,000 - just under 20% of the total annual costs for the Urdd Eisteddfod - in order to welcome the event back for the first time since 2010 in Ciliau Aeron.

Urdd arts director Llio Maddocks said they intend to hold a public meeting next month to start preparations alongside local volunteers.

Helen Medi, chair of the Urdd’s Ceredigion region, said: "What better place to celebrate the Eisteddfod’s centenary than in the company of the Cardis? We are eager to begin working with all stakeholders to ensure the very best opportunities and experiences for our children and young people."

Council leader Bryan Davies added: "It is a very proud occasion for Ceredigion to be able to host Eisteddfod yr Urdd during its centenary year, which reinforces the deep roots and strong connections that Ceredigion has with the Urdd."

"The festival plays a key role in supporting the Welsh language, the arts, and opportunities for children and young people, and we look forward to working closely with the Urdd and local communities to deliver a memorable Eisteddfod in 2029."