Eryri will host the 2028 Urdd National Eisteddfod, organisers have confirmed.

It will mark the first time in 16 years that Europe's biggest youth festival has been held in the area - and the first time since 2014 that it's been held in Gwynedd.

No site for the Maes has been announced yet, with talks continuing between Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Cyngor Gwynedd.

Llio Maddocks, the festival's director, said: "The Urdd is thankful for Cyngor Gwynedd's support in hosting our Eisteddfod in 2028."

"One of the most important elements of Eisteddfod yr Urdd is the fact it's a travelling festival and I very much look forward to working with the local community and council over the next three years to provide valuable experiences for children and young people of the area."

The last time the Urdd Eisteddfod visited Eryri was in 2012 at the Glynllifon estate near Caernarfon - but the choice of site led to major traffic problems around the area.

In May, Cyngor Gwynedd announced it had made a formal bid to invite the festival back to the county.

A public meeting will be held for supporters and potential volunteers at Ysgol Brynrefail in Llanrug on Wednesday 24th September.

The Urdd says it encourages those who intend to attend the meeting, join a committee or nominate officers for the Executive Committee to fill an online form.

Gwynedd Council leader Nia Jeffreys added: "I am extremely pleased that Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet, in its meeting before the summer, agreed to invite the Urdd to host its National Eisteddfod in Gwynedd in 2028."

"It will be a pleasure to host this special and unique festival which celebrates the creativity, talent, and dedication of our young people as well as the Welsh culture. I'm very much looking forward to it and welcome the collaboration with the Urdd, who does exceptional work!"

Preparations are already well underway for next year's festival, which will be held on Anglesey.

Earlier this week, organisers unveiled a new look competition schedle as the Eisteddfod expands to a seven day festival for the first time at the Mona showground near Gwalchmai.

A special Welcome Festival to mark the 2026 Urdd Eisteddfod will be held on Saturday 20th September, including a parade through Llangefni and a family fun day at the showground, featuring live music from local bands Celt, Fleur de Lys and Cordia.