VISITORS and politicians welcomed the Star’s special Welsh-language Eisteddfod edition at the weekend and the paper’s stall at Europe’s largest cultural festival.

Your paper’s presence on the Maes was warmly received as the National Eisteddfod of Wales opened its doors in Pontypridd.

Hundreds of people visited the paper’s stall and cash was raised for the Fighting Fund on the opening day, along with healthy sales of books and Morning Star merchandise.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth visited the stall and welcomed the Welsh-language edition.

Mr ap Iorerth’s parents taught Welsh in schools around Pontypridd and he explained it was a pleasure to return to the town for the Eisteddfod.

“I have a lot of very positive memories of attending the Eisteddfod as a child and covering it during my career as a journalist,” he said.

“It’s unique and is open to everyone who wants to be immersed in Welsh language and culture,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.

Welsh-speaking Rhys Llwyd Thomas is a local Star supporter from Ystrad Mynach and volunteered to give out the free Star on the Maes and to staff the paper’s stall.

“The last Eisteddfod I went to was in Llanelli in 2014 as a child and my grandparents took me as my gran is from the town.

“The great thing is that the Star is the only newspaper covering the event and providing a Welsh-language edition for what is a working-class cultural event,” Mr Llwyd Thomas said.

Yes Cymru is campaigning for Welsh independence and Naomi Hughes was volunteering on its stall.

“I learnt Welsh as an adult and the Eisteddfod helps you understand the history of Wales and its culture. It is why people fight for the language and independence,” Ms Hughes said.

Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter admitted he is not a Welsh speaker but loves the atmosphere on the Maes and how the Welsh language and culture surrounds visitors at the Eisteddfod.

“It’s really special to be here with the promotion of the Welsh language and the exchange of ideas with people from all walks of life. It’s lovely that the Eisteddfod is in the centre of town and is a fantastic showcase for Pontypridd,” Mr Slaughter said.