Despite opposition from religious groups and others over a proposal to break new ground by supplying alcohol at next year’s Urdd National Eisteddfod in Ceredigion the youth movement is intent on going ahead with the plan.

At a meeting last week the Urdd’s Board ratified a decision to supply alcohol with food at the festival which runs from May 31 to June 5 at Llanerchaeron near Aberaeron.

In a report to the county council’s licensing committee tomorrow Principal Officer Trading Standards & Licensing David Lloyd Roberts states that Urdd Gobaith Cymru has begun the application process for a Premises Licence, and intends applying in its own name rather than relying on a licence that already exists for the National Trust at Llanerchaeron.

"It is envisaged that the application will be submitted by the end of November or the beginning of December.

"Responsible authorities and interested parties will be able to make representations in the normal manner during a 28-day consultation period following receipt of the application," he said.

He added that a meeting had already been held between Urdd senior representatives, various departments of the council together with police and fire authority to explore various issues arising in relation to the holding of such a large and significant event in the county.