Urdd Gobaith Cymru is hosting a special national youth event to give young people a platform to share their views and question politicians as Wales prepares for its 7th Senedd.
Up to 200 young people aged 16+ will have the opportunity to come together for a full day of workshops, discussions, and a live hustings with representatives from the main political parties. The hustings will also be filmed as part of the S4C television series Pawb a’i Farn.
This is a unique opportunity for young people to:
- understand how the Senedd works and what is changing with the 7th Senedd
- learn about their right to vote and to participate democratically
- develop and ask strong, critical questions to politicians
- ensure their voices are heard on a national platform.
When
Thursday, 19 March, 10am – 3.30pm
Location
All Nations Centre, Sachville Avenue, Heath, Cardiff, CF14 3NY*
*The East Car Park can be accessed directly from the slip road off the A48 into Cardiff
Programme for the day
10.00–10.30: Arrival, registration and light refreshments
10.30–12.40:
Session A – Opening the doors to democracy in Wales
An interactive workshop empowering young people to understand their right to vote, how to register to vote, and how to take part democratically. The session will also give young people the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to them and to develop questions to ask politicians during the afternoon hustings. Facilitated by The Politics Project.
Session B – Empowering young people to use their voice
The Senedd's education team will help the young people to understand how the Senedd works and the changes coming with the 7th Senedd, giving them the knowledge they need to make sense of the decisions shaping our future. The Wales Governance Centre will also share the latest insights on public opinion polls and what they mean for Wales.
12.45–13.40: Lunch – lunch will be provided for all attendees
13.40–15.15: Urdd National Hustings
The event will reach its pinnacle with a live hustings, bringing together politicians from Wales’ main political parties to answer questions from young people across the country. This is an opportunity for attendees to lead the conversation, challenge viewpoints and make their voices part of the national discussion. The session will be filmed for Pawb a’i Farn, giving young people a chance to be part of a TV programme broadcast on S4C that same evening.
15.30: Close and finish
Who can take part
- Young people aged 16+
- Sixth form pupils and further education college students across Wales. The event will be held through the medium of Welsh and is open to all Welsh and English-medium schools and further education colleges, and Welsh learners. Simultaneous translation will be available throughout the day.
- Those interested in politics, society, or sharing their views – no previous experience needed. We’re keen to bring together a wide mix of political opinions, perspectives and life experiences.
How to take part
Free group tickets are available here.
Tickets are available for groups of up to 12 people (including group leader(s)).
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once the event is full or by 9 March 2026.
The event will be filmed and broadcast throughout the day, therefore photo and filming consent is required for this event.
Event partners
The Politics Project
The Politics Project is a non-partisandemocratic education and engagement organisation supporting young people to use their voice. They enable schools and youth groups across the UK to give young people the tools and skills they need to engage with democracy.
The Politics Project are experts in political contact – supporting young people to engage with politicians. They are supporting the hustings as part of their Host a Hustings Cymru programme.
Senedd Education and Youth Engagement Team
The Senedd’s Education and Youth Engagement Team leads on supporting young people across Wales to understand how democracy works and how they can use their voice in the Senedd. Their aim is to empower young people to understand their democratic rights, build confidence in expressing their views, and understand the role and purpose of the Senedd in Wales.
Wales Governance Centre
The Wales Governance Centre is Cardiff University’s independent research centre, carrying out innovative research into all aspects of Welsh law, politics, governance and political economy. They also conduct and analyse Welsh political opinion polls, providing clear insights into voting trends and public attitudes. Dr Ed Poole, a leading member of the centre and a reader in politics at Cardiff University, will be facilitation a session on the latest political polls in Wales.