NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD / EISTEDDFOD GENEDLAETHOL CYMRU
3rd -10th August 2013
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
Eisteddfod Maes, Kilford Farm, Whitchurch Road,
Denbigh LL16 4ER
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
The National Eisteddfod of Wales can be traced back to 1176 when it is said that the first Eisteddfod was held, under the auspices of Lord Rhys, at his castle in Cardigan. There he held a grand gathering to which were invited poets and musicians from all over the country. A chair at the Lord’s table was awarded to the best poet and musician, a tradition that prevails in the modern day National Eisteddfod. Following 1176, many eisteddfodau were held throughout Wales, under the patronage of Welsh gentry and noblemen. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, an Eisteddfod of historical significance was held at the Ivy Bush Inn in Carmarthen, when the Gorsedd of Bards first became officially associated with this national event. By this time, the Eisteddfod had developed in to a fully-fledged folk festival on a large scale. In 1880, the National Eisteddfod association was formed and charged with the responsibility of staging an annual festival to be held in North and South Wales alternately, and with the exception of 1914 and 1940, this target has been successfully achieved.
This is an annual event that travels around Wales. One of the world’s greatest cultural festivals – held from 3-10 August 2013. All the Eisteddfod’s sites will be based in the one area which include the Maes, the parking sites, the caravan site, and the youth village and Maes B. This is a Welsh culture event and the Welsh language is very predominant, all written signs must be in Welsh or bilingual . The Eisteddfod organisers require that stands have Welsh speakers available. (Therefore joining in with other WCC members who do have Welsh speakers for those who do not is a real advantage.) Visitor numbers average 160,000 over the eight days.
CARAVAN SITE – The site is in a superb location not only to visit the Eisteddfod field but also the local scenery.