The National Eisteddfod of Wales is held annually in different locations across Wales, alternating between north and south. The Eisteddfod attracts around 150,000 visitors from Wales and abroad to the field which hosts over 250 diverse stalls and attractions. Around 6000 people compete and perform over a week at the Eisteddfod. The National Eisteddfod is thought to be the largest cultural festival in Europe. The Eisteddfod offers a platform at national and international level for music, dance, visual arts, literature, performances and much more.
The first Eisteddfod was held in 1176 supported by Lord Rhys at his castle in Cardigan. Poets and musicians from across the country were invited to his castle, where the best poet and musician were honoured with a traditional chair, a prize that has continued to this day. The first National Eisteddfod was held in Aberdare in 1861.
You may have seen pictures of the Eisteddfod on television and seen people dressed in white, green and blue robes led by a particular individual. If so, you have seen the Gorsedd of Bards and the Archdruid.
The Gorsedd of Bards is an association of poets, writers, musicians, artists and others who have made a contribution to Wales, the Welsh language and its culture. Celebrities such as radio presenter Huw Stephens, singer Caryl Parry Jones, opera singer Bryn Terfel, athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson and chef Bryn Williams have been made members of the Gorsedd.
The Head of the Gorsedd is the Archdruid, who is elected for a period of three years and is responsible for leading Gorsedd ceremonies during Eisteddfod week. The Gorsedd ceremonies are the crowning of the bard, the Prose Medal and the chairing of the bard.
Have you noticed a circle of stones in towns and villages the length and breadth of Wales? If so, you have seen the Gorsedd Circle. They have been left there to show that the National Eisteddfod has visited that town or area.
The next National Eisteddfod is to be held in Tregaron from 31st July to 7th August 2021. Hopefully you will visit and perhaps compete!
Hello, everyone.
I'm at the Urdd centre in Cardiff.
I caught the bus from school at nine o'clock this morning. We travelled down from Ruthin, through Shrewsbury, through Hereford and then we went to Big Pit on the way. The bus arrived at 12:45. We had sandwiches on the bus before venturing underground. It was incredible! We went down ... down ... down ... underground to see where the miners used to work. Incredible! Follow this link to investigate further:
http://www.amgueddfacymru.ac.uk/bigpit/
The Urdd centre is great. It’s in Cardiff – in the city, in the bay, behind the Millennium Centre.
Tonight, we're going ice-skating in the city and tomorrow we're going to see the Principality Stadium and we're going around the Bay. I'm looking forward to it. There is so much to see and do in the capital city.
Tea time – I must go!
Read the blog tomorrow if you want to know more!
Here are some links if you want to see where I'm staying:
http://www.urdd.cymru/cy/ein-gwersylloedd/caerdydd/cyfleusterau/.
http://www.urdd.cymru/cy/ein-gwersylloedd/caerdydd/pethau-iw-wneud/atyniadau/
I'm at the Urdd camp in Glan-llyn near Bala. It’s GREAT!
I caught the bus from school at half past eight this morning. We travelled up from Aberaeron, through Aberystwyth and Machynlleth and stopped in Machynlleth for half an hour. It was nice to have some fresh air before reaching the end of the journey at 11:00.
The camp is incredible! It’s on the shores of Llyn Tegid and we are going canoeing this afternoon. There are lots of things to do here such as climbing, canoeing, kayaking, raft construction, orienteering and more. I'm looking forward to all the activities. One activity that makes me feel a bit scared is walking along a rope course and trying to keep my balance 30-feet up in the air. The leader says it’s totally safe but it will test my nerves to the full!
Got to go! I'll write more tonight.
Here are the links if you want to see where I'm staying:
http://www.urdd.cymru/cy/ein-gwersylloedd/glan-llyn/cyfleusterau/
http://www.urdd.cymru/cy/ein-gwersylloedd/glan-llyn/pethau-iw-wneud/gweithgareddau/
Food festivals everywhere!
From Conwy to Newport, from Abergavenny to Mold, and from Pembrokeshire to Llangollen, food festivals have sprung up across Wales in recent years. Festivals are held throughout the year, and particularly over the summer.
Some festivals, such as Pembrokeshire Fish Week and Aberaeron Fish Festival focus on fish, but most are festivals for food and drink of all kinds.
Abergavenny leads the way
Abergavenny Food Festival is one of the oldest in Wales. It is held in September for a whole week. The Abergavenny Food Festival is now the largest in the UK food industry.
It was established in 1999 by two local farmers who wanted to show that local farms produce great food. In 1999 around three thousand people attended the Festival, and a handful of volunteers ran the stalls. It is now visited by over 30,000 people and there are over 250 stalls every year.
What you can expect at a food festival?
As well as dozens of stalls, you can expect:
• cookery workshops
• cookery displays
• food tasting opportunities
• live music
• walks foraging for ‘wild’ food
• children’s activities of all kinds
• art and craft
As you can see from the list, people do not only want to experience food, but also do something practical, e.g., making Welshcakes or sausages.
The most important thing is that food festivals are fun. When a food festival comes to town, it's party time – and everyone enjoys a party!
