Preparations begin to host Pembrokeshire's first National Eisteddfod in quarter of a century
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is truly coming home when it celebrates its 850th anniversary just six miles from its Cardigan birthplace, on a site in north Pembrokeshire.
Attracting up to 170,000 visitors every year, the National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe.
In 2026 it will be returning west to a 170-acre site between Eglwyswrw and St Dogmaels which will enable each of the festival's events to take place on one site which comprises land from three local farms - Brynawelon, Llantwd and Rhydymaen.
This will be the Eisteddfod's first visit to Pembrokeshire in over 20 years, following previous Nationals in St Davids 2002, Fishguard in 1986 and Haverfordwest in 1972. In 1976 it returned to his birthplace in Cardigan, where the first Eisteddfod took place in 1176.
Next month, the countdown to 2026 begins with a public meeting on October 10 in Theatr y Gromlech, Crymych, at 7pm, when people will have the chance to find out more about the plans and how they can get involved.
"We're looking forward to holding the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire in two year's time and will be working in a new way, bringing the three counties together to create and project a festival celebrating our language and culture, both locally and nationally," said Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses.
The Eisteddfod has already started working with Pembrokeshire County Council as its lead authority, as well as Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils.
"This is a chance for us to work in a brand-new way, bringing the expertise of three local authorities together," continued Betsan Moses.
"This will be just as true at grassroots levels, and we'll be explaining more about the catchment area and how local peope can join us over the next two years in the public meeting at the beginning of October.
"We haven't been to Pembrokeshire since 2002, and we're looking forward to returning to the county that gave us such a warm welcome when the festival was held in St Davids almost a quarter of a century ago."
Betsan went on to say that the communities of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire will have ample opportunities to organise and support community events as well as working with the organisers to create a list of competitions and the artistic programme for the week.
Nominations for the Chair, Deputy-chair strategy, Deputy-chair culture, Secretary and Chair of the local fund on the executive committee, as well as facilitators for the other committees have now opened. The closing date for nominations is Friday, October 19.
Preparations begin to host Pembrokeshire's first National Eisteddfod in quarter of a century
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is truly coming home when it celebrates its 850th anniversary just six miles from its Cardigan birthplace, on a site in north Pembrokeshire.
Attracting up to 170,000 visitors every year, the National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe.
In 2026 it will be returning west to a 170-acre site between Eglwyswrw and St Dogmaels which will enable each of the festival's events to take place on one site which comprises land from three local farms - Brynawelon, Llantwd and Rhydymaen.
This will be the Eisteddfod's first visit to Pembrokeshire in over 20 years, following previous Nationals in St Davids 2002, Fishguard in 1986 and Haverfordwest in 1972. In 1976 it returned to his birthplace in Cardigan, where the first Eisteddfod took place in 1176.
Next month, the countdown to 2026 begins with a public meeting on October 10 in Theatr y Gromlech, Crymych, at 7pm, when people will have the chance to find out more about the plans and how they can get involved.
"We're looking forward to holding the Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire in two year's time and will be working in a new way, bringing the three counties together to create and project a festival celebrating our language and culture, both locally and nationally," said Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses.
The Eisteddfod has already started working with Pembrokeshire County Council as its lead authority, as well as Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils.
"This is a chance for us to work in a brand-new way, bringing the expertise of three local authorities together," continued Betsan Moses.
"This will be just as true at grassroots levels, and we'll be explaining more about the catchment area and how local peope can join us over the next two years in the public meeting at the beginning of October.
"We haven't been to Pembrokeshire since 2002, and we're looking forward to returning to the county that gave us such a warm welcome when the festival was held in St Davids almost a quarter of a century ago."
Betsan went on to say that the communities of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire will have ample opportunities to organise and support community events as well as working with the organisers to create a list of competitions and the artistic programme for the week.
Nominations for the Chair, Deputy-chair strategy, Deputy-chair culture, Secretary and Chair of the local fund on the executive committee, as well as facilitators for the other committees have now opened. The closing date for nominations is Friday, October 19.