The Eisteddfod is a cultural festival and is held annually in Wales. Its location alternates each year between north and south Wales and is normally held at a new site each time. This year Llandow between Cowbridge and Llantwit Major was chosen.
The Eisteddfod is held on the ‘Maes’ which is home to a big pink Pavilion and up to three hundred stands and exhibits. The Pavilion is the focus of competing and ceremonies during the week long event. The whole festival takes place in the Welsh language but it welcomes visitors from all nations and speaking all languages.
The Gorsedd of Bards of the Isle of Britain has a long and interesting history dating back to the end of the eighteenth century.
Iolo Morganwg, an academic, originally from Llancarfan in Glamorgan, created the Gorsedd, and this happened on Primrose Hill, London in 1792. Iolo Morganwg believed that the fact that the culture and heritage of the Celts belonged to the Welsh was a fact which needed emphasising, and he believed that the creation of the Gorsedd was the perfect vehicle to reflect this.
…those who have succeeded in the fields of Law, Science, Sports, Journalism, Media, local / national activities become Honorary Druids – Blue robes for their services to the nation. The Gorsedd also honours new members to the Green robes for their contribution to the arts. Those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd examination or are eligible because of their degree in literature, music, drama or art, also receive the Green robes, as will the winner of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize every year and the winners of the Urdd Crown and Chair.
The iconic pink pavilion was a little unwelcoming – it was unclear as to what was on, whether we could just go in, or whether you needed a ticket. The entry doors were all shut and of darkened glass so it was hard to tell exactly where to go. So we didn’t go in, which was a shame.
We spent the rest of our visit touring around the huge number of exhibit tents. There were a huge number of different exhibits which seemed dominated by Welsh educational institutes advertising their courses. There were also a large number of craft tents selling their wares that we found really interesting.
The Eisteddfod also has an excellent food complex – there was a huge range of different vans selling different types of food to cater for all tastes, though all menus were in Welsh only which could be confusing to overseas visitors or non-Welsh speakers. There was a large area of covered seating which was great to get out of the rain for a while!
Towards the end of our visit we went to the Principality’s exhibit tent which was really interesting. The BBC Wales team were using their veranda as a broadcast studio so there were a few TV celebs there including “Derek the Weather”. Inside we were treated to tea and cake and I had a chance to hold the rugby 6 Nations Cup which was fun. We were well looked after by Geraint. Many thanks to their hospitality.
In summary we really enjoyed going, and it’s well recommended for a day out. I would advise to prepare well in advance especially if you are not Welsh speaking. We should have found out more as to what was on that day and also more about the history of the Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd. If we had prepared more in advance then we could have planned our day around events that were on in the Pavilion.
Next year Eisteddfod 2013 will be held at Kilford Farm near Denbigh during 3rd to the 10th August. The entry fee this year was £17 per person for a day though discounts are available for groups and familes.