Eisteddfod plans on final straight
THERE are fewer than 100 days to go until the start of this year’s National Eisteddfod at Bodedern, near Valley.
Since its formal invitation to visit Anglesey in 2015, officials and volunteers have been working tirelessly to organise competitions, ceremonies and raise funds.
Eisteddfod chief executive Elfed Roberts said: “It’s hard to believe that there’s fewer than 100 days to go until the start of the Eisteddfod in Anglesey now.
“It seems like no time at all since we were sitting in the hall at Ysgol Llangefni discussing inviting the Eisteddfod back to the island.
“But two years have passed since then, and the work at grassroots level has been brilliant.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Derec Llwyd Morgan, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and his hard-working team who have done so much for the Eisteddfod.
“We knew we could attract a strong team in Anglesey, but the response has been fantastic. We’ve reached the Local Fund target, held hundreds of events and activities, and this will all help us to organise a week to remember.”
Mr Roberts added the local community’s contribution to the Eisteddfod is an important part of the project.
“It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the Eisteddfod and a chance for communities to come together to socialise in the name of the Eisteddfod.
“From losing weight with Hywel Gwynfryn to running into the sea in ‘onesies’ in the middle of winter, gala concerts and wine tasting to coffee mornings, the enthusiasm has been wonderful and communities have come together to raise money for the Eisteddfod.
“The response to the caravan and campsite has been great – with lots of local people booking plots – not wanting to miss the chance to be involved in every minute of the festival they’ve worked so hard to organise.
“And it gives us so much pleasure to see the community and local people so involved and so enthusiastic and looking forward to the week, ready to welcome everyone to Anglesey.
“Tickets have been on sale for almost a month now and two concerts have already sold out and tickets for many of the other nights are running low. Our early bird bargain tickets are also going very well, with the scheme running until the end of June.
“But as we fast approach the festival, and a week which will be a memorable experience for so many people, the message is clear: come to Anglesey in your thousands.
“You’ll have a fantastic welcome from everyone, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
“Come and join us for a day, or for the whole week – there’s nowhere better to be during the first week of August.” More information on the Eisteddfod online at eisteddfod.cymru