Campsite work starts at fields for Eisteddfod

WORK has started to build the campsite for this year’s National Eisteddfod.

The event is being held in Cardiff Bay from Friday until Saturday, August 11 and, as part of it, a campsite is being built on Pontcanna Fields.

A 25-acre section of land will be sectioned off for 338 caravans and there will be 65 camping pitches.

There were concerns about damage being incurred to the land, especially in the wake of similar damage the last time the National Eisteddfod visited.

Parts of the fields had to be closed for nearly two years and £390,000 was spent by the council to restore the cricket and football pitches following the festival held in August 2008.

Teams were initially told the grounds would be ready in time for the 2009 cricket season but delays meant they had to use alternative fields

In May 2010, we reported how some parts of the fields had finally reopened in time for that year’s cricket season – but parts of the Grade II-listed heritage parkland still remained off-limits.

At that time, then-leader, and current councillor Rodney Berman said it would not be “appropriate” for the Eisteddfod to return to the fields.

The actual event is this year being held in Cardiff Bay, with the campsite at the fields and the size of the campsite halved in light of concerns. It was originally due to have around 750 caravans parked on it.

The area between the riding school and Blackweir path has been closed off from the public since July 23 and the campsite will be open from 2pm tomorrow until 2pm on August 12 – a day either side of the festival.

Tents have now started appearing after changes were made to the permitted numbers after concerns.

The area will remain closed off until August 18 but the council says public access to large areas of Pontcanna Fields and along Elm Tree pathway towards Blackweir Bridge will be maintained throughout the summer and existing cricket wickets will be protected as will the two rugby pitches.

Organisers have published a list of rules and regulations, and say they will take action against anyone who breaches the rules.

It includes “stringent measures” about vehicle movement and a ban on pets.

The rules also say the site is intended for families and adults, and it is recommended that young people use Maes PeByll (the youth camping site) nearer Cardiff Bay. People will have to list all those staying in the caravan or tent.

There will be either security or event staff present 24 hours a day and people are asked not to make any unreasonable noise, especially after midnight.

A shower and toilet unit will be built at the site. A shuttle bus service to Cardiff Bay will run from Western Avenue. It will cost £20 for adults and £10 for children during the whole period.

The bus stop at the caravan site is on Western Avenue (opposite Cardiff Met University campus). The bus stop at the Bay is at Hemingway Road.