EISTEDDFOD NO LONGER IN THE PINK
THE replacement for the Eisteddfod’s striking pink pavilion has been unveiled at the festival’s 2016 venue in Monmouthshire.
The Maes’ new centrepiece is a white pavilion sponsored by HSBC.
The pink pavilion lasted 10 years, but last year a decision was taken to replace it with a more “sturdy structure”.
This year’s event, held at Castle Meadows, Abergavenny, for the first time since 1913, has kicked off with fine, warm weather, helping to boost visitor numbers on the first full day of the Welsh language festival.
“The Maes is in a great location this year, minutes from the town centre,” the Eisteddfod chief executive Elfed Roberts said.
“This is the Eisteddfod of the people of Monmouthshire, and local residents have waited long enough for us to visit – over a hundred years!”
Brass band and disco dancing competitions started the festival, followed by an opening ceremony at the new pavilion tent.
A Sinemaes is also being held for the first time this year, offering visitors a range of film-related activities, screenings, premieres and masterclasses.
Lucy and Gary Charles, from Cardiff, were visiting the festival for the first time, with their young children Rhys, Thomas and Maisie.
Lucy said: “The kids go to a Welsh school so we thought we’d come along. They had a whale of a time.
“The sun is shining and it’s such a beautiful area, so it’s been nice to sit outside and have a picnic.”
Activities on the Maes in the week include three Gorsedd ceremonies on the pavilion stage.
For non-Welsh speakers a simultaneous translation service is available.
Organisers are also holding free guided tours around the Maes twice a day.