Maes B and youth camp site hit by dire weather
FEARS of strong winds have led to National Eisteddfod organisers abandoning part of the week-long festival.
Maes B, the popular venue for young people, is being staged on land at Cae Melwr near Llanrwst and features a large performing stage and an extensive campsite.
The campsite was closed at noon yesterday and all tents will be cleared from the site. Those affected will be housed temporarily at the leisure centre next to Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy.
Overnight Wales was hit by heavy rain, with a warning in place for “unseasonably strong winds” into today.
National Eisteddfod chief executive Betsan Moses said the decision was taken after consultations with other agencies including North Wales Police, Conwy council and Natural Resources Wales.
“The welfare and safety of the residents of the campsite and Maes B is a priority for the Eisteddfod, and we
will do everything we can to make sure we help everyone stay safe.
“Following discussions with our key partners we have decided, for the welfare and safety of residents, Maes B and the young people’s campsite will be vacated and closed. This was decided because of the weather forecast for the next few days.
“The Eisteddfod has a team of professionals in place running Maes B and the youth campsite. This includes the care and wellbeing team, who will look after the young people until the site is vacated.
“A shelter area has been set up at the leisure centre next to Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy, Llanrwst. We advise people to use this if they are unable to leave the site immediately. There is a pavement running from the site to the leisure centre.”
She added if people have family staying on the caravan site or close to the Eisteddfod organisers recommend they move to stay with them.
“Parents or friends wishing to collect children or young people should make arrangements to pick them up from the leisure centre in Llanrwst.
“Parking is available here, and this is a safe place to meet.
“If young people have travelled to the Eisteddfod by train, they should catch a shuttle bus to North Llanrwst station from the Eisteddfod Maes, or the X19 service bus to Llandudno Junction station,” Mrs Moses said.
Gigs scheduled for today have been cancelled and details about any refunds will be made available early next week.
First established more than 20 years ago, Maes B has become popular with young people and offers gigs from Welsh bands from Wednesday of National Eisteddfod week.
Mrs Moses added a full programme of events was planned at the Eisteddfod Maes yesterday on farmland some two miles from Maes B. Details on 0845 4090 400.