IT’S NEARLY SHOWTIME!

EISTEDDFOD MON - YOUR ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

THREE years of hard work will bear fruit this weekend with the start of the 2017 National Eisteddfod.

The week-long festival, one of Europe’s largest cultural events, is being staged on land near Bodowyr farm, Bodedern, from August 4-12.

Contractors have been busy for several weeks creating a new village on the fields. Among the buildings is a 1,200 seater pavilion, two theatres and a cinema and more than 300 stands.

The Maes also includes several performing stages and a sports area.

During the event, competitions will be held in the main pavilion during the day and a variety of concerts during the evenings.

The Gorsedd of Bards will meet on the Maes twice to induct new members and to be present at the Crowning and Chairing ceremonies.

In the smaller pavilions around the Maes, a large number of activities have been organised.

Hosting the National Eisteddfod could generate between £6-8 million for the local economy, attracting some 160,000 visitors during the eight-day event, and bring a whole host of cultural, linguistic and social benefits.

Anglesey Council Leader Llinos Medi, said: “Our island is delighted to be hosting the National Eisteddfod – one of the world’s greatest cultural festivals – after an absence of almost 20 years.

“Local residents and communities have been working tirelessly to raise funding and awareness to ensure we host a fantastic event.

“There’s a real sense of anticipation in communities all across Ynys Môn and, as the host authority, we look forward to our National Eisteddfod being a huge success and being remembered as the best yet.

“I’d also like to wish all those competing, especially those from the island, all the very best of luck at the National Eisteddfod.”

Anglesey has previously hosted the National Eisteddfod on four occasions – most recently Llanbedrgoch in 1999. Llangefni hosted the event in 1983 and 1957, with Holyhead hosting it for the first time in 1927.

The council had expressed an interest in inviting Wales’ leading cultural festival to the island in 2017 nearly three years ago.

Initial discussions between Eisteddfod officials and council officers led to a public meeting at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni in June 2015 during which the festival was officially invited to the island.

During the same meeting Dr Derec Llwyd Morgan was elected chairman of the local executive committee.

Fundraising began almost immediately and arrangements made to elect people onto the various sub-committees.

More details about the Eisteddfod can be found online at eisteddfod.cymru