Europe's Largest Music, Poetry Festivals Starts On Saturday - National Eisteddfod.


While the eight-day event is the largest Eisteddfod in Wales, smaller versions are held in schools and communities, mainly in Wales, throughout the year.



The site on which the National Eisteddfod takes place is known as the "maes" and that changes from year to year, generally alternating between an area of North Wales and South Wales.


A celebration of the Welsh language, about 150,000 visitors attend each year.


Competitions traditionally form the basis of the Eisteddfod, with more than 6,000 competitors each year.


The National Eisteddfod was held in Tregaron, Ceredigion in 2022

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The maes itself has become an attraction in itself with over 250 stalls and trade stands as well as hundreds of events and activities.


The history of the Eisteddfod in Wales dates back to 1176, while the modern version dates back to 1861.


It's been held every year other than 1914 when it was postponed due to the outbreak of the First World War and in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID pandemic.



The prestigious awards are given to the winning competitors in poetry competitions.


The next Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, in head gear at his induction as a Druid, during a ceremony at the Eisteddfod near St David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Pic date: 5 August 2002


The poet, known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn, had been killed in battle six weeks earlier.


The 1917 Eisteddfod has since been known as "Eisteddfod y Gadair Ddu" (Eisteddfod of the Black Chair).


The ceremony involves "Dawns y Blodau" (dance of the flowers) and involves members of the Gorsedd of the Bards.


The Gorsedd is a society of people who have made a significant contribution to the Welsh language or public life in Wales, such as poets, writers and musicians.


Members include First Minister Mark Drakeford, and former archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.



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