National Eisteddfod postponed

The Organisers of the National Eisteddfod of Wales have today announced on their social media that they have taken the descision to postpone this year event.

This now means that the Welsh language festival will be hosted Tregaron in August 2022, Llyn and Eifionydd festival to August 2023 and in Rhondda Cynon Taf in August 2024.

Read the statement in full:-

The difficult decision was taken by the organisation’s Management Board over the weekend following a number of discussions.

The aim is to hold the Eisteddfod in Tregaron in August 2022, moving the Llŷn and Eifionydd festival to August 2023, and then visit Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2024.

Eisteddfod Court President and Chair of the Management Board, Ashok Ahir, said, “Naturally, we’re all very disappointed we’ve had to take this decision again, but I’m sure everyone will agree it’s the right and sensible decision for us as a Board  to take. I don’t think today’s announcement will come as a huge surprise to anyone.

“We look forward to getting together in Ceredigion, once the virus has waned, and I’m sure that the Ceredigion Eisteddfod will be a festival to remember – and appreciate.  In the meantime, we all need to support each other and our communities across the country and stay safe.”

Eisteddfod Chief Executive Betsan Moses added, “It became increasingly clear in our ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales over the past few months that the Eisteddfod could not be held in Tregaron this summer.  As a team, we’re more disappointed than anyone about it, and having to announce this for the second time has been incredibly difficult.

“We’ll be continuing with Eisteddfod AmGen, building on last year’s success, and I’m pleased to say we’re keen to have a strong competing element this time.  We’re already discussing some exciting ideas and options with a few of our partners, and look forward to sharing these with everyone in due course.

“The past year has been unbelievably difficult for everyone.  But on a positive note, it’s been so encouraging to see how we’ve all pulled together for the benefit of the language and our culture.  We’re also pleased to have been able to support so many artists and performers through the Eisteddfod AmGen project during the past few months.

“We’re facing another extremely challenging year. Losing another Eisteddfod will have a far-reaching effect on us as an organisation.  Yesterday, we had to launch a consultation process with staff as we’ll have to reduce the team to half its size in order to survive. Announcing this today is heartbreaking for everyone involved in the Eisteddfod.”

For practical information regarding postponing thie year’s Eisteddfod, go online, www.eisteddfod.wales.