eisteddfod

Renowned historian Hywel Teifi Edwards defines the earliest form of the Eisteddfod as a competitive meeting between Celtic Bards and minstrels in which the winner was chosen by a noble or royal patron. The history of the Eisteddfod may be traced back to a competition held by the Lord Rhys in Cardigan Castle in 1176.

They were the first form of musical competition in Australia, beginning in Ballarat in 1855. Eisteddfods allow amateurs to perform publicly, enhancing standards through constructive criticism by qualified adjudicators, as well as encouraging musical patronage in the community.

The beginning: In 1176 Lord Rhys hosted the first known 'eisteddfod'. He held two major competitions at Cardigan Castle; one in poetry, and the other in music. A sudden decline: Similar tournaments were held in the 15th and 16th centuries. The phrase 'eisteddfod' was coined during this period.

Held during the first week of August every year, the National Eisteddfod is a celebration of the culture and language in Wales. The festival travels from place to place, alternating between north and south Wales, attracting around 150,000 visitors and over 250 tradestands and stalls.

The Urdd Eisteddfod is the largest youth festival in Europe and is held every year in May. The Urdd is an organization that offers a range of activities to young people in Wales. Youngsters enjoy staying in Llangrannog and Glan-llyn, two of the Urdd's main campsites.

Its eight days of competitions and performances are considered the largest music and poetry festival in Europe.

The “rating” of the candidate is then expressed in different “levels” of awards (diploma, gold, silver, bronze, etc.), which indicates the candidate's progress in terms of his own knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to the particular genre.

Writer Rhys wins the prestigious Crown at the 2023 National Eisteddfod.

Alan Llwyd, Professor in Swansea University's Department of Welsh, has won the Chair in the Llŷn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod 2023. One of Wales' most prominent poets for generations, he managed to win the 'double', namely the Chair and the Crown in the same year - twice - in 1973 and 1976.

The 1,700-seated pavilion is still the festival's focal point and is the main stage for honouring the best of the best. Some of Wales' leading writers, musicians and poets take to the stage, with competitions ranging from acting and dancing to solo singers and large choirs, poetry and prose, all delivered in Welsh.

But throughout the 20th century the eisteddfod was a vital forum for Welsh-language culture, and its competitions produced a number of important poems.

The “rating” of the candidate is then expressed in different “levels” of awards (diploma, gold, silver, bronze, etc.), which indicates the candidate's progress in terms of his own knowledge, skills and understanding relevant to the particular genre.