“The best Eisteddfod ever”. This is what people have been saying about the National Eisteddfod of Wales that took place in Isycoed last month.
Mark Lewis Jones
Two years of preparation finally came to life, and thousands of people went through the gates to see what was on offer. The event did not disappoint. Mark Lewis Jones, the actor from Rhos, was the elected president for the week. In his opening speech, he welcomed everyone to Wrecsam, saying that the Eisteddfod was theirs and that there was something for everyone. This was so true as you walked around the Maes.
The Maes was brilliantly laid out, offering something for everyone – from young to old and for Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers. The week was full of song, poetry, dance, art, and literature – a week full of life and a celebration of the Welsh language. The competitions during the day were of such a high standard, and many local talents won prizes. Congratulations to them.
One standout was the show Y Stand, based on stories of Wrecsam AFC fans who sit together at the football. The Eisteddfod choir was the crowd. It was a show that had so much passion and emotion.
Full of Hope
The service to open the Eisteddfod was a tribute to living on the border, and this set the tone for the rest of the Eisteddfod, finally closing on Saturday night with an epilogue full of hope.
The people of Wrecsam opened their arms to the whole of Wales, and everyone who attended the Eisteddfod commented on how inclusive and welcome they felt. Old friends got together and also made new friends along the way!
Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation, to Llinos Cleary and her team, to all the local committees, and to all the local businesses that supported us. Also, thanks to all the volunteers who helped during the week.
Wales truly got to see what we have here in Wrecsam, and it’s extraordinary.
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