When officially launching the National Eisteddfod of Llŷn and Eifionydd from the Pafiliwn Mawr stage, Festival President, Liz Saville Roberts, announced that the local fund had passed half a million for the first time ever
On the first morning of the Eisteddfod, the total fund had reached £503,610, with communities across Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon having contributed thousands of pounds by holding events and activities, sponsoring prizes and raising local awareness of the festival over recent years.
Chair of the Executive Committee, Michael Strain, said, “Four years ago, we had an ambitious financial target of £400,000 at the start of the project. And then came COVID, with the target seemingly out of reach.
"I have nothing but respect and admiration for all our volunteers - from Abergwyngregyn to Aberdaron and from Penrhyndeudraeth to Bontnewydd - for all their work, their dedication and their enthusiasm, They were determined to reach the target, and again -all the activities started after COVID.
"I am convinced that the target and the desire of our local residents across the catchment area to support the Eisteddfod has helped to reopen Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon following the pandemic. People came back together to socialise and the money flowed into our festival's coffers.
"So today, it's a pleasure to announce our total - so far. And the money still reaches us almost daily. And I can only thank all of our volunteers, everyone who has organised or come to an event - and most of all to our Local Fund Committee, and Dafydd Rhun the chair for leading us to such success. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone."