Two months since its launch, Eisteddfod AmGen content has been watched over 150,000 times on different digital platforms.
With the Eisteddfod usually welcoming around 150,000 visitors to the Maes during festival week, this is an important milestone for this year’s virtual festival.
The project began in May, following the announcement that the Ceredigion National Eisteddfod was postponed due to Covid-19. And as we approach ‘Eisteddfod week’ at the beginning of August and with over 200 sessions already held, organisers are becoming increasingly ambitious, and are keen to ensure that as many people as possible get a taste of the Eisteddfod in a totally different way this year.
Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said, “Although everyone expected the news, everyone was disappointed when the announcement came that we had to postpone this year’s Eisteddfod – and we and the team of volunteers in Ceredigion and Llŷn and Eifionydd. And this disappointment inspired us to start thinking in a totally different way – if people couldn’t come to the Eisteddfod, we would take some of the Eisteddfod experience to them.
“And we’re very grateful to everyone who has supported us, performers, speakers, artists, but most of all, we’re grateful to our audience, those who have watched and listened to sessions, both live and online, on You Tube and through AM. I know that some people have used technology for the first time, so they could watch something or take part in the cynganeddu or cerdd dant courses.
“We’ve tried to show a bit of everything. After all, the Eisteddfod is a truly eclectic festival, which is home to all elements of the arts and culture. And we appreciate the support so much. Of course, different elements appeal to different audiences, but the fact we can present a programme which includes such a mix of contributors – from Cymdeithas Emynau Cymru to 3 Hwr Doeth – not only shows the wide range of the festival but also the urge for individuals, groups and organisations to create content and support the project. And we are grateful to everyone.
“’Eisteddfod week’ is fast approaching, and usually by now, the Maes would be growing and changing every day. And in a way, this is still happening, as we’re working on a full programme of events and activities. It’s great that so many of our partners have been keen to be part of AmGen, and see the project as a way of reaching new and existing audiences.
“We’ll have a full programme of events during the week across a wide range of digital and traditional platforms to try and reach the widest audience possible. Our aim is to build on the success of the first two months, providing excellent and varied contact for people of all ages across Wales and beyond.”
For more information on AmGen and to watch the sessions so far, go to www.eisteddfod.wales, our You Tube channel or the AM platform.