In two months' time, the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod will open its gates to everyone, with a great series of concerts in the Pafiliwn Mawr
Starting with a special evening in the company of extraordinary folk group, Pedair (Gwyneth Glyn, Gwenan Gibbard, Meinir Gwilym and Siân James), the Eisteddfod Folk Choir will open the week with a wonderful concert, 'Y Curiad: Ddoe, Heddiw, Fory', which includes plenty of prominent Welsh artists as special guests, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Elidyr Glyn, Einir Humphreys, Twm Morys, Tudur Phillips, Patrick Rimes and a folk band. This will certainly be a night to remember, and with the Eisteddfod choir filling the stage, this is a concert that is sure to appeal to a very wide audience.
As usual, the Cymanfa Ganu will be in the Pafiliwn Mawr on Sunday, 6 August, with the experienced conductor Pat Jones at the helm. The organist is Ilid Anne Jones and the Cymanfa Choir will join in to sing the hymns, along with performing a series of new arrangements of some of Leila Megàne's most famous songs, the notable mezzo-soprano from Llŷn who spent her career travelling throughout Europe and the United States captivating audiences. Many of the songs will be well known, including - 'Gwlad y Delyn', 'Bwthyn Bach To Gwellt', 'Pistyll y Llan', 'Y Nefoedd' and 'Dafydd y Garreg Wen'. The songs were arranged by Ilid Anne Jones, and edited by Huw Gwynne. There’lll also be an opportunity to enjoy a performance by a local Harp Choir.
On Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the fantastic Cabarela will return to the Pavilion stage with a brand new show, Cracharela. Who knows what will await us, but one thing is for sure, if you’re narrow-minded, or struggle to have fun and be a little frivolous from time to time, you won’t want to know about the a fantastic show which is on for two nights this year, due to the high demand for tickets to see Cabarela last year.
And to end the week, Gig y Pafiliwn is back, with famous DJ Huw Stephens compering and the Welsh Pops Orchestra back once again. This year's gig is a chance to enjoy some of Wales’ most exciting artists, including Dom and Lloyd, Mr Phormula, Izzy Rabey and Eädyth, skylrk, DJ Jaffa and Aneirin Karadog, with more to come!
Tickets go on sale on Friday 16 June, with only 50 days to go until the start of the Eisteddfod in Boduan. Chair of the Executive Committee, Michael Strain, said, "We’re pleased to announce the line-up of our concerts tonight, and I'm sure everyone will agree that we have a very varied programme to enjoy in the Pafiliwn Mawr. There are two Eisteddfod Choirs this year, one having the thrill of performing with Pedair and a host of very special artists on our opening night, Y Curiad, Ddoe, Heddiw, Yfory and Côr y Camanfa, who are performing a premier of new arrangements of some of Leila Megàne's songs, which are certainly big favourites for so many of us here in Wales.
"Cabarela was such a success in Ceredigion last year that we’re looking forward to having them with us for two nights, and I'm looking forward to a very different Gig y Pafiliwn with lots of exciting artists filling the Pavilion .
"Many people will have heard a rumour that Na, Nel! is returning to the Eisteddfod this year - look out for an exciting announcement about a show for the whole family soon. And we’ll also be publishing our programmes over the coming weeks, with an chance for everyone to start preparing for the week and planning where to go during the day - and late into the night.
“The next big date is Friday 16 June - 50 days to go. This is when our concert tickets go on sale so make sure you manage to grab a ticket to one of our great nights. And then, in no time at all, we’ll be opening the gates in Boduan to welcome everyone to join us for a very special week which is sure to attract people of all ages to have a taste of amazing welcome from the people of Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon."
For more information about the Eisteddfod go online, www.eisteddfod.cymru.