The Gorsedd are not part of the Eisteddfod itself – they’re an independent body – but we’ve been working together for many years.
The Gorsedd was created in 1791 on Primrose Hill in London by an extraordinary man called Iolo Morganwg.
The first full meeting of the Gorsedd was held a year and a day later in June 1792. The tradition of hosting the Proclamation Ceremony for the following year’s Eisteddfod comes from here, as the ceremony has to be held at least a year and a day before the beginning of the festival.
Next year’s Proclamation was held in Wrecsam a few weeks ago to welcome the 2025 Eisteddfod to the area.
The Gorsedd has played a part in the Eisteddfod since 1819 so it’s over 200 years.
The main winners from the previous Eisteddfod are honoured with the white robes. The Gorsedd also honours individuals who’ve contributed greatly in a number of areas every year, with those involved in the arts getting the green robes, and those who have contributed to the nation receiving the blue robes.
Most of the people honoured by the Gorsedd are those who have worked diligently in their local area for many years.
The Gorsedd also preside over three ceremonies on the Pavilion stage during the week – the Crowning Ceremony on Monday, the Prose Medal on Wednesday and the Chairing on Friday, with each ceremony taking place at 16:00, but you’ll need to be in your seat before then.
The Archdruid – the head of the Gorsedd – is responsible for these ceremonies, and this year we have a new Archdruid, Mererid Hopwood.
If the weather is poor on Monday and Friday, the ceremony to honour new members will be held on the Pavilion stage.
Click on the links below to see who’s being honoured in 2024.