Wrecsam gets a taste of what’s to come at next year’s National Eisteddfod with a free festival in the city centre over the weekend
With just 300 days to go until the Eisteddfod, organisers want people of all ages to enjoy Gŵyl yr Hydref, starting this evening with Dafydd Iwan playing in Saith Seren at a sell-out gig.
The Eisteddfod’s worked closely with Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam on the festival programme, with the Menter leading on much of the family-focused events.
Learners can come to chat and practice their Welsh at a coffee morning on Coleg Cambria’s Yale Campus, organised in partnership with Dysgu Cymraeg y Gogledd Ddwyrain, and a number of local Welsh schools will also perform in the morning, celebrating the arrival of the Eisteddfod.
With Wrecsam playing at home against Northampton in the afternoon, the team's supporters will get a taste of Welsh music as Candelas perform in the 'fanzone' at the Racecourse before the game, and local volunteers will be collecting money in buckets next to the club gates as fans flock to the game.
Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, said, "This is the year of the Wrexham Eisteddfod, and we’re very proud to be here in the north east celebrating with everyone this weekend. The welcome we’ve received in the Wrexham area has been excellent, and we’re grateful to everyone who’s played a part in organising this weekend’s events.
"Events like these give local people the taste of a real Eisteddfod, so they know what to expect next year. There’ll be a real Eisteddfod feel to the city this weekend, with iconic pavilions such as the Babell Lên, Tŷ Gwerin and Pentref Plant coming alive on the streets of Wrecsam.
"We’ll officially launch the Eisteddfod year with an event in Tŷ Pawb at 17:45 and activities will continue until late, with a poetry contest (Bragdy Pawb) with prominent local poets, a concert with Andy Hickie and Pedair in the beautiful surroundings of St Giles’ Church, topped with a gig starring Buddug, Pys Melyn and Candelas in Tŷ Pawb at the end of the night.
"Pulling everything together has been a team effort, and we’re very grateful to our local volunteers, our partners and Wrexham County Borough Council for all their help and support.
"We hope everyone will enjoy the activities - and there’s still a chance to join the team to help with local activities and the artistic programme. Everything’s on our website, and more information will be available at Tŷ Pawb on Saturday. Come along for a look and to enjoy!”
Councillor Hugh Jones, Welsh Language Champion at Wrexham Council, added: “With less than a year to go until Wrecsam hosts the biggest cultural event in Europe, the excitement is starting to build.
"Gŵyl yr Hydref is an ideal opportunity to get a taste of the Eisteddfod, whether you’re a keen eisteddfod visitor or if you haven't been to the festival before, and it’s a great celebration of Welsh art, language and culture with plenty to enjoy for all ages. I encourage everyone to come and take part in what promises to be a great weekend of activities."
The Wrecsam National Eisteddfod will be held from 2-9 August in Wrexham. For more details go online, www.eisteddfod.cymru.