Adwaith, Anweledig and Bwncath are three of the top artists who’ll be performing on the Maes at this year's Wrecsam Eisteddfod, unveiled as part of today’s first announcement wave of twenty acts and performers
As well as a host of bands appearing on Llwyfan y Maes, Trystan and Emma unveiled the first twenty acts and performers for this year’s festival on their BBC Radio Cymru programme this morning.
Among those appearing at Tŷ Gwerin are Casi, Vrï and Twmpdaith, who’ll be part of a brand new session, Bandioke Gwerin, folk song karaoke with a band, a concept dreamed up by one of our local committees in Wrecsam.
Following the success of last year’s intimate classical evenings in Pontypridd, Encore plays host to a series of events, including a celebration of the Hen Ganiadau, the songs of Osborne Roberts and William Davies. Plus, there's a chance to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Joseph Parry’s iconic composition Myfanwy. More enchanting evenings will be confirmed in the next wave of announcements.
Theatr Cymru and Theatr Clwyd are working together again this year on the Wrecslam project. They’ve been searching for four writers of bold, contemporary and funny plays to create short works to be performed at Caffi Maes B in the evenings. This follows the success of other theatrical performances in the cafe over recent years.
Other favourites back this year, include Mei Gwynedd and the evergreen Tŷ Potas, who’ll appear in the Literary Pavilion – Y Babell Lên – on Friday night. And the Mas ar y Maes crew will be on the Maes in Y Babell Lên on Thursday night, when we call for the doors to be closed at the back, and fair play for everyone, as Steddfod Stifyn returns for the first time in a few years.
Once again this year, the competition programme - the heart of the Eisteddfod - will run into the evening. This was very successful last year and the intention is to combine the competitive element with entertainment to create unforgettable nights for our competitors as well as our audience.
When announcing the first wave of performers and artists this year, it was also announced that early bird tickets go on sale on the Eisteddfod website, Monday 3 March at 10:00.
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the Eisteddfod said, "This initial list of artists and performers offers a taste of what we’ll have on the Maes on the outskirts of Wrexham in just six months' time. We’ve been working closely with the local committees in the area for over a year and a half, and everyone’s proud to start sharing the offer with everyone.
"There are more announcements to come, with the next wave of performers to be announced on 28 March, and then the last wave on 24 April, when there’ll only be 100 days to go until we welcome everyone to the Maes. All the programmes will be on the Eisteddfod website by mid-June.
"The next announcement will include full details of this year's Eisteddfod Choir concert, which is a collaboration between two prominent former winners, Manon Steffan Ros and Osian Huw Williams. And with the Eisteddfod in Wrecsam, there ‘s a real football flavour to the show."
With it being the beginning of March next week, caravans, stalls and Societies sessions will also go on sale on the Eisteddfod website on the morning of Monday 3 March. You can book your caravan site and session in the Societies marquee from 10:00 on Monday morning, and then stalls will go on sale at 12:00 (midday).
In addition, there will be a further announcement to follow tonight about somewhere brand new to stay during the week. Follow the Eisteddfod's social media accounts for more from 17:00 onwards.
The Wrecsam National Eisteddfod is held from 2-9 August. For more information go online.
