The National Eisteddfod has published details of how to express an interest and ideas to be considered for the 2026 Eisteddfod Crown and Chair, with the festival to be held in Llantood, north Pembrokeshire from 1-8 August next year
The Crown is donated by the family of Rev. WJ Gruffydd (Elerydd) and Mrs Jane Gruffydd in their memory, and in appreciation of the loyalty and generosity of the Eisteddfod local congregation during their ministry in the area.
The former Archdruid Elerydd, Rev. WJ and Mrs Jane Gruffydd ministered with the Baptist denomination in north Pembrokeshire for over a quarter of a century. It is not surprising that they stayed so long because WJ would often mention how the people and landscape of the Preseli area were very similar to the people and landscape of his birthplace in the Ffair Rhos and Pontrhydfendigaid area of north Ceredigion.
The legacy of the land and its people was the inspiration for Elerydd's wining poems, which brought him the Eisteddfod Crowns at Pwllheli (1955) and Cardiff (1960) Eisteddfod respectively.
Furthermore, the river Teifi originates in Llyn Teifi above Fair Rhos and terminates in Cardigan not far from the Eisteddfod Maes. Yet the 'blue stone' of the Preselau is as durable and uncompromising as the lead mines of his childhood.
A poet, novelist and writer, but despite his eisteddfod achievements, he will surely be remembered as the 'father' of the two lovable characters Tomos and Marged who were immortalised on the pages of local papers, the Cardigan & Tivy-side Advertiser and the Cambrian News.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority hopes that the successful artist or craftsperson will be able to develop the concept for the Chair with local GCSE aged pupils and other stakeholders within the Authority.
The Park also hopes that the Chair can be created from wood originating within the National Park itself.
Announcing the open call, Park Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones, said, “The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is pleased to sponsor the Chair for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026. We are looking forward to commissioning a talented individual who will be able to create a unique Chair that reflects the language, environment, heritage and culture of the National Park, Pembrokeshire and the wider catchment of the Eisteddfod.”
Details of the Chair and Crown brief are available online, www.eisteddfod.wales, along with how to declare an interest and submit ideas for consideration by the Gorsedd Board. The closing date is 17:00, 12 May 2025.