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Hopefully the sun will shine this morning so that the Gorsedd can gather around the Stones to honour new members. This colourful and warm-hearted ceremony begins at 10:00. Then, members of the Gorsedd will reconvene for the Chairing Ceremony in the Pavilion at 16:00, led by the Archdruid, Mererid.
Composing an awdl, or a collection of poems in strict metre using more than one of the traditional forms, and up to 250 lines on the theme ‘City’, was the task set for the poets this year. The prize is the beautiful Chair created by Gafyn Owen.
On the eve of the new football season, two events connected to the sport will be held today. ‘The round ball in black and white’ is the theme of a discussion on Welsh literature and football, hosted by Gŵyl y Wal Goch, with Nicky John in conversation with Manon Steffan Ros, Geraint Løvgreen and footballer Lili Jones. Head to the Babell Lên at 14:45 to listen.
Around the same time in the Tipi on Maes D, Llinos Roberts will interview STōK Cae Ras Welsh tutor Huw Birkhead about the Welsh language and Wrexham Football Club, and there’s talk that a few special guests may drop by.
At 11:45 in the Babell Lên, there will be an opportunity to remember Geraint H. Jenkins, one of Wales’s most prominent historians and scholars, with Prys Morgan, Marion Löffler, John Meredith and Robat Powell.
Nic Parry will chair an engaging panel discussion recalling the multi-talented Aled Lloyd Davies and his contribution to cerdd dant singing in the Tŷ Gwerin at 13:30. At the same time in Encore, there will be a session with Eifion Lloyd Jones and some former pupils and colleagues of the late Gilmor Griffiths, originally from Ponciau near Rhos. He was a prolific educator, leader and composer.
The Babell Lên is sure to be packed for the final round of the Poets’ Debate at 13:00. Twm Morys is the Meuryn and Gruffudd Antur is the Islwyn in a lively contest between teams of poets who have battled through the semi-final rounds during the week. The winning team will receive the Rolant Trophy from Anglesey. Additionally, Emyr Lewis and Mair Tomos Ifans will judge the day’s englyn and limerick. The T. Arfon Williams Trophy will be awarded for the best debate englyn; the John Glyn Trophy for the best englyn of the day; and the Edgar Parry Williams Trophy for the best limerick. Come along and join in the fun and excitement of the debate.
‘Mari Ha!’ is a joint commission by Menter Bro Morgannwg, the Eisteddfod and the Green Man Festival, with support from the National Dance Company of Wales. It celebrates the cycle of the year with an energetic outdoor performance of contemporary dance that combines the Cadi Ha, the Mari Lwyd, and other traditional Welsh customs and rituals. Look out for them at 14:00 and 16:00.
Two evening events in the Tŷ Gwerin are sure to catch the eye. At 21:00 there will be TwmpDaith, followed by a session of Bandioci. TwmpDaith is a supergroup of twmpath musicians and dancers from all over Wales who came together through ‘Project WYTH’, which promotes traditional Welsh dancing. The Eisteddfod has been a core part of the project from the start, working in partnership with Menter Maldwyn.
A new idea for the Eisteddfod – if not anywhere – is Bandioci Gwerin. The idea came from a community session to discuss the artistic programme in Wrexham, and Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Gethin Griffiths and friends will accompany the audience as they sing Welsh folk karaoke! The late-night fun begins in the Tŷ Gwerin at 22:15.
On the Maes Stage, there will be a warm welcome for Anweledig, performing at the Eisteddfod for the first time in over 15 years. Since the start of the year, the lively crew from Blaenau Ffestiniog have been rehearsing, and everyone is looking forward to hearing old favourites like ‘Cae yn Nefyn’, ‘Chwarae dy Gêm’ and of course ‘Dawns y Glaw’.
The lads will take to the stage at 21:00 after the crowd has been warmed up by Yws Gwynedd, another musical talent from the ‘Stiniog area. Yws and his band are back for another summer of gigs and festivals across Wales, following the success of their third album ‘Tra Dwi’n Cysgu’, released at the end of 2024.