The National Eisteddfod Council has reported that this year’s festival in Wrecsam was one of the most successful in recent years.
Organisers confirmed that thousands of visitors flocked to the Maes in Is-y-Coed on the outskirts of Wrecsam during August, with the event covering its costs. This year’s Eisteddfod also welcomed more new Welsh speakers than ever before, with 17% of visitors saying that attending the festival or taking part in pre-event community activities helped them learn Welsh or inspired them to start learning the language.
Post-event research revealed that the number of first-time visitors has more than doubled since the 2016 Monmouthshire and District Eisteddfod – the last time the festival was held near the border. In addition, 93% of visitors said they plan to return in the future.
The meeting marked the final session chaired by Gethin Thomas, who received warm thanks for his dedication and service as Council Chair and Vice-president of the Eisteddfod Court. Vice-chair Heulwen Jones also completed her six-year term, and tributes were paid to both.
Following the death of Eisteddfod Fellow D Hugh Thomas earlier this year, and after a recent Council vote, Nic Parry, President of the Court and Chair of the Management Board, announced that Gethin Thomas will be honoured as a Fellow during next year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las. With only five Fellows, this is the festival’s highest accolade, awarded for a lifetime of service.
Finally, it was confirmed that Siân Eirian will succeed Gethin Thomas as Council Chair, with Elfyn Llwyd appointed Vice-chair. Both will begin their three-year terms in January.
