The names of the four finalists for the coveted 2011Welsh Learner of the Year award will be announced at a special event held in Yale College, Wrexham, on Saturday 14 May.
Twenty-one individuals have competed in this year’s competition, which includes people from all over Wales – and beyond.
Five of the contestants are local from the Wrexham area, twelve from other parts of Wales and four are from outside Wales. Most of them will come together on Saturday for a day of activities, entertainment – and the vital interview – to whittle the twenty-one down to the four-strong shortlist, who will take part in the final round during this year’s Eisteddfod.
National Eisteddfod Organiser, Hywel Wyn Edwards, said, “We are looking forward to an enjoyable day in Wrexham on Saturday, and we hope that the activities will appeal to people of all ages. There’ll also be plenty of information about the Eisteddfod and about learning Welsh in the Wrexham area.
“The response and commitment of those learning Welsh has been excellent, and I’m certain that we’ve got a real competition on our hands this year! We’re also grateful to the judges to their time and commitment, and we look forward to announcing the names of the finalists at the end of the day.”
Activities include family games, storytelling sessions, bingo and a salsa dancing lesson, so there’s something for people of all ages.
This year’s adjudicators are Dafydd Griffiths, Helen Prosser and Dyfed Thomas, and they will choose the ultimate winner at the final round held during the Eisteddfod on Wednesday 3 August. The Welsh Learner of the Year ceremony is held at Wrexham Memorial Hall that evening, and tickets will be available from the beginning of June .
The Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod is held on land at Lower Berse Farm, off Ruthin Road, Wrexham, from 30 July – 6 August. The National Eisteddfod attracts 150,000-160,000 visitors every year, travelling around Wales and visiting north and south Wales alternately.
The Welsh Assembly Government has contributed £25,000 towards a two tickets for the price of one scheme for Wrexham Borough residents during the first weekend of the festival, 30-31 July. The Eisteddfod will announce details of the scheme shortly.
