Today (22 February 2010) Offa Community Council announced that they will be donating a total of £9,000 to the Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod local fund, towards the festival which will be held from 30 July – 6 August 2011.
The Maes (site) is situated on the land of Lower Berse Farm, within the Offa Community Council area, and the Council is keen to support the visit of one of the world’s largest cultural festivals to Wrexham – and the Offa area specifically.
Aled Roberts, Chair of the Wrexham and District Executive Committee, said:
“The generosity of Offa Community Council is a great boost to the Eisteddfod’s local fund, and it’s obvious that the Council has recognised the benefits the National Eisteddfod brings to an area. The response to the Eisteddfod’s visit to Wrexham has been excellent, and the local fund is already growing. We hope that this enthusiasm continues and that we’ll have a festival to remember in 2011.
“We welcome Offa Community Council’s announcement, as it clearly shows local people – and the other councils in the area – how important it is to support the National Eisteddfod. According to independent research, the Eisteddfod brings a significant economic benefit to an area – between £6-8 million, so investments like these from local councils are a great help to pave the way for when around 160,000 visitors come to the Wrexham area in 2011.”
The next important date in the Wrexham and District Eisteddfod calendar is 3 July, when the Proclamation Ceremony is held in the town centre. The ceremony follows a march by the Gorsedd of the Bards and local organisations through town, ending at Llwyn Isaf near The Guildhall.
This will be Wales’ new Archdruid, Jim Parc Nest’s first official appearance, as he leads the ceremony. This will also be the time for the new Gorsedd Recorder, Penri Tanad, to officiate at an event, following his appointment earlier this year.
The National Eisteddfod festival attracts around 160,000 visitors annually, and is held in north and south Wales alternately. Entry to all festival activities is free for the price of a daily Maes ticket.
The Eisteddfod receives a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government through the Welsh Language Board, and from all unitary authorities in Wales through a partnership agreement with the Welsh Local Government Association.
The 2010 National Eisteddfod is held in Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys from 31 July – 7 August.
