The 2016 Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod received a flying start last week (July 17th) at Abergavenny’s Market Hall as over 200 people attended a launch for the festival to be held within the town’s Castle Meadows. The decision to host the Eisteddfod was taken by the county council in May and means that it will be held in Monmouthshire for the first time since 1913.
The meeting elected coordinators for the ten subjects within the Eisteddfod’s competition areas including visual arts, music, dance, Welsh learners, drama, literature and recitation. A further meeting will be held at Caldicot Comprehensive School on 17th September to elect officers to oversee these activities as well as the technical, finance, hospitality and accommodation and Maes B (Youth) aspects of the festival.
Welcoming those who had arrived on a warm and sunny evening Eisteddfod Court President Garry Nicholas remarked: “The work and the journey starts here tonight. We look forward to your company as we work for the benefit of the Welsh language and culture here in Monmouthshire.”
County Councillor Phil Hobson, cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language added: “Although we are a border county we have a very rich Welsh heritage. This magnificent festival is coming home to Monmouthshire after more than a century under the theme of hiraeth – a word that has no direct English translation but signifies a mix of longing, yearning or nostalgia”.
For further information on becoming involved in the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod email [email protected] or telephone 0845 4090 400.
