The Eisteddfod will be working closely with the People’s Collection during Eisteddfod week to capture the memories of Eisteddfodwyr of all ages, as part of the Celebrate 150 campaign.
Photos from years gone by will be dotted around the Maes – from the 1930s to last year’s festival. Our hope is that you’ll enjoy taking a look and that they’ll jog a few memories, which you can then share at the People’s Collection stand.
We’ll have a different theme every day, and although we’ll be sharing specific memories about these during the week, we’ll want to hear all your Eisteddfod stories.
The theme on the opening Saturday will be Eisteddfod towns – where was the best Eisteddfod ever – and why? What makes a good Eisteddfod town?
The first weekend is the family weekend, so what better than to share your memories about mascots on the Maes! Everyone remembers seeing Superted and Fireman Sam, but does anyone remember Twm Tap and Rowland the Owl? Share your memories – and upload them to the People’s Collection website. We’ll also want to know what’s the best Eisteddfod freebie ever!
The theme on Monday is ceremonies – and we’re looking for real memories. Were you sitting behind Donald Evans in the Pavilion when he won the double in 1977? Have you ever been a flower girl? Where were you when Mererid Hopwood became the first woman to win the Chair in 2001? Let us know and share your memories.
On Tuesday, we want to hear from competitors – and not just if you’ve come first, second or third. Should you have won in the singing in the sixties? Did something go wrong when you were on stage? Was it you who missed the beat with the cymbal losing the prize to your brass band? Come and tell us everything on Tuesday.
From Wednesday onwards Maes B gets busier with everyone looking forward to a long weekend, so what could be better than a chance to reminisce about the gigs of the past – and we’ll have a few old photos dotted around the place to get you thinking! We’ll need your help to identify everyone in a few of these photos, so come over to the Performance Stages to see who you recognise and help us fill those gaps!
What would the Maes be like without stands and stallholders? And this is Thursday’s theme as we ask you for your Maes memories and your favourite stands over the years. There’s also a chance for the stallholders themselves to share their memories about their visitors to the Eisteddfod over the years.
As the week draws to a close, we’ll want to hear your memories about staying in the Eisteddfod on Friday. Are you a keen caravanner? When did you make the move from the youth village to the caravan site? What are your memories from your childhood in a caravan? We want to hear all your funny stories and any special memories you may have!
And on the final day we’ll be looking back at this year’s Eisteddfod – what were your favourite moment? Which one was the best gig? We’ll want all your views before the end of the day, so come over and share your stories with us before you go home.
If you’d like to load some information before you come to Wrexham, it’s easy. Go to www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk and add your story. Help us to create a national archive for Wales. For information on the Celebrate 150 campaign, go to www.eisteddfod.org.uk.
The Wrexham and District National Eisteddfod is held on Lower Berse Farm, off Ruthin Road, Wrexham from 30 July – 6 August. For information on how to get to the Maes, activities, tickets and much more, go online or ring 0845 4090 900.
