Eisteddfod Report

After Blaenau Gwent experienced its first Eisteddfod in 50 years, I felt extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to work for the event as a young person.

Eisteddfod

In an area where first language Welsh speakers are few and far between, Blaenau Gwent was incredibly fortunate to host the Welsh National Eisteddfod, which is a cultural/arts festival which prides itself on delivering the arts and Welsh culture through the medium of Welsh.

From local schools performing on the main stage in the now locally ‘famous’ pink tent, to high profile artists such as Rhydian from the X Factor performing on the exact same stage, the Eisteddfod attracted visitors from all over Wales and Europe in general.

Eisteddfod

With much to offer, it’s safe to say that the Eisteddfod kept me extremely busy all week. From delivering children’s activities to taking part in an S4C interview, it was great to see that everyone was embracing the event, both welsh speaking and non-welsh speaking.

There were also plenty of other things to see and do, including the launch of a 5D cinema, which proved popular with our younger volunteers, and the launch of a robot that could kick a football, and get back up on its feet when it’s knocked over!
By the end of the week, despite being worn out and looking forward to a lie in the next day (!) I was quite disappointed that the Eisteddfod was coming to an end. I’d become so used to speaking Welsh everyday, and hearing Welsh in the local shops and pubs, that it was slightly disheartening to know that I was no longer going to hear it as much.

Eisteddfod

On the plus side, the Eisteddfod all in all had put Blaenau Gwent on the map. I can only hope that now it has happened, people can see the benefits that can come of speaking Welsh, and hope that one day, I can walk into a shop in the area and hear it without being pleasantly surprised.