Welsh Eisteddfod marks 850th anniversary with 150,000 expected visitors
Europe’s oldest touring cultural festival returns to its medieval roots in west Wales, drawing massive crowds and highlighting the enduring economic and social value of regional language preservation.
The national eisteddfod has returned to west Wales to mark its 850th anniversary, expecting 150,000 visitors and hosting more than 1,000 events between 1 and 8 August. The massive gathering celebrates Welsh language, culture and creativity. It draws attendees from across the region to participate in competitions and performances.
Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, meaning blue rock after the nearby Preseli hills bluestone used in Stonehenge, is taking place near the village of Llantwd. The site sits close to Cardigan castle, where Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd held the first recorded festival in 1176.
The event operates as a significant touring cultural engine, moving between north and south Wales annually. It stands as the oldest and one of the largest touring cultural events in Europe.
Marc Rees, the creative director for this year's event, said: "The eisteddfod is Glastonbury on wheels, basically, so I don’t know why it goes so under the radar in the rest of the UK." He added that it is a massive festival of music, poetry and dancing featuring incredible bands like the Super Furry Animals.
The economic and community footprint is substantial. Local fundraising committees have raised £400,000 since the location was announced in 2024, relying on hundreds of volunteers to prepare the site.
Naomi Chiffi, a visitor from Tenby, said: "It’s like the eisteddfod has had a homecoming." She explained that her children are in Welsh-medium education and added: "Events like this on our doorstep show them that the language is a living, fun thing."
John Davies, chair of the executive committee, emphasized the festival's modern relevance. He said: "I hope that Lord Rhys himself would have enjoyed the trip … 850 years is a long time, and it is amazing that the eisteddfod is still developing and evolving every year and is a dynamic and modern festival that offers something for everyone."
The modern iteration of the festival owes much to an 18th-century revival led by London-based societies and the Gorsedd Cymru. Iolo Morganwg, an antiquarian who founded the group, invented much of its ancient lore while high on laudanum, creating pageantry that survives today.
To mark the anniversary, a 5-metre puppet of Lord Rhys has toured local towns and villages. Created by Cardigan’s Theatr Byd Bach, the puppet travels with the traditional crown and chair prizes awarded to the best free-verse poets.
The Wilyman family, visiting from Haverfordwest, has been preparing for the week. Elliw Wilyman, who is taking part in several competitions, said: “We’ve been fundraising since February. It’s so nice to see it all come together.”
