Home / Arts and Entertainment / 850-Year-Old Eisteddfod Returns to Roots Near Cardigan
850-Year-Old Eisteddfod Returns to Roots Near Cardigan
2 Aug
Summary
- Eisteddfod celebrates its 850th birthday near Cardigan, Wales.
- The festival traces its origins to Prince Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1176.
- This year's event features over 1,000 activities and expects 150,000 visitors.
Eisteddfod y Garreg Las is currently celebrating the 850th anniversary of this significant Welsh cultural festival near Cardigan, west Wales. The event traces its origins to 1176 when Prince Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd, a powerful ruler, hosted the first recorded eisteddfod. This year's gathering honors that legacy, returning to its roots near Lord Rhys's castle to celebrate Welsh language, culture, and creativity.
The eisteddfod, known as Europe's oldest touring cultural event, will feature over 1,000 activities between August 1 and August 8. It is projected to attract approximately 150,000 visitors to the site near Llantwd. A notable feature this year is a 5-meter puppet of Lord Rhys, designed to bring the historical figure back to life for attendees.
Local fundraising efforts have successfully raised £400,000 for staging the event, supported by hundreds of volunteers. The tradition, which saw a revival in the 18th century and was shaped by figures like Iolo Morganwg, continues to evolve. Organizers express hope that the spirit of Lord Rhys would appreciate the dynamic and modern festival that now offers something for everyone.
