Eisteddfod – The greatest show in Wales
What exactly is the Welsh National Eisteddfod? To an Englishman it is another of those baffling long words that mean little or nothing. For those who know, especially the Welsh, it is associated with the country’s cultural identity. The word is ‘Eisteddfod’ is derived from the Welsh word Eistedd, which means ‘to sit’- setting the scene perfectly for a festival of this nature..
The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a major international festival, allowing visitors be part of a large gathering celebrating the country’s rich culture. The festival has a long history stretching back to the mid twelfth century, and is easily one of the top things to do in Wales. Wales needs it to ensure promotion of the national language and the arts.
I wanted to know first hand what all the noise was about, so I decided that I would start looking for holidays in Wales, to gain first-hand experience. As the festival lasts for the first week in August, you can plan your accommodation in advance. There are many opportunities to attend the festival whilst on short breaks in Wales.
I read in one of the guides that the Eisteddfod had been a launch pad for many a famous figure on their way to stardom. Possibly the most famous would have to be Bryn Terfel the Welsh baritone, who has been a past winner.
I was impressed the most by the great variety of artist on offer, within the competitions, concerts and ceremonies. It’s not just about traditional singing, which of course is world renowned, but involves many different styles such as pop, hip-hop, folk and rock. I couldn’t believe that the whole festival was dependant on many volunteers. Should you be interested in volunteering your services you can call the following number – (0845) 122 2003.