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North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
National Eisteddfod 2025: Everything to expect and how to get there
The National Eisteddfod, one of Europe's biggest cultural festivals, will be staged in Wrexham, Wales' newest city, this year. In recent weeks Eisteddfod staff and contractors have transformed farmland at Is-y-Coed on the eastern outskirts of Wrexham, into a small town with a 1,500 seat pavilion, a range of performance spaces and stalls as well as a temporary Gorsedd circle. The Eisteddfod marks the culmination of more than two years of organizing and fundraising by local people. Llinos Roberts, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said realising a festival as big as the Eisteddfod is not easy and she paid tribute to the staff for their vision and perseverance. "I would like to thank everyone in Wrexham from the bottom of my heart for their tireless work over the past year creating a new buzz and raising awareness of our language and culture throughout the county," she said. She emphasized that the National Eisteddfod is a Festival for everyone. "It's been nice to see confident speakers, new speakers and non-Welsh speakers as an integral part of our local committees. Thank you all for their time, energy and creativity in organising and contributing to such a great variety of fundraising events and their input in creating a comprehensive programme throughout the week. "Our new city, which is famous all over the world thanks to the success of the football team, is the heart of it all. But what is most special about the area is its people with their deep pride in their heritage, their resilient determination, and their unwavering passion for the Welsh language in an area that is so close to the border," added Mrs Roberts. This year's Eisteddfod will be the ninth visit to the Wrexham area having made its first visit in 1876. That year became known as the first time in modern Eisteddfod history with a "Black Chair". The winning poet, Thomas Jones, (Taliesin from Eifion), had died hours after posting his poem to the adjudicators. It is said that his last words were "Is the ode delivered safely?" There were detailed reports of the Eisteddfod in period newspapers of the ceremony. Under the heading 'The Chair without the Bard' one report noted: "The Chair was there, but the Chaired Poet was in THE GRAVE! "Out of seven competitors, his ode was declared the best. A funeral robe was spread over the Chair, and the Gorsedd walked around it." The 1912 Eisteddfod witnessed a rare double winner when Thomas Parry-Williams scooped the Crown and the Chair at the festival. The poet turned up for the ceremony unaware he was the winner and sat at the rear of the massive pavilion and could barely hear his nom de plume being called. The chairing ceremony was preceeded by a speech from David Lloyd-George. This was interupted by a group of Suffragettes calling for women to be allowed to vote in elections. Reports note they were forcibly ejected. In 1933 the Eisteddfod was again staged in Wrexham and notably featured a chair for the winning poet crafted in China. The 1945 National Eisteddfod was staged at Rhosllannerchrugog and competition was halted by the dramatic news that the war in Japan had ended. This year a minute's silence will be called on the 80th anniversary of the detonation of an atomic bomb above the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The Eisteddfod was last held in Wrexham in 2011. Ashok Ahir, President of the Court and Chairman of the Eisteddfod's Management Board, said that he was looking forward to the Eisteddfod. "As a travelling festival the challenges change from year to year but the purpose of our work remains the same - to promote, preserve and protect the heritage and culture of Wales and the Welsh language," he said. The National Eisteddfod starts on Saturday, August 2 and continues until Saturday, August 9. For more details online, visit With around 150,000 visitors every year, the event has numerous ways to get to it and enjoy. Maes B, the caravan and family camping ground, Hwyrnos and the Maes B tent site, together with the car parks are all close to the Eisteddfod Maes. Eisteddfod officials have made special travel arrangements with Wrexham Council, North Wales Police, Transport for Wales and other agencies. By car Travelling to the Maes by car? Follow the yellow 'Eisteddfod' signs to get to the Maes. The signs are there to help drivers, and Eisteddfod officials have worked on the traffic management plan with the local council and emergency services, to create a plan to get to the Maes as easily and safely as possible. Signs will encourage everyone to approach the Maes from junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the A55 will follow the signs from the traffic lights at the junction of the A483 and the B5445 (Belgrave), and will be directed south to junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the direction of Mold on the A541 (junction 5, A483), Ruthin area on the A525 (junction 4, A483), Rhosllannerchrugog area on the B5605 (junction 3, A483), Johnstown on the B5426, Bangor Road (junction 2, A483) and Llangollen /Dee Valley area on the A5 (junction 1, A483) will be directed northbound to junction 6 (Gresford) on the A483. Traffic from the Oswestry area on the A5 (including south Wales traffic) will leave the A483 at junction 6 (Gresford). Traffic from the A525 Bangor-on-Dee area will pick up signage on the approach to the south side of the industrial estate at Cross Lanes traffic lights. Traffic will be advised to turn right here on to the B5130 towards Holt, passing through Talwrn and Bowling Bank before turning left on to Ridley Wood Road. Parking Follow the signs to the car parks and don't park on the side of the road. Stewards will direct vehicles in the car park. Parking is free. *Disabled visitors with a blue badge should follow the signs to the disabled car park* Drop off points There's a dedicated area for buses and taxis to pick up and drop off passengers close to the entrance. There will be clear signs to guide drivers to these points. Trains Wrexham General is one of the main railway stations between north and south Wales, and it also links to the north Wales Main Line via the Wrexham Central to Bidston service. Trains will run regularly throughout the day and late into the evening. Transport for Wales (TfW) and Avanti West Coast are running extra services during the week of the Eisteddfod. This will include eight extra services on Saturday and Sunday and twelve extra services from Monday to Friday. More details online at You can also use the Traveline Cymru website - to plan your journey. Dogs are allowed on the trains. Buses Wrexham has a wide network of public buses running throughout the day and evening. More information on local bus services are available online at TrawsCymru service T3 will also serve the Maes every two hours from Wrexham Bus Station. The T3 service opens up direct access to the Maes from Barmouth, Dolgellau, Bala, Corwen and Llangollen. Shuttle buses between the Maes and the city A free shuttle bus service will run frequently between the railway station, the bus station in the city centre and the Maes from 8am until midnight. These buses are low-level vehicles, suitable for wheelchairs. You can bring your dog on the shuttle buses.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Piece by Powys students goes on display in Trafalgar Square
Students from the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth brought a unique structure to Trafalgar Square for the National Gallery's bicentenary celebration. An architectural installation designed and built by students from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), near Machynlleth, was put in Trafalgar Square as part of the National gallery's bicentennial celebrations, titled the Triumph of Art. The structure is called Gorsedd, meaning 'throne' in Welsh, and was erected in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, July 26. The piece was designed and built by a collective of Master's in Sustainable Architecture students, on their Build module in collaboration with artist Jeremy Deller, Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno and the National Gallery. It was designed by CAT students Hannah Maxey and Anna Drost, they were joined by fellow students (Alfie Hatch, Cat San, Sam Garbett and Louis Parry-Jones) and supported by Senior Lecturer, Gwyn Stacey, Dieter Brandstätter, Jenny Hall, CAT graduate Simon Elliston and Momentum Engineering to build the structure as part of their Build module. Hannah Maxey said: 'This has been an exciting, challenging and inspiring project to be a part of. 'The skills I have picked up working as part of a team to take the project from brief to build are innumerable – from liaising with Jeremy Deller and Mostyn Gallery, researching and specifying materials, to improving my confidence in the workshop. 'The opportunity to get hands-on in such a supportive environment is exactly what I wanted from my Master's at CAT. On top of this, it is especially exciting that we can showcase the beauty of natural materials in the centre of London.' Gorsedd was constructed using Welsh timber, Somerset willow, Plywood supplied by ReCollective (a Materials Agency founded by graduates of CAT) and slate from CAT's own Llwyngwern Quarry. The structure draws inspiration from Celtic stone circles, Druidic rituals, and the National Gallery's wartime history of storing paintings securely in Manod Quarry and was built with traditional barn raising and mast stepping techniques. It was raised in Trafalgar Square entirely by hand over a few days ahead of the unveiling. Co-CEO of CAT Eileen Kinsman said: 'It has been inspiring to see how our students over the past year have applied their learning and understanding of implementing sustainable design and construction to the practical opportunity of working with Jeremy Deller and the team from Mostyn Gallery and the National Gallery as part of their Build project. 'It has been a real pleasure to see the build come to life, and its wonderful to see it finally in place at Trafalgar Square as part of the Triumph of Art'.
Powys County Times
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Wrexham Eisteddfod musical star Cadi Glwys from Powys
The Powys granddaughter of a legendary Wrexham and Wales goalkeeper will be the star of the National Eisteddfod's musical show about a girl who dreams of playing football. Young musician and actor Cadi Glwys, from Moelfre near Llansilin, will be performing, and even showcasing her football skills, on stage when the Eisteddfod - the largest cultural festival in Europe - is held on the outskirts of Wrexham from Saturday, August 2. For Cadi, who plays Grace, the connection to the game and to Wrexham Football Club is especially close to home. She is the granddaughter of legendary goalkeeper Dai Davies, who played for both Wrexham and Wales throughout the 1970s. A proud member of the Gorsedd of Bards, Dai became a respected commentator on television and radio after retiring from the game. He died four years ago at the age of 72. 'It's going to be very emotional on stage," Cadi said. "He would have absolutely loved seeing me take part in this show. 'He adored his family and was incredibly supportive. Whenever he was commentating on TV, he'd always touch his ear—his little way of saying 'hello' to us. 'He was proud to be part of the Gorsedd, even though he didn't often take part in the ceremonies. But at the 2015 Eisteddfod in Meifod, I was dancing in the Dawns Flodau and he came along to be part of the Gorsedd while I was on stage. 'Just before he passed away, he gave me a book and wrote inside it that I should enjoy every performance—and that's exactly what I hope to do.' As part of the show, Cadi will also showcase her football skills. 'I used to play football at Ysgol Llanfyllin, but the pandemic brought everything to a halt and the team never restarted," she said. "I've been brushing up on my skills for the show, and I'm really glad Dyfed Thomas is in the cast—he's an experienced player who even signed a professional contract with Crystal Palace while he was in college.' Y Stand, written by Manon Steffan Ros with songs by Osian Huw Williams, pays tribute to the area's rich rock music heritage, drawing inspiration from the passionate melodies heard from chapel pews to the Kop stand. This year's Eisteddfod will be a busy one for Cadi. She's a member of Twmpdaith, a group of young musicians who tour village halls and summer festivals, bringing the joy of the twmpath - similar to a ceilidh - wherever they go. They'll be performing in Tŷ Gwerin and Maes D during the week. Cadi will also be playing the triple harp in Tŷ Gwerin and other locations across the Maes. 'I started learning the harp when I was about eight," Cadi said. "Robin Huw Bowen came to our school and that was the first time I saw a triple harp. I was lucky enough to have lessons with Elizabeth Bickerton, who's related to Nansi Richards, and I was even luckier to be given a triple harp of my own.' Y Stand will be performed in the Eisteddfod Pavilion on Saturday, August 2, and Monday, August 4m at 7.30pm. Tickets and more information are available online at or via the Ticket Line on 0345 4090 800.
Leader Live
11-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Coffee morning among planned events for Carers Week 2025
The week, which runs from Monday, June 9 to Sunday, June 15, will this year be informed by the theme of 'Caring about Equality.' Efforts will be made during the week to highlight the challenges faced by unpaid carers, and to encourage them to identify as carers and seek support. Inequalities faced by carers, including poverty, isolation, and poor health, as well as the impact of caring on education, careers, and personal life, are also to be highlighted. According to a spokesperson from Flintshire County Council, around 18,000 people in Flintshire are currently caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour who is ill, older, or disabled. A spokesperson explained: "Many people don't see themselves as carers at first - they're simply helping someone they love or care about. "For some, caring begins gradually; for others, it can start suddenly." Flintshire County Council supports carers through a range of in-house services and through partnerships with organisations such as NEWCIS, which has organised a full programme of events for Carers Week. Each day will focus on a different theme, including health and social care (Monday), financial wellbeing (Tuesday), work and employment (Wednesday), young carers (Thursday), older carers (Friday), and mental health and wellbeing (Saturday). NEWCIS will also host an information sharing event at its centre on the High Street in Mold, on Wednesday, June 11, from 10am to 2pm. The event will include refreshments and the opportunity to speak with NEWCIS staff, Flintshire County Council occupational therapists, and direct payment support teams. READ MORE: Gorsedd: Druid Inn voted one of UK's best-looking pubs Former Spectrum Garden Centre in Cefn-Y-Bedd is demolished On Thursday, June 12, NEWCIS will also host an Age and Dementia Community Coffee Morning at Flint Town Hall from 10am to 12.30pm. The event will bring together representatives from Flintshire County Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, FLVC, Alzheimer's Society, Care & Repair, Well Fed, Banking Hub, Estuary Cars, NHS Community Support, Specsavers, Repair Café Wales, and other organisations. More information is available at
Leader Live
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Who will be honoured by Gorsedd of Bards at National Eisteddfod?
An international footballer, two prominent broadcasters and several long serving Eisteddfod volunteers will also be invested during a colourful ceremony to be held on the Eisteddfod Maes on the outskirts of Wrexham between August 2 and 9. Originally from Rhosllannerchrugog, Mark Lewis Jones, played the lecturer who schooled Prince Charles in the Welsh language in the Crown. He has also appeared in series such as 'Un Bore Mercher', 'Dal y Mellt', and 'Game of Thrones'. Recently he has been a prominent part of projects to remember 90 years since the Gresffordd Disaster, which is part of the area's mining history. As well as being honored by the Gorsedd, he is the Honorary President of the Eisteddfod this year. Maxine Hughes is now a familiar name and face to many, not only for her journalistic work, but also for her role as 'official translator' for the owners of Wrexham football club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Originally from Conwy, she now lives and works in Washington DC, following a spell with the BBC and an international English news channel in Turkey. As well as receiving the honour of the Gorsedd, she will also lead the Wales and the World at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham. Rhun ap Iorwerth is best known as Anglesey's Senedd Member and since 2023 as leader of Plaid Cymru - before that, he was a broadcaster and one of the most prominent journalists in Wales. Over the years, he has been active in his community, a school governor, a leader at local events and concerts, and a supporter of various organizations including a period as a sponsor of the charity Awyr Las. His former BBC colleagues, Dewi Llwyd and Dylan Jones, will also be invested into the Gorsedd this year. Llwyd, from Bangor, reported on some of the biggest news stories in Wales and the world for almost half a century and was the face of S4C's election programmes. Until his recent retirement, Dylan Jones, from Denbigh, presented various news programmes on radio and the football preview show 'Ar y Marc' since 1992. He began commenting on football matches in 1986, and became a news reporter after commenting on the Hillsborough disaster. Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales and especially in Wrexham. Playing for the Wrexham Club Academy from the age of 12, she played for two seasons for Everton before re-joining Wrexham and has won a number of international caps for her country at under 15 and under 17 level. Wrexham AFC women's team star Lili Jones. (Image: Wrexham University) She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women. The Aykroyd brothers, David and Nigel, from Bala are also honoured by the Gorsedd. They run a highly successful nightwear, daywear and swimwear company, which is an important employer in rural Wales. The contribution of the brothers has improved the arts, a number of initiatives and local sports, with the support that has driven CPD Y Bala to the Welsh Premier League and facilitated their European achievements, but one example of the contribution of the two to their local community. Three long serving volunteers are also being honoured this year. The Eisteddfod wouldn't be an Eisteddfod without Keris Jones, Llangollen, busy volunteering and stewarding. She has been a vital part of the festival for 50 years. She has also volunteered at the Urdd and Llangollen Eisteddfod for many years. In addition, Keris is very active in her community, and passionate about everything Welsh. For the Eisteddfod family, Dylan Wyn Jones, Mold, is 'Dylan Carafáns', and that is because he led the organization of the Eisteddfod's caravan field for many years. A mathematician and information technology specialist by profession, he spent two decades working across Europe before returning to Wales to ensure a Welsh language education for his children. And Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, is known to generations of Welsh children as the bubbly and infectious leader of the Urdd Jamborees. He has contributed extensively to the world of education in North Wales. TOP STORIES TODAY A versatile musician, he is the conductor of Côr Alaw, Colwyn Bay. Gorsedd Recorder Christine James, a former Archdruid, said these honours, presented annually, are an opportunity to recognise individuals from all parts of the country for their achievements and their commitment to Wales, the Welsh language and to their local communities across the whole of Wales. She said: "'In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards' arrangements for honouring new members they all enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes. 'Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with White robes." FULL LIST OF 2025 GORSEDD NOMINEES; BLUE ROBES GREEN ROBES
