The Eisteddfod comes to town

Written by Jenny Randerson and published in Cardiff Post on Thu 7th Aug 2008

This week has seen the arrival of one of Europe's, indeed the World's largest cultural festivals in Cardiff. The National Eisteddfod has returned to the Capital for the first time in 30years and I for one looked forward to experiencing a part of Welsh history and culture in our city.

Having attended many Eisteddfodau in the past, I can tell you of the vibrancy and cultural flair that surrounds this festival. It celebrates Welsh language and culture on a massive scale and is a manifestation of the pride that the people of Wales have in their history, culture and themselves.

Hosting the Eisteddfod is undoubtedly a good thing for our city. The Eisteddfod easily attracts in excess of 150,000 people. The huge numbers of visitors boost trade throughout the city and will enhance Cardiff's growing reputation for staging major events. Sporting facilities at Pontcanna Fields will also benefit once the Eisteddfod has vacated its site. People from all over Wales have been welcomed to Cardiff - people who may not have previously had the opportunity to visit the Capital of Wales.

The Eisteddfod is an excellent place to gain a good understanding of Welsh language and culture. As you would expect from Wales' premier cultural festival, everything is performed through the medium of Welsh. Even if you are unable to speak Welsh it is still possible to thoroughly enjoy everything on offer. Being an elementary Welsh learner myself has never stopped me from enjoying the music, singing and dancing; neither has it stopped me from appreciating the significance of the Eisteddfod to the people of Wales. There are also translation facilities available for non-Welsh speakers for some events. This year I held a constituency advice surgery there as well.

The Eisteddfod is renowned for the wide variety of events it stages annually and this year has been no exception. In fact I've found it difficult to decide what to see. The classical, pop, folk and rock concerts on offer, the dramas and comedy shows at the Eisteddfod and countless other attractions mean that everyone no matter what their age or linguistic ability can enjoy.

I hope that many of you have visited the Eisteddfod. This is only the sixth time in its history that the Eisteddfod has visited Cardiff; the next visit may not be for many years. It goes on until Saturday 9th August so you still have time to catch some of the action. Pob lwc i'r gystadleuwyr!