Every August, Wales celebrates the National Eisteddfod, a festival of their culture, art, and language. This festival has no specific venue, alternating between north and south Wales. Eisteddfod is a thrilling demonstration of Welsh music, dance, visual arts, literature, original performances, and much more! This event annually attracts around 150,000 visitors and over 250 trade stalls. Most of Wales’ famous prose writers, bards, and poets who have made a significant and distinguished contribution to Welsh literature and culture have participated at Eisteddfod.
Eisteddfod Program
Eisteddfod features over a thousand different events, which take place during the whole week at the Maes, the grounds of the festival. There’s truly something for everyone. It showcases the best Welsh products, souvenirs, and gifts. The main highlights include live performances on the Open Air Stage and competitions in the Pavillion. The Science and Technology Village hosts numerous space and science-related exhibits and demonstrations for curious people of all ages. You can witness many folk competitions, from brass band championship to choir contests and folk song talent shows. More than 5,000 participants come to Eisteddfod to put their skills to the test at the competitions.
Music Lineup
Numerous Welsh artists perform on the stage of Eisteddfod to showcase the beauty and grace of Welsh heritage and culture. This year, the lineup features Francis Rees, Dafydd Hedd, Nia Ben Aur, Dros Dro, Alaw, Lydia, the Quilt Girl, Martyn Geraint, and many others. The majority of artists perform their songs in Welsh language.
Schedule & Tickets
The festival grounds operate daily from 8 am until 9 pm, with most events starting at 9 am. One-day tickets cost £23 for adults up to 65 years old, £22 for seniors over 65 years old, £18 for 16-18 year-olds, and £12 for children from 5 to 15 years old. There are also family tickets: one parent with two children can purchase a ticket for £35, while two parents and two children can buy a pass for £58. A weekly pass, which gives you entry to all days of the festival, costs £150 for adults, £140 for seniors, £115 for 16-18 year-olds, £75 for children from 5 to 15 years old, £225 for a family of three, and £370 for a family of four.
Location
The 2024 edition of the Eisteddfod festival takes place at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in the town of Pontypridd in south Wales. The town is situated approximately 12 miles (19 km) from Cardiff. The 2025 edition is set to return to the Wrexham area in the north-east Wales.
History of the Festival
Eisteddfod dates back to the early 12th century and the times of ancient Celtic bardic traditions. The first record of Eisteddfod mentions the event held by Lord Rhys at Cardigan Castle in 1176. That gathering included poets and musicians from all over Wales. The first Eisteddfod festival was recorded at Carmarthen in 1451.
