Has anyone here been to an Eisteddfod? Which one,and what did you think of it?

Answer 1

I've been to I think three national Eisteddfodau, the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen, an Intercol Eisteddfod years ago where I won first prize for reviewing a book which then my conscience induced me to read (and very good it was too) and some children's Eisteddfodau in London in the extremely distant past. I think that the Llangollen Eisteddfod is a wonderful event, being far more inclusive than the National Eisteddfod. The National Eisteddfodau are events which I attend very rarely, living thousands of miles away from the Principality, but which I cherish as occasions when one bumps into old friends and makes new ones. We managed to attend the penultimate exiles' ceremony at Newport and found it oddly touching to encounter people from all over the world who were endeavouring to keep up their Welsh ties and to learn the language, particularly the Patagonians, who were making a real effort. We regret the abolition of that ceremony. We were anxious to attend the Swansea Eisteddfod last year and planned a holiday around it. When I look back on it, as usual I see faces -- old, familiar faces of people whom I was thrilled to meet again. For me that is what an Eisteddod is -- a getting together to celebrate.

Answer 2

i went to the 06 one in swansea, it had that massive pink tent from the breast cancer charity, i dont speak much welsh, apart from the obvious hello, goodbye, i like coffe and the rest of it, and i had a great time, which i didnt expect, i went there for work reasons (i had to work with ieunan gruffudds brother for the morning in the CAB stall) but in the afternoon i had a walk around and saw some stuff and people it was a realy good day, i did some scottish dancing which i didnt expect in a welsh event, the fact i didnt speak welsh didnt hinder me in the least (apart from a stinking look i got off derek the weatherman from bbc1 when i tried to give him a leaflet!!). im a 20 year old bloke by the way, that will probably have some bearing on the weight u give to my answer.