The baton for hosting the National Eisteddfod has ben officially passed from Pembrokeshire to Powys, during a ceremony involving the leaders of both counties.
Powys will be hosting the 2027 National Eisteddfod, in Glantwymyn, near Machynlleth – known as the Maldwyn Meirionnydd Eisteddfod – from 31 July to 7 August.
To mark its return to the county for the first time since 2015, a formal handover took place between Councillors Tessa Hodgson (Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council) and Jake Berriman (Leader of Powys County Council) on the Garreg Las Maes.
Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council said: “I attended the festival on Monday to take part in the formal handover of the Eisteddfod, but also to meet with Tessa and her excellent team at Pembrokeshire County Council. I wanted to learn from them about the planning and hosting of this remarkable event, given all its complexities, so we may provide the very best experience for everyone participating in, and visiting, the 2027 Eisteddfod when it returns to Powys.”
Powys County Council and Gwynedd Council have had a presence at this year’s Eisteddfod, which finished on Saturday 8 August.
Officers and volunteers from both councils and counties are there on the Pwllgor Gwaith stand (Stand 507) raising money and speaking to visitors about the plans for 2027. On Tuesday these included First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, who popped in to show his support for their work and next year’s event.
More information on the 2027 Maldwyn Meirionnydd Eisteddfod: https://eisteddfod.wales/festival/2027
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys said: “We are incredibly proud and excited that Powys will host the National Eisteddfod in 2027. The Eisteddfod is one of Wales’ most important cultural events and provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our language, heritage and communities.
“Preparations are already well underway, and it has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and support from residents, volunteers and partner organisations. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Wales and beyond to Glantwymyn in 2027 and showcasing what Powys has to offer.”
The National Eisteddfod takes place every year, usually alternating between North and South Wales. The last time it was held in Powys (Montgomeryshire and the Marches) was in 2015, when it visited Meifod.
