2025 Wrexham National Eisteddfod

2025 Wrecsam National Eisteddfod
Part of the National Eisteddfod
Native name Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Wrecsam 2025 (Welsh)
English name2025 Wrexham National Eisteddfod
Date2–9 August 2025 (2025-08-02 – 2025-08-09)
Duration7 days
VenueMaes
LocationIsycoed, Wrexham County Borough, Wales
Coordinates53°03′14″N 2°54′03″W / 53.053864°N 2.900747°W / 53.053864; -2.900747
TypeEisteddfod
ThemeWelsh language and culture
Organised byNational Eisteddfod of Wales
Key people
LanguageWelsh language
Websiteeisteddfod.wales/festival/2025
Location map
The exact location has not been specified.
← 2024 Pontypridd
2026 Llantwd →

The 2025 Wrexham National Eisteddfod is a Welsh-language cultural festival, an eisteddfod, to be held in Isycoed, Wrexham (Welsh: Wrecsam), Wales, from 2 August to 9 August 2025.

It will be the seventh time a national eisteddfod has been held in Wrexham, and the ninth time in the wider county borough. It is part of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the largest eisteddfod in Wales.

Background

The National Eisteddfod of Wales has been held every year since 1861, with the exception of 1914 (due to World War I), 2020 and 2021 (both due to the COVID-19 pandemic). It is hosted by a different region of Wales each year, alternating between north Wales and south Wales.[1] Since 1950 all competitions and activities at the National Eisteddfod have to be held in only Welsh.[2][3] Around 6,000 competitors[4] compete in competitions held at the eisteddfod,[5] giving it a claim to be one of Europe's largest music and poetry festivals.[4] It is also the largest of the eisteddfods in Wales.[4] The two main poetry competition events are the Crowning of the Bard and the Chairing of the Bard.[6]

The 2025 Eisteddfod will be the seventh time it had been held in Wrexham, and the ninth in the area that now comprises the modern wider county borough. It was held for the first time in (or near) Wrexham in 1876,[7] then subsequently in 1888, 1912, 1933, 1977 and 2011;[8] with nearby Rhosllanerchrugog, also in the county borough, hosting in 1945 and 1961.[9]

The previous 2011 Wrexham National Eisteddfod took place on farmland off Ruthin Road to the west of the city centre,[10][11] receiving about 20,000 attendants daily,[12] although to a £80,000[13]–£90,000 loss overall.[14]

In July 2011, just prior to the 2011 National Eisteddfod, there were reports that Wrexham council were asked whether they were interested in hosting either the National Eisteddfod or the Urdd National Eisteddfod, in either 2017 or 2022. Although a proposal was more centred on the Urdd edition, with concerns raised due to how close it was after 2011 and whether funds can be raised to host another event so soon.[15]

In July 2022, rumours that the 2025 National Eisteddfod would be held in Wrexham was reported in the media. This followed the council's confirmation for a second bid to the UK City of Culture contest (next one scheduled for 2029), after it was one of four finalists but losing to Bradford for the 2025 UK City of Culture. As part of such bid, the council was recommended to invite the National Eisteddfod to Wrexham in 2025,[16] with it reported that the National Eisteddfod agreed that they intended to host the 2025 event in Wrexham. The National Eisteddfod would be one of seven events hoping to advance the 2029 bid's chances of success.[17][18][19]

In June 2023, Wrexham County Borough Council announced £300,000 towards funding a 2025 event. However, the National Eisteddfod had not yet confirmed at the time whether the 2025 event would take place in Wrexham.[20]

It was announced in October 2024, that the 2025 Wrexham Eisteddfod is to be held in Isycoed, with a traditional fenced 'Maes' (festival grounds).[21] The event is estimated to potentially bring up to £16 million to Wrexham's economy and 170,000 visitors during the week it is held.[22]

Preparations

The National Eisteddfod of Wales announced on 1 August 2023, that Wrexham would be the location of their 2025 event.[11][8] Following the announcement, various grassroots projects are to be set up to support the Eisteddfod in promoting the Welsh language and culture.[8]

Llinos Roberts was announced as the chairwoman of the festival's executive committee in November 2023.[23] Following the conclusion of the 2024 Pontypridd National Eisteddfod, Roberts hoped the Wrexham edition would be "comprehensive", following Rhondda Cynon Taf's (where Pontypridd is located) approach to attract new Welsh speakers.[24]

On 27 April 2024, the Gorsedd Cymru hosted the proclamation ceremony in Wrexham for the National Eisteddfod. 500 local residents and members of the Gorsedd took part.[25] The procession began near Coleg Cambria Yale campus, passing through the city, until it returned to Llwyn Isaf, in front of Wrexham's Guildhall where the ceremony would take place. During the proclamation, the Gorsedd publishes the list of competitions for the 2025 National Eisteddfod. The Cymanfa Ganu (a congregational singing festival) was held at Capel Bethlehem in Rhosllanerchrugog on 28 April 2024.[26][27]

In March 2025, Wrexham University organised a 10-week course called "Croesawu’r Eisteddfod / Welcoming the Eisteddfod" in preparation for the Eisteddfod.[28]

In June 2025, Mark Lewis Jones was announced as the eisteddfod's honorary president.[29]

In July 2025, the Welsh Government announced a £200,000 grant would be provided to help locals on lower incomes attend the eisteddfod.[30]

Location

The exact location of the event in Wrexham was subject to discussions between the National Eisteddfod and council,[11] with Erddig as an initial frontrunner and preferred site for the festival. An announcement was set for 5 October 2024, with Erddig "widely expected" to be the site announced, however "contractual issues" led to a site not being entirely agreed and signed off with the landowner. Six venues around Wrexham, including the concept of a "open venue" in Wrexham city centre were considered. Some venues were ruled out due to issues concerning access for emergency services.[31][32]

On 24 October 2024, the National Eisteddfod announced that the festival would be held in Isycoed, on the eastern outskirts of Wrexham city centre from 2–9 August 2025.[21]

Due to the rural location and distance to the nearest railway station, plans are in place to ensure visitors have "reliable and efficient public transport" to the site, as it would otherwise be a two-hour walk from Wrexham. It may likely be a shuttle service in operation from Wrexham to the site, with additional efficiency plans in place for local buses.[33]

Competitions

Competitions to be held at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, include competitions for brass bands, visual arts, Cerdd Dant, music, dance, folk, science and technology, recitation, literature, theatre, and various compeitions in Maes D ("D" meaning Dysgwyr, 'learners' of the Welsh language).[34][6]

The Maes

In October 2024, it was announced that the festival would be located in Isycoed, to the east of Wrexham.[21]

The Maes would be located on agricultural land, alongside Maes B, a caravan site and parking, that is to be "convenient for visitors from all directions".[21]

Honours

The following are to be honoured by the Gorsedd at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, with ceremonies to be held on 4 and 8 August:[35][36][37]

Green Robes

  • Gwyn Anwyl, Anglesey
  • Mark Lewis Jones, Cardiff
  • Mared Lewis, Anglesey
  • Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham
  • Athro Emeritws Hywel Wyn Owen, Llandegfan, Anglesey
  • Ceinwen Parry, Treuddyn, Mold, Flintshire
  • Dilwyn Price, Old Colwyn, Conwy
  • Rhys Roberts, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd
  • Stephen Rule, Leeswood, Flintshire
  • Dylan Williams, Caernarfon, Gwynedd
  • Geraint Cynan, Cardiff
  • John Morgans, Penrhys, Rhondda Cynon Taf
  • Shân Eleri Passmore, Cardiff
  • Jessica Robinson, Crymych, Pembrokeshire
  • Athro Ann Parry Owen, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
  • Gareth William Jones, Bow Street, Ceredigion

Blue Robes

  • Rhun ap Iorwerth, Anglesey
  • David Aykroyd, Bala, Gwynedd
  • Nigel Aykroyd, Bala, Gwynedd
  • Glesni Llwyd Carter, Wrexham
  • Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies, Llanerfyl, Powys
  • Llinos Griffin, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd
  • Maxine Hughes, Washington D.C., United States
  • Tomos Hughes, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy
  • Dylan Jones, Denbigh, Denbighshire
  • Dylan Rhys Jones, Abergele, Conwy
  • Dylan Wyn Jones, Mold, Flintshire
  • Keris Jones, Llangollen, Denbighshire
  • Lili Mai Jones, Wrexham
  • Nia Wyn Jones, Llangefni, Anglesey
  • Richard (Dic) Francis Jones, Mold, Flintshire
  • Dewi Llwyd, Bangor, Gwynedd
  • Dr Lyndon Miles, Bangor, Gwynedd
  • Athro Enlli Môn Thomas, Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd
  • Clare Vaughan, Valley of the 16th of October, Argentina
  • Gareth Victor Williams, Mold, Flintshire
  • Menna Williams, Llangernyw, Conwy
  • Bill Davies, Cardiff
  • Geraint Evans, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan
  • Rhian Griffiths, Cardiff
  • Jane Harries, Bridgend
  • Gethin Rhys, Cardiff
  • Tony Thomas, Llanybydder, Carmarthenshire
  • Athro Simon Ward, Cardiff

References

  1. ^ James, Christine (2 August 2024). "The deep history of Wales's National Eisteddfod festival". The Conversation. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  2. ^ Clark, Rhodri (26 February 2008). "Eisteddfod Latin in language loophole". Wales Online. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "What is the National Eisteddfod - one of Europe's largest music and poetry festivals?". Sky News. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  5. ^ "Competitions | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  6. ^ a b "The National Eisteddfod of Wales - what to expect". VisitWales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  7. ^ "The early days of the modern Eisteddfod | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Welsh language: Wrexham to host 2025 National Eisteddfod". BBC News. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  9. ^ "Eisteddfod locations | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  10. ^ "Wrexham announced as hosts for National Eisteddfod in 2025". The Leader. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  11. ^ a b c "2025 National Eisteddfod to be held in Wrexham | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Eisteddfod Hailed As "A Triumph" For Wrexham". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  13. ^ "National Eisteddfod loss in Wrexham is '£80,000'". BBC News. 25 November 2011. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  14. ^ Crump, Eryl (28 November 2011). "National Eisteddfod in Wrexham makes £90k loss". North Wales Live. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Wrexham Invited to Host 2017 or 2022 Eisteddfod". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  16. ^ "UK City of Culture 2029: Wrexham bids again". BBC News. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  17. ^ Randall, Liam (6 July 2022). "National Eisteddfod set to come to Wrexham ahead of fresh City of Culture bid". North Wales Live. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  18. ^ "National Eisteddfod set to be held in Wrexham as second City of Culture bid confirmed". The Leader. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  19. ^ Mansfield, Mark (14 July 2022). "Leading Wrexham councillors back second City of Culture bid". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  20. ^ Price, Emily (1 June 2023). "Wrexham Council in the dark about National Eisteddfod plans for 2025". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  21. ^ a b c d "Wrecsam National Eisteddfod Maes location confirmed | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  22. ^ "Wrexham to get £16 million boost from two major cultural events". The Leader. 26 March 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  23. ^ "National Eisteddfod reveals its 2025 Wrexham officials". BBC News. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  24. ^ Price, Stephen (12 August 2024). "Wrexham prepares for National Eisteddfod 2025". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  25. ^ ""Lovely atmosphere on procession" as Eisteddfod welcomed to Wrexham". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  26. ^ "Eisteddfod proclamation on Saturday will be 'full of colour'". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  27. ^ "Wrexham 2025 National Eisteddfod Proclamation date announced". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  28. ^ University, Wrexham (18 February 2025). "Wrexham University Launches Eisteddfod Course to Provide Insight into Welsh Heritage". Business News Wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  29. ^ "Mark Lewis Jones named as 2025 Wrecsam National Eisteddfod Honorary President". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  30. ^ Mansfield, Mark (5 July 2025). "Wrexham National Eisteddfod offers free entry to lower income families". Nation.Cymru. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  31. ^ "National Eisteddfod 2025 location confirmation delayed". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  32. ^ Randall, Liam (8 October 2024). "Frustration grows as National Eisteddfod site in Wrexham remains undecided". Herald.Wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  33. ^ "Calls for "reliable and efficient public transport" when Wrexham hosts National Eisteddfod". Wrexham.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  34. ^ "Competitions | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  35. ^ "Gorsedd honours for 2025 Eisteddfod announced | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  36. ^ "Green Robes | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  37. ^ "Blue Robes | Eisteddfod". eisteddfod.wales. Retrieved 5 July 2025.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.