History of the National Eisteddfod

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There is no mention of an Eisteddfod as we know it today before the year 1176. At that time a meeting was held at Cardigan Castle under the patronage of The Lord Rhys, one of the princes of Deheubarth (Southern Region). There is then little mention of an Eisteddfod for some centuries.

The first time the Eisteddfod united with the Gorsedd was in Carmarthen in 1819. From then on Eisteddfodau were held regularly and it earned its place in the heart of Welsh people.

In 1860 it was decided to hold one large Eisteddfod every year, and the first National Eisteddfod was held at Aberdare in 1861. The National Eisteddfod has been held continuously since 1880 apart from the war years in 1914 and 1940 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Posted: 03-11-2022

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The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a major cultural festival that celebrates the Welsh language and the culture of Wales. It was first held officially in 1861, and since then it has taken place almost every year, making it one of the oldest continuing cultural festivals in Europe. Since 1861, the Eisteddfod has travelled between north and south Wales every year for over 150 years, visiting different areas to share the festival with communities across the country.

1176

In 1176 Lord Rhys hosted the first known ‘eisteddfod’. He held two major competitions at Cardigan Castle; one in poetry, and the other in music

The first Eisteddfod on record, 1176
PDF

15th and 16th centuries

Similar competitions were held in the 15th and 16th centuries. The phrase ‘eisteddfod’ was coined during this period. However, these gatherings declined during the reign of Henry VIII.

18th century

London based Welsh societies revived the eisteddfodic tradition at the end of the 18th century. Iolo Morganwg, inventor of the famous Gorsedd of the Bards ceremonies, played an important role in reviving the eisteddfod on a national scale by associating the Gorsedd with the institution.

1861

Formalising the ‘National Eisteddfod’: At Denbigh in 1860 a Council and General Committee were elected to manage ‘Yr Eisteddfod’, a newborn national organization. The following year, at Aberdare, the first official ‘National Eisteddfod’ was held.

There have been only three occasions when the festival has not been held in its usual form: in 1914 when the First World War began, and in 2020 and 2021 when the world was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1914

In 1914, preparations for the National Eisteddfod in Bangor were almost complete when the First World War began on 4 August, leading to the decision to postpone the festival for one year. By that time, competitions had been judged, but the results were sealed and stored securely until they could be announced. The Eisteddfod scheduled for 1915 in Aberystwyth was also delayed as a result. The Bangor Eisteddfod was eventually held in 1915, with fewer competitions and reduced attendance due to the war.

Yr Herald Cymraeg, 15 August 1914

1940

In 1940, during the Second World War, the National Eisteddfod was not held in its usual form due to the risk of bombing and concerns about large gatherings. Instead, a radio Eisteddfod was organised through the BBC, allowing participation from home. During the broadcasts, the Chair, the Crown, and the Literature Medal were awarded, maintaining the key traditions of the festival.

2020

In 2020, the National Eisteddfod was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic after much of the preparation had already been completed. Following the precedent set in 1914, all competition entries were judged but sealed and stored until the festival could be held in the future. Instead of a traditional Maes, an online festival, Eisteddfod AmGen, was organised, running for three months with performances, lectures, and activities, including a full week of events in early August.

Elan yn Holi…Eden, Eisteddfod Amgen, 2020, ©Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru

2021

In 2021, the National Eisteddfod in Ceredigion was postponed again due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and an expanded online festival was organised instead, featuring concerts and performances available on YouTube. Entries submitted for 2020 were retained for future judging, while new competitions were also held, including stage events under COVID restrictions and video submissions from home. Ceremonies and competitions were broadcast on television, and a limited in-person music weekend took place in Aberystwyth later in the year, with the full Eisteddfod returning in 2022.

Related resources

Gorsedd of the Bards

The Gorsedd, established in 1792 by Iolo Morgannwg, is an integral part of the Eisteddfod Festival.

In the Pavillion

The pavilion plays a central role in the National Eisteddfod as the main venue for competing.

Eisteddfod 2026: 850 years

This year is especially important as the Eisteddfod celebrates 850 years.

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