2025 Wrexham National Eisteddfod
The 2025 Wrexham National Eisteddfod is a Welsh-language eisteddfod, a cultural festival, currently being held in Isycoed, Wrexham (Welsh: Wrecsam), Wales, from 2 August to 9 August 2025. It is 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. BackgroundThe 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 is 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[22] and 150,000 visitors are expected to attend during the week it is held.[23] It would have 6,000 competitors.[24] PreparationsThe 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 were set up to support the Eisteddfod in promoting the Welsh language and culture.[8] With 12% of local residents in Wrexham speaking Welsh.[24] Llinos Roberts was announced as the chairwoman of the festival's executive committee in November 2023.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27] 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.[28][29] In March 2025, Wrexham University organised a 10-week course called "Croesawu’r Eisteddfod / Welcoming the Eisteddfod" in preparation for the Eisteddfod.[30] In April 2025, Bradley's Wauns Carnival was cancelled to support the Eisteddfod.[31] In June 2025, Mark Lewis Jones was announced as the eisteddfod's honorary president.[32] In July 2025, the Welsh Government announced a £200,000 grant would be provided to help locals on lower incomes attend the eisteddfod.[33] In August 2025, Wrexham University announced they set up a virtual Eisteddfod in Minecraft.[34][35] LocationInitial proposalsThe 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.[36][37] The MaesOn 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] It is specifically held on Ridley Wood Road, near Ridleywood, within Isycoed community, just north of Wrexham Industrial Estate.[38] The Maes is located on agricultural land, alongside Maes B, a caravan site and parking, that is "convenient for visitors from all directions".[21] It contains a 1,500 seat pavilion, performance spaces, stalls and a temporary Gorsedd circle.[39][23][21] Simultaneous translation services are provided for a number of sessions across the Maes, with free equipment available from the site's translation centre just outside the Pavilion.[23] 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.[40] A free shuttle low-level bus service operates between Wrexham General railway station. Wrexham bus station and the Maes from 8am to midnight.[39] The T3 TrawsCymru service also serves the site.[41] Competitions and performancesCompetitions 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).[5][6] Welsh-language television channel, S4C provide coverage on the eisteddfod.[42] Maes B, which is dedicated to late-night music for an additional admission charge, features Adwaith, Band Pres Llareggub, Bwncath, Buddug, Dadleoli, Fleur De Lys, Gwilym, Glain Rhys, Mellt, Mared, Pys Melyn, Swnami, Taran, Tara Bandito, Tew Tew Tennau and Y Cledrau.[43] While the Pavilion hosts bands, choirs, groups and other individuals without an extra charge. The competition theme at the Pavilion differs each evening.[43] HonoursThe following are honoured by the Gorsedd at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, with ceremonies held on 4 and 8 August:[44][45][46] With the prose medal awarded on 6 August.[43] Green robes
Blue robes
References
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