The National Eisteddfod nurtures Wales’ cultural ancestry through literature, craft and stage competitions. The Eisteddfod Talaith a Chadair Powys celebrates Welsh heritage, language and culture in this particular part of rural Wales. In July last year, the organising committee was awarded a £5,000 Ashley Family Foundation grant in its centenary year, to support the two-day event in Llanfair Caereinon which attracted over two thousand visitors.
Among them was a local class of Welsh language beginners who experienced a first-hand introduction to Welsh traditions such as the Gorsedd, which is the coming together of modern-day bards to celebrate new Welsh writing.
The grant also helped leverage a further £1,335 from other Trusts and Foundations which meant they could create a website, bringing this local Eisteddfod into the digital age.
“As a Welsh learner I thought it was fascinating to attend and compete in the [Powys] Eisteddfod. To learn about the cultural context, and then to see the ceremonies first hand – it makes me feel enthusiastic about the language in a way that comes only from immersing yourself in its traditions.”
A visitor to the Powys Eisteddfod
