- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- CulturalMusic
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 1st Saturday of August
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏴
The National Eisteddfod champions Welsh culture every first week of August. Join hundreds of thousands of visitors for a vibrant celebration of music, literature, dance, and visual arts, and immerse yourself in the heart of Wales.
Want to sponsor National Eisteddfod? Learn how
Expected National Eisteddfod Deals
As a major cultural event, the National Eisteddfod drives significant local commerce and offers unique opportunities for businesses. Expect local Welsh artisans and craftspeople to showcase their wares, from traditional garments to contemporary art. Hospitality venues across the host region will offer special menus featuring local produce and Welsh delicacies. Cultural organizations like the Welsh Language Commissioner and the Arts Council of Wales often partner with the Eisteddfod to promote educational programs and workshops. Visitors can find deals on accommodation and travel packages from providers such as Visit Wales. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August approaches.
Platform Guide for National Eisteddfod
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalEisteddfod. Share stunning visuals of performances, traditional costumes, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Maes.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalEisteddfod. Follow live updates, share insights on competitions, and engage in discussions about Welsh culture.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalEisteddfod. Connect with fellow attendees, share personal experiences, and post about your favorite performances.
National Eisteddfod Hero
Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams)
History of National Eisteddfod
The history of the National Eisteddfod can be traced back to a competition when the Cardigan Eisteddfod was held in 1176 by Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd, the ruler of the Welsh Kingdom at the time. In 1861, the first official National Eisteddfod took place in Aberdare. The Eisteddfod has been held annually since, except for 1914, the beginning of World War I. In 1940, during World War II, the festival did not take place due to fear of enemy attack, so an Eisteddfod radio program was broadcast by the B.B.C. instead. Since 1950, a strict rule requires all activities to be in Welsh, except for settings of the Mass in Latin.
The National Eisteddfod festival changes its Maes (Welsh for Field) every year, alternating between north and south Wales. The festival attracts around 150,000 visitors and more than 6,000 competitors. Being well-received and offering opportunities to compete, the festival attracts thousands of Welsh language learners and those who do not speak the lingo. But don’t worry, translation services and bilingual information are available. Also, there is a center for learning Welsh at the Maes. Although the Welsh language is an essential part of National Eisteddfod, the festival is more than just a Welsh language event.
There are music, dance, literature, visual arts, original performances, family activities, and various kinds of competitions as well as more than 250 stands. Wales’ leading writers, poets, and musicians competed in the festival, and numerous performers appeared on a national stage for the first time. National Eisteddfod uplifts the language, the culture, and the local economy. And, it brings people together of all ages and backgrounds, from different parts of Wales, through volunteering opportunities.
National Eisteddfod timeline
Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd hosts the Cardigan eisteddfod.
The first official National Eisteddfod is held in Aberdare.
There is no festival, so an Eisteddfod radio program is broadcast by the B.B.C.
Since this year, it’s required that all activities must be in Welsh.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Eisteddfod
Local businesses can embrace the National Eisteddfod by offering Welsh-themed products, special menus, or hosting satellite cultural events. Restaurants might feature traditional Welsh dishes like cawl or rarebit, while shops could stock books by Welsh authors or music by Welsh artists. Hotels and guesthouses can offer special packages for attendees, highlighting local attractions and providing information on festival transport. Collaborating with local performers or artisans for in-store events can also draw visitors and celebrate the vibrant cultural spirit.
National Eisteddfod FAQs
When is the National Eisteddfod?
The National Eisteddfod 2026 runs from Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8, bringing a week of vibrant Welsh culture to the forefront.
How many people attend the National Eisteddfod?
The National Eisteddfod annually attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, making it one of Europe’s largest cultural festivals. The ‘Maes’ (festival grounds) buzz with activity, drawing crowds from across Wales and beyond.
What is the history of the National Eisteddfod?
The Eisteddfod tradition dates back to the 12th century, with the first recorded event held in Cardigan in 1176. The modern National Eisteddfod, as we know it, was largely shaped in the 18th and 19th centuries, evolving into a major celebration of Welsh identity and language.
What does 'Eisteddfod' mean?
The word ‘Eisteddfod’ is Welsh and literally means ‘a sitting’ or ‘a session,’ referring to the gathering of bards and poets in a formal assembly. Today, it encompasses a wide range of competitions and performances across various artistic disciplines.
National Eisteddfod Activities
Join in the festival
It’s obvious, right? If you’re reading this, you need to get ready for the festival, either as a spectator or a competitor. If you’re going to compete, go to their website for the necessary information.
Volunteer or donate
The National Eisteddfod often provides volunteering opportunities. Or, you may want to donate to the Eisteddfod local fund. Check out their website to find out more.
Learn the language
If you are a non-Welsh speaker and planning a trip to the festival, you may want to try learning the language. It’s the best time to learn a language in a fun environment.
5 Interesting Facts About Wales You Need To Know
Jack Daniel’s originated from there
Jack Daniel’s grandfather, Joseph ‘Job’ Daniels, was from Aberystwyth, West Wales.
The Royal Family always used Welsh gold
For generations, the British Royal Family always has used Welsh gold for their wedding rings.
Highest mountain is named after a Welshman
The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, was named after a Welshman, George Everest.
It has more sheep than humans
There are 9.5 million sheep in Wales, while the human population is 3.1 million.
It’s home to the U.K.’s smallest city
St. Davids, the smallest city in the U.K., is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Why We Love National Eisteddfod
It’s fun
Yeah, it’s fun. It’s a festival, you know. You’ll find music, dance, poetry, visual arts, and original performances, and there’s even a Science and Technology Pavilion for kids with experiments, fun, and games.
It appreciates the language
The Welsh language is an essential part of the festival. For a non-Welsh speaker who wants to learn the language, it’s the right time.
It uplifts the local economy
There will be more than 250 stands at the festival. Supporting your local community is awesome, right?
Social Media Tips for National Eisteddfod
Individuals
Creators
Brands