Eisteddfod: The Heartbeat of Welsh Culture

Wales is a land of music, poetry, and storytelling — and nowhere is that more beautifully celebrated than at the Eisteddfod. From its medieval roots to the bustling festivals we know today, the Eisteddfod captures the true spirit of Wales: proud, creative, and deeply connected to our language and traditions.

For me, the Eisteddfod isn’t just a piece of history — it’s woven into the memories of my childhood and early adulthood, especially the special times spent at the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

A Brief History of the Eisteddfod

The tradition of the Eisteddfod dates back to 1176, when Lord Rhys held a gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle. The event was a contest of creativity, with prizes awarded to the best performers — much like today. Over centuries, the Eisteddfod evolved, becoming a formal celebration of poetry, song, and the Welsh language.

The National Eisteddfod, held annually at different locations across Wales, is the largest and most famous, but local and international Eisteddfodau also play a huge role in keeping Welsh culture alive.

One of the most magical examples is the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Founded in 1947 as a symbol of peace after World War II, it welcomes choirs, dancers, and musicians from all around the world — all gathering in a tiny, beautiful town in North Wales.

Memories of Singing at the Llangollen Eisteddfod

Growing up in North Wales, the Eisteddfod was a huge part of school life. When I was in both junior and secondary school, we were invited to sing on stage at the Llangollen Eisteddfod as part of the local schools' performances.

I remember standing there under the lights, dressed smartly, heart racing but excited. Singing in Welsh made it even more special — it felt like a deep connection to something bigger than ourselves. The energy, the pride, the thrill of singing in front of an audience from all over the world — it’s something I’ll never forget.

Those early experiences made me so proud to be Welsh and taught me how important it is to keep our language and traditions alive.

The Magic of Llangollen in the Summer

As I grew older, the Eisteddfod took on a new kind of magic. In my late teens, when the festival rolled into Llangollen each summer, the whole town would come alive. Campsites would spring up everywhere — in fields, by the river, even tucked away in little corners of the countryside.

We would travel from Wrexham to Llangollen with just a rucksack, ready for a weekend of music, fun, and connection. The pubs would be packed, bursting with the sound of Welsh folk tunes, and the streets would buzz with people from all nationalities, laughing, dancing, and sharing songs.

Everywhere you turned, there was music: harps, fiddles, choirs practising on street corners, folk sessions that would spill out of pubs late into the night. The whole town would be wrapped in the sound of celebration, against a breathtaking backdrop of Welsh mountains. It felt absolutely perfect.

Those weekends — sitting around campfires, singing with new friends, wandering through the festival tents — are some of my most treasured memories. And every time I think about them, I feel such a strong pride in being Welsh.

Why the Eisteddfod Matters

The Eisteddfod isn’t just a festival — it’s a living, breathing celebration of who we are as a nation. It keeps our language strong, gives a stage to our poets and musicians, and welcomes the world to see the beating heart of Cymru.

From the formal ceremonies of the Gorsedd of the Bards to spontaneous late-night folk sessions in a little town pub, the Eisteddfod shows the world that Wales is a nation of creativity, resilience, and incredible warmth.

For me, the Eisteddfod is home. It's hiraeth. It's laughter and music rising into the Welsh sky.

Cymru am byth. Wales forever.

Click this image I drew of Castell Dinas Bran in Llangollen to view it on Instagram.