What is the Eisteddfod?

It’s Europe’s largest cultural festival and proudly, uniquely Welsh. Every year it changes location as it celebrates Welsh language, heritage and traditions.

The word ‘Eisteddfod’ means ‘seating place’, and one of the festival’s most iconic moments is the annual awarding of the Bard’s Chair to a Welsh poet – a tradition that goes back to the 12th century.

But it’s not just a week-long event. The Eisteddfod brings people together all year through music, poetry, art and community gatherings. It’s open to everyone and blends ancient customs with modern Welsh culture, from 18th-century ceremonies to today’s live performances. 

Celebrating Wales’ history and culture

We’re proud to have supported several projects connected to the Eisteddfod over the years – from funding the festival’s first local history tent back in 2015 to the renovation of Yr Ysgwrn, home of the poet Hedd Wyn who was posthumously awarded the Bard’s Chair just weeks after his death in the First World War.

We also recently awarded £900,030 to Margam Castle, which hosted this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod’s counterpart for young people. Our grant will support the restoration of the Tudor Gothic mansion, improving its sustainability and accessibility, and creating versatile new public spaces.

Meet the Heritage Fund

This year we’re joining the Eisteddfod in Wrecsam – an area where we’ve invested over £21million to help preserve industrial and maritime heritage, protect landscapes and support local culture and community stories.

If you’re heading to the Eisteddfod and spending time on the Maes, why not stop by and say hello? Whether you’re already involved in a project or just curious about what we do, we’d love to chat.

Here’s what we’ve got planned:

Saturday 2 – Monday 4 August

Discover the funding opportunities available and meet one of our funded projects, Stori Brymbo with Brymbo Heritage Trust.

Tuesday 5 August

Find out how funding can help preserve Welsh heritage and how it’s supporting nature and the environment across Wales.

Wednesday 6 August

Join us for a chat about funding opportunities in Wales alongside The National Lottery Community Fund and learn how our grants support bilingual projects. Hear from the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Hybu team as they share tips on using Welsh in your communications and why you should apply for the Cynnig Cymraeg.

Thursday 7 August

Chat with us about funding in Wales and meet The National Churches Trust.

Friday 8 August

Discover the funding opportunities available and meet one of our funded projects, 50 years of Hip Hop in Wales with Avant Theatre CIC.

Saturday 9 August

Discover how our funding supports Welsh history and heritage projects.

Please be aware that this schedule is subject to change so keep an eye on our social media. You’ll need a valid Eisteddfod ticket to visit us on the Maes.