In 1176 Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd brought poets and musicians together at Cardigan Castle to compete for the honour of the bardic chair, beginning a tradition that would survive for centuries.
Today, the National Eisteddfod and local eisteddfodau continue to provide a unique way of celebrating Welsh language, culture and creativity.
This project is marking 850 years of the iconic festival and helping more people understand its lasting impact on Welsh culture and identity.
At the centre of the project is a spectacular five-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd, created by Small World Theatre. The puppet travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Cardigan Castle and was greeted by communities along the way who hosted performances celebrating local heritage.
In another strand of Prosiect 1176, theatre company Mewn Cymeriad toured schools with an interactive performance about Lord Rhys, helping young people discover the story and legacy of the first Eisteddfod.
