**Thousands Descend on Wrexham as National Eisteddfod Celebrations Begin**
The annual National Eisteddfod, Wales’ largest celebration of culture, language, and the arts, has once again opened its doors—this year to the people of Wrexham. With festivities unfolding on the frontier farmland of Is-y-Coed, just east of the town, visitors have flocked in their thousands to the Maes, showcasing how deeply the community values its Welsh roots and traditions.
As the sun blessed the opening days with glorious weather, the event was thrown into vibrant motion, marked by a sea of attendees clad in red—a heartfelt tribute to Wrexham’s footballing spirit. Organisers invited visitors to don the colours of Wrexham FC, adding a layer of local pride to proceedings and visually unifying the crowds.
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the Eisteddfod, spoke with pride about the monumental effort that has gone into staging the festival, a culmination of two years’ work and planning. The mobile nature of the Eisteddfod means its location changes each year, bringing the celebration to different corners of Wales and engendering a palpable sense of excitement for each host community. Moses highlighted the Eisteddfod’s aim to “promote, preserve and protect the heritage and culture of Wales,” a mission vividly on display at every turn of this year’s festivities.
This year’s event, more than ever, appears tinged with a sense of celebrity, thanks in part to Wrexham’s rising profile since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership of the local football club. While neither appear to be making on-the-ground appearances, their influence has become part of the festival’s fabric, with nods to their contribution evident across the Maes.
‘Y Stand’—a new concert staged in the pavilion—has already garnered significant acclaim. This narrated musical performance explored a family’s connection to football, cleverly transforming the pavilion stage into a stylised stadium. The Eisteddfod choir added to the atmosphere, replicating a roaring crowd and immersing the audience in the shared joys and heartaches of team allegiance. Many who attended responded to the call by wearing red and white, which delighted organisers and added further to the sense of unity.
A notable figurehead for this year’s Eisteddfod is Mark Lewis Jones, acclaimed actor known for roles in productions ranging from *The Crown* to *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*. Hailing from nearby Rhosllannerchrugog, he delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president. Jones shared that although he had often believed the Eisteddfod might not be for “Welshmen like himself,” he eventually came to recognise its inclusivity, declaring, “The Eisteddfod is for everyone.”
Music continues to be the beating heart of the festival. As is tradition, revered folk singer Dafydd Iwan, a fixture at every National Eisteddfod for the past sixty years, graced the main stage—potentially for the final time. “The line must be drawn somewhere,” he remarked, suggesting he would now favour enjoying the event from the audience perspective in years to come, rather than as a headline act.
Concerts and performances span a broad spectrum of Welsh musical talent, from Elin Fflur and Diffiniad to Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion. Visitors strolling the extensive Maes can enjoy live music, spirited competitions, and a plethora of cultural stalls. This year’s festival ground is notably larger than that of Parc Ynys Angharad in Pontypridd, offering even more space for exhibitors and festivity.
The celebrations also offer unique experiences for every generation: from children experiencing their very first live gigs, to lifelong attendees trading stories of Eisteddfods past. Meanwhile, Maes B, dedicated to youth music, opens on 6 August, offering headline performances by acts such as Bwncath, Gwilym, Fleur de Lys, and Adwaith.
As the Eisteddfod continues until the 9th of August, Wrexham stands transformed—a living, breathing testament to Welsh language, identity, and unity. Wherever the wandering festival sets down roots next, it is clear that those who visit will carry a piece of its community spirit and celebration with them.