What is the Proclamation?

Traditionally, the Gorsedd proclaims the Eisteddfod’s intention to visit an area at least a year and a day before the beginning of the festival.  This is when the List of Competitions is published, which includes information for anyone wishing to compete this year. 

The Archdruid, the head of the Gorsedd, leads this traditional ceremony, and the chair of the local executive committee presents the first copy of the List of Competitions to the Archdruid.  Once the list has been presented, the competitions will be made public and copies will go on sale in shops across Wales as well as at the event itself.

In line with tradition, a procession is held in early afternoon, including representatives from a wide range of local organisations and Gorsedd Cymru, to welcome the Eisteddfod to the area, and to welcome the area to the Eisteddfod. 

A group of children from the area will also be taking part in the ceremony, performing a colourful dance based on the patterns of collecting flowers from the meadows and fields.  The children  have been rehearsing for weeks, and will be performing for the first time in the ceremony.

Gorsedd ceremonies form a part of the much wider Eisteddfod festival which is a colourful, welcoming, friendly and inclusive celebration of our language and culture.