
Wrexham MS looks ahead to the National Eisteddfod
Excitement is building as a major national cultural event gets underway in Wrexham at the end of this week.
Taking place from 2 – 9 August, the National Eisteddfod is returning to Wrexham for the first time since 2011.
The Eisteddfod dates back to 1861 and is a celebration of Welsh language and culture through music, performance and other competitions.
As well as celebrating history, the festival has modernised and developed extensively in recent years.
Up to 170,000 visitors are expected to visit and it is considered to be the largest cultural event in Europe.
Over the 8 days, the festival site, or 'Maes', is a centre for hundreds of cultural, recreational and commercial events from all round Wales.
There is also evening entertainment from Saturday to Monday night in the Pavilion.
As you will expect, all activities and events are delivered through the medium of Welsh but regardless of whether you speak Welsh or not, you are more than welcome on the Maes. There is also a translation centre on site.
The Maes will be located in Isycoed, a village five miles away from the city centre.
In recent months, I have been communicating with Transport for Wales and I am aware it has been engaging with Wrexham Council and festival organisers to ensure attendees have public transport options for getting to and from Y Maes.
Existing train services will be strengthened and there will also be additional rail services throughout the week.
A shuttle bus will be in operation between 8am and midnight which will call at Wrexham General station, Wrexham Bus station on King Street and the Maes.
Safe routes are also being identified to encourage cycling and walking, and there will be 400 bike parking spaces on site.
Ensuring people can rely on public transport to attend the Eisteddfod is crucial and I am grateful to Transport for Wales as these initiatives will not just help attendees travelling from Wrexham, but also those coming from further afield.
It promises to be a special occasion and I am looking forward to spending a few days at the Maes.
All the information about the Eisteddfod can be found on the website but, as always, if you're a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743.

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