The Eisteddfod
The Eisteddfod dates back to 1176, when Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd of Cardigan, Wales held a festival of poetry and music at his estate and awarded the best poets and musicians a chair at his table. The winning ceremony was called a “chairing.” For many years, winners were given hand-carved chairs.
The annual National Eisteddfod, which has been held alternately between north and south Wales since 1880, is the most watched televised event in Wales and lasts four days and nights, hosting 2,000-5,000 competitors. Traditional Welsh ceremonies are performed during the Eisteddfod by a group of writers, musicians and artists called the Gorsedd of Bards; they are also known as Druids.
Bardic crowns are specially designed for each Eisteddfod. For 2016, a crown featuring Tintern Abbey (below) was chosen.
