TO commemorate the milestone of reaching its 70th anniversary, the Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod committee has released a new book.

Re-established in 1951, Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod has survived for over 70 years and is one of the few eisteddfodau still in existence in Breconshire. The 70th Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod was held at the Victoria Hall in Llanwrtyd in September 2022, returning after a two-year absence due to Covid.

To celebrate, the committee decided to publish a book that would detail the history of this annual event and provide a written record of its development over the decades.

The bilingual book, which was launched at this year’s eisteddfod, held on Saturday, September 23, goes back right to the beginning and records the firm foundations laid for the eisteddfod in its early years.

County Times:  The Eisteddfod Llanwrtyd book commemorates the event's 70th anniversary, which was marked in 2022. The Eisteddfod Llanwrtyd book commemorates the event's 70th anniversary, which was marked in 2022. (Image: Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod)

The story of how the eisteddfod developed is told through a series of amusing writings and memoirs and a selection of colourful photographs. The history over the decades is brought to life with contributions from competitors, adjudicators, accompanists and friends.

Financial support to publish the book was generously provided by Llanwrtyd-based company, Charcroft Electronics Ltd.

At the 2023 eisteddfod, chairman Hywel Davies presented Paul Newman, founder and managing director of Charcroft Electronics, with the very first copy of the book.

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Mr Davies said: “The production of a book such as this is never the work of one person so, naturally, I wish to thank everybody who has been involved in its publication, celebrating 70 years of Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod.

“Again, we are indebted to Paul Newman and Charcroft Electronics for their generous financial sponsorship, without which, the production of this valuable resource would not have been possible.”

The 168-page bilingual book can be purchased by emailing elinmabbutt@live.co.uk, with all proceeds going towards Llanwrtyd Eisteddfod and its future.