THE National Cerdd Dant Festival will be held at Theatr Llwyn, Llanfyllin on Saturday, November 14, 2020.

This is the first time in half a century that the festival will visit Montgomeryshire.

Since its establishment in 1947, the festival has only ever visited Montgomeryshire twice, once at Penybont Fawr in 1955 and once at Llanfyllin in 1968.

Councillor Bryn Davies of Moelfre (Llansilin), vice chair of the executive committee said: “It is an honour to announce that we have been able to attract such a prestigious national event to Llanfyllin and the surrounding area, and we look forward to the economic benefits as well as the positive publicity, not only as a result of hosting the event, but also from the attention drawn to the area with S4C covering the whole event live on TV.

“The eyes of Wales will be on this magnificent corner of Montgomeryshire, and we look forward to showing the area’s assets to the rest of the country.”

The official name of the festival has been unveiled as Gŵyl Cerdd Dant Bro Nansi 2020, in memory of the famous harpist Nansi Richards of Penybont Fawr, who contributed greatly to both local and national Welsh culture.

Alun Jones, chair of the executive committee added: “As a community we will need to raise around £40,000 to host the festival.

“The work has already started on organising a number of fund-raising events, but in order to reach such a large target we truly need the support of local businesses and societies.

“Individuals, businesses and societies can sponsor a wide range of prizes. Local residents are also more than welcome to join us on the executive committee or finance sub-committee.”

If you are interested in contributing towards the work of organising the festival, or wish to sponsor a prize, please contact Alun on 01938 820307, or email cefnau@yahoo.co.uk or secretary Rhian Davies email Rhian@mentermaldwyn.org.

A competitions list and a list of the prizes for sponsorship will be announced soon for the event at Llanfyllin.

There is now less than a year and a half for those wishing to take part to perfect their singing, cerdd dant and clog dancing skills – so get practising!