A farmer and an opera singer are among the local figures taking key roles in organising the 2027 National Eisteddfod, as preparations intensify ahead of the festival’s arrival in north Powys.
Organisers have announced the team of officials who will lead the project over the next year and a half, with artistic and local committees already established and work under way to finalise competitions and appoint adjudicators ahead of the spring.
The National Eisteddfod is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe attracting over 170,000 visitors annually. The Eisteddfod will be held in Glantwymyn, near Machynlleth from July 31 to August 7 next year.
Aled Griffiths has been appointed chair of the executive committee. A fifth‑generation farmer from Cwmlline in the Dyfi Valley, he works as a secretary and insurance agent for the NFU and previously chaired the union’s UK secretaries’ organisation.
Deeply rooted in his community, Aled has served on Glantwymyn Community Council for more than 25 years and chairs Neuadd Cwmlline. A long‑standing supporter of the Eisteddfod, he also competes with Machynlleth Male Voice Choir.
Peter Jones will lead the 2027 local fundraising effort. Now retired after a career in the agricultural supply sector and local government—where he earned a reputation for strong leadership and practical problem‑solving—Peter remains active in the community as a governor at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen and a member of theatre group Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn.
Businesswoman Heulwen Davies has been named strategic vice‑chair of the executive committee. With deep roots in Glantwymyn and years of experience running a local marketing and communications company, she says she is keen to champion the Eisteddfod as a festival for everyone and looks forward to working with communities to decorate the area in the run‑up to the event.
Opera singer and adjudicator Robyn Lyn Evans has been elected cultural vice‑chair. A familiar face on national and international stages for more than two decades, he brings extensive experience from organising music festivals and promoting Welsh culture in schools. He has performed with all the UK’s national opera companies.
Rhian Davies will serve as secretary of the executive committee. With over 20 years’ experience developing community, arts and cultural projects through the Mentrau Iaith network, Rhian also coordinates ‘Prosiect Wyth’, promoting traditional Welsh dance. She previously served as secretary of the 2022 Bro Nansi Cerdd Dant Festival and the 2024 Maldwyn Urdd Eisteddfod.
Welcoming the team, National Eisteddfod Chief Executive Betsan Moses said the organisation was looking forward to the months ahead.
“Once again this year, we’ll be working across borders, collaborating with Powys County Council and Gwynedd Council,” she said.
READ MORE | Organisers confirm location of National Eisteddfod as Powys village
“This has worked well while preparing for this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, and we’re confident of a similar experience as we prepare for 2027.”
Further announcements—including the official name of the Eisteddfod and the location of the Proclamation Festival—will be made in the coming weeks.
The executive committee will also co‑opt additional members to ensure full representation across the catchment area.
More information can be found at www.eisteddfod.cymru.
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