Words and Images by Kelsey Roberts
The Maes was decorated with an abundance of artworks and embellishments to keep the town visually interesting for patrons.
A mural was erected in Pontypridd in the build up to this years Eisteddfod. The image of a father and daughter smiling at each other and surrounded by landmarks of the Rhondda Cynon Taf was created by artist T 2 Sugars who has created many other artworks around South Wales.
The piece has been painted on the back wall of what used to be the home of Evan and James James, who are famous for writing the Welsh National Anthem ‘Hen wlad fy nhadau’.
Inside the Maes, artworks adorned the different sectors this year with some even being made especially for the festivities.
A piece of work in memory of Gruffydd Morgan (Guto Nyth-Brân 1700-1737) a legendary cross-country runner, Welsh footballer Jess Fishlock, with the writing translating to “Wales’s leading scorer”, and words from the national anthem relating to the event being held in Pontypridd this year. Pieces with the Welsh language used as features of pieces to explain them also, showed throughout the Maes.
An Eisteddfod special commission was on display. A drawing named “The River as Witness” by Geraint Ross Evans takes the idea of using a river as a witness to humankind’s changing relationship with the natural world.
The piece looks at the changing culture of the South Wales Valleys as we follow the water up and down the piece. The idea of “The River as Witness” was originally though of whilst walking the route of the Afon Rhondda Fawr from Blaenrhondda to Pontypridd.
Throughout the park, there were not only artwork used as décor but functional items. Signposts were used to inform patrons in where they needed to go in order to access each area of the venue.
Seating throughout the stages had been repurposed to completely change their functionality, and there was swing seating created for people to sit for their lunch or to watch the entertainment in Llwyfan Y Maes.
The Eisteddfod used these to market the event, create photo opportunities to those attending and creating a vibe throughout the venue.
Carl Jenkins, 35 who has attended the Eisteddfod for the last six years, explained “The art at the Eisteddfod always hits the mark. It’s colourful nature and the way it pays homage to each part of the country it’s located in is one of the best things about it.”
Eisteddfod 2025 is located in Wrexham and will feature many different pieces of artwork throughout its venue and will be exciting for the attendees to see.
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