100 days to go until the start of the 2023 Eisteddfod

Work began at the end of 2019, and finally, the festival is within sight, with everyone across Wales and beyond looking forward to celebrating in Boduan during the first week of August.

Chair of the Llŷn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod Executive Committee, Michael Strain, said, "Our work is drawing to and I’m delighted to say that we’ve organised a fantastic festival for everyone here in Boduan this summer.

"It's hard to start thanking everyone who’s been working so hard over the years on organising such interesting programmes for the various pavilions around the Maes, raising awareness across the area and the great fundraising work as well, of course.  And we’re still raising money, with a number of activities and events organised before August, with local people still enjoying the organising and socialising!”

Betsan Moses, Eisteddfod Chief Executive added, "Reaching the 100 days is quite a milestone, and we’re very grateful to Michael and the team for their patience and enthusiasm over such a long period as we had to postpone the festival twice. But it's definitely happening this year, and we're all eagerly looking forward to welcoming everyone to a beautiful site in Boduan in 100 days' time!”

Celebrating 100 days is the perfect opportunity to launch this year’s volunteering portal. With the draft competition programme already published, it’s an earlier chance than usual to choose your slots and come along to help in Boduan.  We have volunteering opportunities across the Maes, and there’s a huge Croeso for everyone aged 16 and over to join the team.  

Ceredigion’s enthusiastic welcome for the festival last year has become legendary, as the whole county went bonkers for bunting and just a bit silly for signs!  And not to be outdone, Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon are gearing up to give the Cardis a run for their money in the Croeso stakes!

We've prepared a short guide to help any community that need support, and like last year, big bale stickers and banners will be available for all our local fund committees from June onwards. We’re also holding a Harddu Weekend on 1-2 July to encourage communities across the region to prepare for the week and come together to socialise at the same time.

How do you keep track of how many days are left until the Eisteddfod? Easy - go to the Eisteddfod website to check the new countdown clock that’s appeared on the front page to count the days until the festival begins on 5 August!

And there’s plenty of countdowns to come over the next few weeks, with lots of closing dates fast approaching:

• 1 May: closing date for the Learner of the Year competition. Don't miss the opportunity to nominate a brilliant learner or compete yourself for one of the festival's top prizes.

• 1 May: application deadline for a stand on the Maes. Stalls have been extremely popular today and there is very little stock left. Still wondering about having a presence on the Field? Don't let your competitors get ahead of you! Bring your goods or service to the Eisteddfod this year. Details here.

• 17 May: closing date for stage competitions. As a draft competitions’ programme has been published and we have a new, more flexible and accessible online competition system, we have managed to add two and a half weeks to the registration period to facilitate the process for everyone. So go and register to compete now!

• 17 May: closing date for Brwydr y Bandiau and Brwydr y Bandiau Gwerin. Two very different competitions but two similar opportunities for bands in different genres. Chance to win great prizes and performance opportunities.

The next main milestone is 75 days to go on 22 May, when this year’s Gorsedd honours will be announced, and further elements of the artistic programme will be released. Full programmes will be published on 15 June, as we celebrate 50 days to go before the Eisteddfod.

The Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod is held in Boduan from 5-12 August. For more information go to www.eisteddfod.cymru.