Iestyn Tyne named as Eisteddfod resident poet

This is the first time the Eisteddfod has appointed a resident poet for the project, and the aim is to chronicle the community project in an exciting and new way, with Iestyn composing poems to reflect the project locally.

The work starts immediately, and following this evening’s public meeting in Ysgol Glan y Môr, Pwllheli, Iestyn will have a free rein to compose and respond to elements of the community project over the coming months.

Responding to his appointment as resident poet, Iestyn said, “I am delighted to be appointed as the resident poet for the Llŷn and Eifionydd resident poet until the festival in 2021.

“The fact I was brought up a mere stone throw away from the festival Maes has made this opportunity even more special, and I look forward to working with people of all kinds and backgrounds living in the area over the next two years.  It’s vitally important we bring people together for this festival and project to be a success – and what better way of doing this than through poetry?”

Eisteddfod Chief Executive, Betsan Moses, added, “We are pleased to announce that Iestyn is our first ever resident poet.  We had an excellent response to the post with a number of excellent applications.  So, our warmest congratulations to Iestyn for being chosen for the project.

“We wish Iestyn well with the work in Llŷn and Eifionydd, and we look forward to reading and hearing his work over the coming months.  The poems will be used to promote the festival and the work done by local people across the region.

Iestyn Tyne was brought up in Boduan, home of the 2021 National Eisteddfod.  He now lives in Caernarfon, where he works part time as a translator for the County Council, and spends the rest of his time working as a freelance performer, author and editor.

He is a member of a number of musical groups and has performed across Wales and further afield, including tours in Ireland, Belgium, Brittany and, most recently, Colombia.

This year, having won the Cardiff and District Urdd Eisteddfod Chair, he became the first person ever to win both the Urdd festival Crown and Chair, having won the Crown at the Flintshire Urdd Eisteddfod in 2016.  Following this, he will be travelling to Cameroon in February to perform at a literary festival.

Other than his creative work, his interests include exploring hills and coastlines with his partner, Sophie, and their extremely energetic spaniel, Casi.

The Eisteddfod public meeting is held at Ysgol Glan y Môr, Pwllheli at 19:00 this evening.

For more information on the Eisteddfod and to register an interest to be part of the community project, go to https://eisteddfod.wales/2021-eisteddfod/join-2021-eisteddfod-team.