An eisteddfod is a traditional Welsh gathering, where people compete in various singing, recitation and poetry contests.

First documented in 1176, eisteddfodau (plural form) continue to this day, and are designed to keep the Welsh language and traditions alive and flourishing. The National Eisteddfod takes place in a different Welsh town each year and are fantastic fun. You can also find various local eisteddfodau, as well as some international ones for Welsh diaspora populations.

However, if you can’t make it to an official eisteddfod, why not throw your own? Maybe you can’t speak Welsh, but there are plenty of different ways to perform. Children can dance, sing, write or recite poetry, or tell stories. If there’s a Welsh link - even better!

Even if you don’t throw your own eisteddfod (they’re A LOT of work), you can read a little bit about what’s needed for an eisteddfod, so you’ll be familiar if you ever visit one.

What’s needed for an eisteddfod?

A Maes

The maes is the field that eisteddfodau take place on. Traditionally eisteddfodau take place outside towns and cities, because there isn’t enough space in urban areas.

You might want to stage your own eisteddfod in a garden or a local park on a sunny day.

2. Gorsedd stones

Gorsedd stones are large stones arranged in a circle as part of an eisteddfod. Not every eisteddfod has a stone circle, but the National Eisteddfod always does. There are usually 12 stones, with one flat stone in the middle called the Logan Stone.

For your own version you’ll probably want to use small stones for symbolic value, rather than huge standing stones! Stones often come from the local environment, but sometimes they’re brought from all over Wales!

3. Performers

The most important part of the eisteddfod is the performers! Adults and children compete in lots of different categories, including singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, writing and reciting poetry and telling stories. Most eisteddfods require that all the performances are in the Welsh language, although sometimes exceptions are made.

If you don’t speak Welsh (which is likely for most readers) you can try to honour the spirit by learning a few words in Welsh, or learning some lyrics to a Welsh song. Take a look at #6 for another way to integrate Welsh into your celebration.

4. The Bardic Chair & Crown

The most important prizes at the eisteddfod are the Bardic Chair and Crown, which are awarded to the winners of two different poetry competitions, one for rhyming poetry and one for free verse (poetry which doesn’t rhyme). Only a few people have ever won both prizes in the same competition.

Each year a new Bardic Chair and Crown are designed from scratch. Neither the chair or crown have to be awarded - if the judges don’t think the contestants are good enough then the chair/crown are withheld.

For your own eisteddfod you could decorate a chair and make your own crown to be awarded to the winner. We’ve created a Pinterest board with some past examples which might inspire you.

5. An Archdruid

The Archdruid is in charge of managing the eisteddfod, and awards both the crown and the chair to the most worthy competitors. The Archdruid usually wears long robes, with lots of gold.

6. A prize for Welsh Learner of the Year

A lovely addition to the eisteddfod competitions is the prize for the Welsh Learner of the Year. As usage of the Welsh language declines, this prize is a great way to encourage Welsh-language learning.

You could introduce this category to your own eisteddfod, asking everyone to learn a Welsh sentence, and awarding the prize for best pronunciation or most improved. It’s a way to embrace the fun of this primarily Welsh language festival while taking on a tiny piece of responsibility for the language’s survival.

7. Food & Drink

Of course, what would an eisteddfod be without delicious food and drink! The food doesn’t need to be Welsh-themed - you’ll see plenty of burgers and hot dogs at any eisteddfod celebration! Make sure to stay well fed and watered while enjoying yourselves!

Interested in learning more about Wales for kids?

Our online Wales Activity Book has 7 different activities themed around Welsh culture, history, food and more. We use activities and puzzles to get kids learning actively, rather than passively consuming content.

To learn more about our workbooks, click the button below.

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Throw your own eisteddfod | Wales themed activities for kids