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Topical Budget 261-1: Welsh National Eisteddfod (1916)
 

British Film Institute

Main image of Topical Budget 261-1: Welsh National Eisteddfod (1916)
 
23/8/1916
35mm, 53 ft, black & white, silent
 
Production CompanyTopical Film Company

Coverage of the Welsh National Eisteddfod in Aberystwyth, 1916

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The Eisteddfod ('sitting together') originated in the 12th century as a competition among poets and musicians, and is still the most important social and cultural event in the modern Welsh cultural calendar.

This newsreel item shows one of the ceremonies held at the National Eisteddfod of Aberystwyth in 1916. The Gorsedd Circle seen here is located in the ruins of Aberystwyth castle and a speech is in progress. At the close of the proceedings, the Gorsedd of Bards walks in procession led by policemen and firemen carrying the Gorsedd regalia. The Archdruid (Dyfed) is seen in the front row (centre) of white-robed men.

The Gorsedd of Bards has been an integral part of the Eisteddfod since 1819, but despite references to ancient druidic traditions it has a relatively modern history, having been established in 1789.

Lesley Jones

This article was originally written for the BFI Mediatheque

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