Over 800 people from Monmouthshire and the surrounding areas came to Caldicot last weekend for the Proclamation of the 2016 Eisteddfod. 

With two stages in the centre of town and a packed programme of activities throughout the day, the area was full of life and a chance for schools, choirs, dancers and all kinds of performers to showcase their talents and to give local people a taste of what's in store at the Eisteddfod itself next year.

The highlight of the day was the Proclamation Ceremony itself, held in Caldicot Castle. At the start of the afternoon, the Gorsedd of the Bards joined a procession of local dignitaries, societies and organisations, to walk from the town to the castle, and hundreds of local people also joined the procession to reach the castle in time to see Chair of the local Executive Committee, Frank Olding, present the first copy of the list of competitions to Archdruid Christine.

Elfed Roberts, Eisteddfod chief executive, said"I'd like to pay tribute to Frank and his team in Monmouthshire and the local area for the work they've already done raising awareness for next year's Eisteddfod.  The atmosphere in Caldicot was fantastic and I cannot remember such enthusiasm for the Proclamation for a number of years.

"I also thank Monmouthshire County Council for everything.  The support and the great working relationship we've developed with them has helped our work so much over the past year.  We are extremely grateful to them for everything they've done to ensure the success of the Proclamation.

"I believe that the Proclamation of the 2016 Eisteddfod showed us again how important it is that the Eisteddfod travels around Wales.  This corner of Wales has not hosted the Eisteddfod for over a century.

"After a year of working locally, with yesterday as the pinnacle of the project so far, we thank local people, the Council and our volunteers and officers for the opportunity to come to such a welcoming and friendly area, which is so enthusiastic for the Eisteddfod and the language. We're already looking forward to Eisteddfod week next year."

The Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod will be held on the outskirts of Abergavenny from 29th July – 6th August next year.  For more information go to http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk">www.eisteddfod.org.uk