Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
Huw Llywelyn Davies gears up for the Eisteddfod
As Eisteddfod-lovers from all over Wales turn their heads towards Bala for a week of competing and socialising, popular presenter Huw Llywelyn Davies recalls memories of the two previous Eisteddfodau to be held in the town.
Good memories
He remembers camping for the first time with twenty other boys in 1967, and the celebrations on the streets of Bala at the end of the Eisteddfod twelve years ago in 1997 still remain a vivid memory. This year, after nearly thirty years of broadcasting from the festival, he's still looking forward to the week ahead.
"Work wise, this is totally different to any other working week in the calendar," says Huw. "Being able to discuss the main competitions with some of the main leaders of their field in Wales is an annual highlight."
S4C's presenting team
Covering the daily activities on S4C with Huw Llywelyn Davies will be Alwyn Humphreys, Sara Gibson, Shân Cothi, Lisa Gwilym and Trystan Ellis-Morris. Also, Morgan Jones and Mari Lovgreen will present Brecwast 'Steddfod and the activities from the Literary Pavilion, and in the evenings Elin Manahan Thomas will be joining Rhun ap Iorwerth for the highlights of the day.
"The Eisteddfod is a chance to show pride in our talents as a nation," says Huw. "Every year I'm amazed at the amount of talent in all the different categories, from singing, reciting or dancing on the stage to the literature and art work - all the different talents that are celebrated during the festival."
Elin and Rhun join forces at the Eisteddfod
A new presenting partnership will be formed for this year's S4C broadcasts from the Meirion and District National Eisteddfod.
Joining Rhun ap Iorwerth on the evening highlights programmes will be the singer and presenter from Gorseinon, Elin Manahan Thomas.
This will also be Elin's first experience of presenting from the National Eisteddfod and the first time that Elin and Rhun have worked together.
A celebration of culture
Elin says, "It's an honour to be presenting from the National Eisteddfod. I've been a pundit for some competitions in the past, and I've competed with Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr and Parti Llwchwr, so it will be a novel experience to be on the other side of the camera."
"It will be a pleasure to have Elin's company," adds Rhun. "I can assure her that we'll be kept busy from early morning until evening. We'll be following the competitions and finding out what's happening on and off the Eisteddfod field.
"For me, the Eisteddfod is a very special festival when Welsh people come together to celebrate different aspects of our culture. It's an opportunity to see everyone in one place!"
Bare necessities
With hours of hard work facing them, what will be going into the suitcase as they pack for their visit to the Eisteddfod?
"A biro and copy of the Eisteddfod programme of events," says Rhun.
"Crocs, wellingtons, a mac, hairbrush and sun cream - well, you have to be optimistic!" laughs Elin.
In addition to the evening highlights programme throughout the week, S4C will of course, be offering a comprehensive service from the Eisteddfod, with live broadcasts during the day on S4C, S4C digidol and S4C2.