Swansea University will be hosting a series of events at this year’s National Eisteddfod, which takes place in Llantood, north Pembrokeshire, from 1–8 August.
This year’s Eisteddfod takes place in the area known as ‘y Garreg Las’, named after the striking local bluestone. The Eisteddfod’s catchment area spans three stunning regions: Pembrokeshire, south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire.
The University’s programme will once again be based in Y Babell Lên (the Literary Pavilion) and will include the annual Hywel Teifi Memorial Lecture on Thursday 6 August.
Other events organised by Swansea University in Y Babell Lên include:
Easing Trauma by Writing | Monday, 3 August at 11.45am
Dr Angharad Wyn with Mari Grug and Ifan Phillips discuss the process of writing following traumatic experiences. There will also be a special contribution on screen from the chaired bard and Emeritus Professor Tudur Hallam. Organised in partnership with Y Lolfa.
The Final Whistle | Tuesday, 4 August at 10.30am
Broadcaster and sports commentator Huw Llywelyn Davies will be in conversation with former international rugby referee Nigel Owens, sharing stories from the rugby field and discussing Nigel's autobiography. Organised in partnership with Y Lolfa.
On the Road – Travel Literature and the Welsh Language | Wednesday, 5 August at 12pm
Dr Miriam Elin Jones chairs a panel discussion about the story of travel literature and the Welsh language, with Dr Grug Muse, Jon Gower and Dr Kathryn Jones.
Hywel Teifi Memorial Lecture – Poetry in an Era of Falsehoods: Do we still need poets in the age of AI? | Thursday, 6 August at 12pm
Delivered by Emeritus Professor Menna Elfyn, award-winning poet, playwright, columnist and editor.
Towards the West | Friday, 7 August at 10.30am
Beti George will host a conversation with Cleif Harpwood, Meinir Mathias and Euros Lewis, discussing creative responses to social, cultural and linguistic changes in west Wales.
Further events and celebrations involving Swansea University will take place across the Eisteddfod Maes.
Among them, Dr Geraldine Lublin will take part in a panel discussion on History, Identity and the Curriculum for Wales, organised by Adnodd and held in Cymdeithasau on Saturday at 4.30pm.
On Tuesday at 12.30pm, Professor Gwenno Ffrancon will deliver a lecture in Pabell y Cymdeithasau 2 entitled John Roberts Williams – Remembering the Voice of a Nation.
On Wednesday at 4pm, Emily Evans, a Swansea University graduate who is now a tutor in the Department of Welsh, will receive the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Gwobr Merêd.
On Thursday, 6 August, Professor Siwan Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), will receive the Dr Glyn O Phillips Science and Technology Medal in the Science Village at 10.30am, followed by a presentation in Y Pafiliwn at 2pm.
Professor Siwan Davies will also deliver a lecture organised by the Learned Society of Wales entitled 'Looking back and forward on the climate crisis' at 11.30am on Thursday morning.
Gwenno Ffrancon, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Welsh Language, Heritage and Culture and Director of Hywel Teifi Academy, said: "Swansea University is proud to sponsor Y Babell Lên once again this year, and we look forward to extending a warm welcome to all and being part of the creative, artistic and cultural buzz on the Maes of our national festival as it marks its 850th anniversary."