Cardigan Castle has been deemed the “perfect place” to stage a St David’s Day concert raising funds for this year’s national eisteddfod in Monmouthshire.

And there will be plenty of anniversaries to celebrate at the concert on Saturday, 27 February.

Not only is it 840 years since Lord Rhys held the first eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176, it is also 40 years since Cardigan hosted the festival in 1976 and 50 years since the late local bard Dic Jones won the chair in 1966.

Concert organiser Dr Glyn Jones, who is chairman of this year’s eisteddfod science and technology committee as well as having Ceredigion roots, said: “Cardigan Castle is the perfect place to stage the St David’s Day concert.”

Topping the bill will be The Singing Club from Monmouthshire, of which Dr Jones and his wife Jan are members, and renowned local choir Côr Crymych. A reading will be given during the concert of Dic Jones’ eisteddfod winning poem ‘Cynhaeaf’ (Harvest) plus a recital from local young harpist Nest Jenkins, Lledrod.

President for the evening are Dylan and Sue Thomas of Cenarth and MC is Cadwgan trustee Richard Thomas. A raffle with top prizes including weekend stays at the Castle and the Cliff Hotel, limited edition prints by artists David Griffiths and Aneurin Jones plus a £100 Castell Howell hamper will be drawn on the night.