Well over 1,500 people flocked to Cardigan over the weekend to celebrate the coming of the National Eisteddfod to Ceredigion from 1 to 8 August next year.

Hundreds of children from all parts of the county joined the celebrations, creating banners especially for the event before joining local societies and organisations and the Gorsedd, to announce the coming of the festival.

The town’s streets were packed as residents and tourists alike joined in the celebrations, before the procession made its way to Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi for the official ceremony.

Saturday’s ceremony also saw the Gorsedd welcome the new Archdruid, Myrddin ap Dafydd, who succeeded Geraint Llifon for the period from 2019-22.

Welcoming the Eisteddfod’s visit to the county and to the outskirts of Tregaron next year, he said: “Thank you for being welcomed as Wales’ Archdruid here in Cardigan. Next year, Tregaron – for a week – will be the capital of Wales.

“Every road will lead to Tregaron, Ceredigion.

“Knowing the people of Ceredigion pretty well, I’m sure the preparations will be generous, thorough and warm. It will be our privilege and pleasure to be on every road leading to Tregaron.”

This year’s ceremony was different to previous years as Richard and Wyn Jones from popular Cardigan band Ail Symudiad performed their latest song welcoming everyone to Ceredigion in their own Gorsedd costumes within the Gorsedd Circle.

This was the first time for an electric guitar to be played in a live performance during the Proclamation ceremony, and it was welcomed by the audience.