In terms of events in Wales to delight and excite, they don’t get much bigger than the National Eisteddfod. Llanelli may not know what hit it from the 2nd to the 9th of August.

The town is bound to benefit from the thousands of people that are sure to flock to the Millenium Coastal Park for a week’s worth of fun. It’s the first time the event has been held there since the turn of the century and it’s arguably more hotly-anticipated than ever. If you’re making the trip down from North Wales, here’s what you need to know!

 

How do I get there?

There are many ways of getting to the festival, whether by road, train or bus.

 

By Road

From Carmarthen, follow the A484 toward Llanelli. Look out for the roundabout at Burry Port and then continue onwards to park in Burry Port itself.

From the north, arrive in Llanelli via either the A476, B4309 or A4138.

From the east, travel on the M4  before leaving to Junction 47. Take the second exit after the roundabout which goes towards Swansea, then do the same at the next roundabout on the A484.

There will be yellow signs posted all around the town so the event will be harder to miss than find! Shuttle buses are running throughout the day, free of charge.

 

By Rail

Arriva Trains Wales and First Great Western operate trains to and from Llanelli but as there are sometimes changes and cancellations to take into account, be sure to visit thetrainline.com for all the information you need.

 

By Bus

(This may not be feasible if you live in North Wales because there will be many changes and everyone knows how inconsistent bus timetables can be!)

110/111 Swansea – Gorseinon – Loughor – Llanelli – Burry Port – Kidwelly

128 Ammanford – Cross Hands – Llannon – Llanelli

195 Carmarthen – Pontyberem – Cynheidre – Llanelli

196 Carmarthen – Pontyberem – Llannon – Llanelli

197 Carmarthen – Pontiets – Carway – Trimsaran – Llanelli

198 Carmarthen – Ferryside – Kidwelly – Trimsaran – Llanelli

400/404 Swansea – Waunarlwydd – Pontardulais – Llanelli

X11 Carmarthen – Kidwelly – Burry Port – Llanelli – Swansea

 

What is there to see and do?

You’re lucky that you have a whole week to get involved in the Eisteddfod, otherwise you may struggle to jam it all in. From guided tours to fantastic live concerts, there are certainly one or two things that will catch the eye this August.

 

Saturday 2nd – Highlights

Welsh Folk Dance Society: 11am at Ty Gwerin

Peppa Pinc’s Birthday: 3pm at Gwyl Llen Plant

Flash Bang Show: 1pm at Science and Technology

Sunday 3rd – Highlights

Aelwyd Llyn y Fan – 2 30pm at the Outdoor Stage

Storytime with Peppa Pig – 3pm at Gwyl Llen Plant

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – 3 30pm at the Outdoor Stage

Monday 4th – Highlights

Dylan Thomas’ Carmarthenshire – 2 15pm at Y Babell Lên

Crowning of the Bard Ceremony – 4 30 pm at the Pavilion

Architecture in Wales – 4pm at Societies 1

Tuesday 5th – Highlights

Mr Phormula – 1pm at Caffi Maes B

Eisteddfod Script Slam – Sherman Cymru – 1 10pm at the Drama Hut

Wales Mountaineering Club – 2 30pm at Societies 2

Wednesday 6th – Highlights

Learner of the Year – 2pm at Maes D

Prose Medal Ceremony – 4 30pm at the Pavilion

I Fight Lions – 7 30pm at the Outdoor Stage

Thursday 7th – Highlights

3 Women, 3 Portfolios, 3 Artists – 2pm at Societies 1

Klep Dim Trep ‘Late’ Coffee Morning with Saron – 3pm at Caffi Maes B

Yr Eira – 8 30 pm at the Outdoor Stage

Friday 8th – Highlights

Kizzy Crawford – 1pm at Maes D

Wales Peace Institute – 2 30pm at Societies 2

Bryn Fon – 8pm at the Outdoor Stage

Saturday 9th – Highlights

Joke Writing Workshop – 1pm at Gwyl Llen Plant

The People’s Choice – 3pm at Y Lle Celf

Festival Choir – 8 20 at the Pavilion

 

Can I still get tickets?

You sure can! You can buy tickets online via the National Eisteddfod website or by calling them on 0845 4090 800. Weekly and family tickets are still available so be sure to get one soon to avoid fuss later.

 

“The National Eisteddfod” by www.flickr.com/photos/valleyboy74, license: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0 – 01/08/2014