The Eisteddfod got underway in traditional fashion on Thursday morning as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. 

The traditional Peace Message was delivered yesterday on the opening day of the 75th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

The message has never been more relevant than it is today with the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a Welsh Government Minister.

Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport, was a special guest at Llangollen Pavilion where she joined a packed audience of hundreds of schoolchildren from across north Wales listening intently to the Peace Message being delivered by young Leri Roberts from the main stage.

The poignant words were written for the occasion by staunch Eisteddfod supporter Christine Dukes and were inspired by climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

They urged young people of the world to “stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart” to help the world find peace.

North Wales Chronicle: Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies with Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden. (Llanblogger).Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies with Deputy Minister for the Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden. (Llanblogger).

After hearing it read out the Minister commented: “The Peace Message was amazing and it was explained to me how it has developed over the years since the first Eisteddfod at Llangollen in 1947.

“It has never been more relevant than it is today, with what’s going on in Europe now with Ukraine. It was quite amazing.”

She added: “This is my first time in Llangollen and at the Eisteddfod since I was appointed last year.

“Being Minister gives me the opportunity to see so many cultural organisations, particularly those which have had Welsh Government support, like the Eisteddfod.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic visit. I have seen a couple of performances already and will be talking to some of those involved in the Eisteddfod during a walk-around when I will also meet some of the performers.”

Venues across town were used for other Eisteddfod events, including the preliminary rounds of a number of competitions whose finals will be held on the main pavilion stage over the next few days.