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Eisteddfod Bangor 1971

Didn't the Eisteddfod have a lovely time the year it went to Bangor? At this Welsh-language festival poets compete to win the Crown and Chair.

Home movie 1971 9 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales

Overview

Bangor hosts 1971's National Eisteddfod. Bryan Martin Davies is crowned, Emrys Roberts chaired, Ifor Wyn Williams is awarded the prose medal and singer Dafydd Iwan is received into the Gorsedd of Bards, his head-dress fitted for him. He also takes part in a Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) protest about the lack of a Welsh language television channel. It was to be 1982 before S4C – Channel Four Wales – arrived. Shot by Brynsiencyn GP John Glyn Jones.

Bryan Martin Davies is led to the stage by Dillwyn Miles, the Herald Bard, the competition's 3 judges - Caradog Prichard (left), T Glynne Davies (centre) and Euros Bowen (right) - stepping forward to deliver their comments. The Archdruid is Gwilym R Tilsley. In subsequent footage of the Gorsedd in procession outdoors, David Jenkins (Librarian, The National Library of Wales 1969-79) walks in white robes alongside a female druid, both wearing spectacles. Owen Edwards, the tall, dark son of Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards, also in white, his head-dress blowing about a bit, talks to a smaller, fellow druid. R Bryn Williams helps to escort the winner of the Chair onto the stage.

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