Summer Shows - Eisteddfod 2013

One of Western Europe’s largest festivals of art, music, and culture is over for another year, and the National Assembly for Wales played a role in contributing to its success. The 2013 Eisteddfod hosted by the county of Denbighshire in north east Wales saw record-breaking numbers of visitors through the gates. This year saw the National Assembly sponsor the Eisteddfod’s Societies and Communities Pavilion with the Assembly stand situated in the entrance between the two venues. During the week we had the pleasure of welcoming over 2,200 visitors to our stand all of whom had a chance to speak to our team about Welsh democracy and the latest political developments in Cardiff Bay. A total of 12 Assembly Members visited the stand including local AM Anne Jones; the Deputy Presiding Officer David Melding; William Powell and Bethan Jenkins representing the Petitions Committee; and the Assembly’s newest Member for Ynys Môn – Rhun ap Iorwerth. We also received over 500 submissions to Assembly consultations. During the week members of the public were invited to have their say on a number of issues including: -The Welsh Governments plans to standardise school term times in Wales; -Bethan Jenkins’ Member-proposed Bill on financial literacy; -And the current university-funding arrangements for Welsh undergraduate and 6th form students. Many more people had an opportunity to learn more about Welsh democracy and their local member by simply talking to staff or by taking part in the well-attended programme of lectures and events in the adjoining Societies and Communities Pavilion. [caption id="attachment_498" align="alignnone" width="298"] The Gorsedd ceremony taking place outside the Assembly stand. [/caption] Although the Eisteddfod is now over, and many are already thinking about next year’s event in Llanelli, there’s still an opportunity for you to take part in the Assembly’s summer consultations. Please click on the hyperlinks above. Over and Out!