THE National Eisteddfod has today announced that the 2020 Ceredigion National Eisteddfod has been postponed until next year

The decision was taken by the organisation's management board over the weekend following a number of discussions.

The cultural event was due to take place in Tregaron in the first week on August.

The aim is to move the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod to August 2022 and to hold the 2023 festival in Rhondda Cynon Taff, with the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod Proclamation Festival postponed for the time being.

Eisteddfod Court President and Chair of the Management Board, Ashok Ahir said, "Naturally, our supporters will be disappointed, but I am sure everyone will agree that this is the right and sensible decision for us to take.

“It’s important to stress that we are not cancelling the festival, but rather postponing the Ceredigion Eisteddfod for a year.”

Eisteddfod Chief Executive Betsan Moses added, "The next few months are going to be difficult for the Eisteddfod, and we will be more dependent than ever on the goodwill of our supporters and friends.

"We very much hope that the community work in Ceredigion and across Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon can resume as soon as possible.

We’re also looking forward to starting work at grassroots level in Rhondda Cynon Taff before long, and I’d like to thank our volunteers for all their work over the past few months and years.

"In the meantime, it’s important that we all support each other and our communities across the country and stay safe. We look forward to seeing everyone in Tregaron in the summer of 2021, when we’ll be back with a fantastic festival and programme.”

For more information visit www.eisteddfod.wales

Commenting on the announcement, Suzy Davies AM, the Shadow Minister for Welsh Language, said: “We were all anticipating this. However, it's still a disappointment to the many thousands who look forward to the Eisteddfod every year.

“A lot of hard work goes into this unique event. Even though we won't see the fruits of it this year, next year will be a double celebration of the resilience of the nation.

“For now, let's concentrate on protecting our NHS and staying safe.”