The Town of Abergavenny-Home to this years National Eisteddfod
By j.bell on 29/06/2016
As an important historic market town in the heart of lush farming country, it’s no surprise that this bustling town has an excellent reputation for its food and the quality of its local produce. It’s also conveniently situated for visiting the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blaenavon (Blaenafon Safle Treftadaeth Byd), just a few miles away. This year Abergavenny will be home to the National Eisteddfod at Castle Meadows, known for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the dramatic River Usk flowing through.
Visit Abergavenny
As an important historic market town in the heart of lush farming country, it’s no surprise that this bustling town has an excellent reputation for its food and the quality of its local produce. It’s also conveniently situated for visiting the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blaenavon (Blaenafon Safle Treftadaeth Byd), just a few miles away.
There’s a real buzz to Abergavenny on market day, whether you’re here for the weekly Tuesday market, the Wednesday Flee Market or the Farmer’s Market, held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Every September, Abergavenny attracts food enthusiasts from all over the UK, who gather here to attend one of the country’s best known and most popular food festivals. Started over ten years ago, the Abergavenny Food Festival (Gwyl Fwyd y Fenni) now showcases some of the biggest names in the food and restaurant sectors, with talks, cookery demonstrations, visits to local food producers and scores of stalls selling fresh, regional produce.
The Abergavenny area is also famous for its many excellent restaurants, so whether you’re looking for a simple meal in a country pub or fine dining in elegant surroundings, you’re bound to find something in the region to suit you!
Sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake – there are many independent cafes and coffee shops in Abergavenny. Just wander round town and take your pick!
Places to visit & things to do in the town: Abergavenny Castle & Museum (01873 854282) Free admission. The castle is one of the best examples of a motte and bailey castle in Britain.
St Mary’s Priory Church & The Jesse Tree – reputed to be one of the finest medieval wood carvings in the world. Next door is the newly refurbished Tithe Barn believed to the oldest such barn in Wales, which houses the magnificent Abergavenny Tapestry and a state of the art interactive exhibition. Free admission (01873 858787)
Linda Vista’ open gardens since 1843. The gardens feature some rare orchids and enjoy stunning views across the Castle Meadows to the Blorenge Bailey Park located in the centre of the town, the park has a children’s play area and is home to Abergavenny Rugby Football club.
Castle Meadowsis a lovely place for a gentle stroll by the River Usk while enjoying magnificent views of the mountains and this years base for the Eisteddfod.
Held during the first week of August every year, the National Eisteddfod is a celebration of the culture and language in Wales.
The festival travels from place to place, alternating between north and south Wales, attracting around 150,000 visitors and over 250 tradestands and stalls.
The history of the Eisteddfod in Wales can be traced back to 1176, with the modern history of the organisation dating back to 1861. The festival has been held every year, other than 1914, when the outbreak of the First World War saw it postponed for a year.
Traditionally a competition-based festival, attracting over 6,000 competitors every year, the festival has developed and evolved over recent years, and whilst the competitions form the central focus for the week, the Maes (site) itself has grown and developed into a vibrant festival with hundreds of events and activities for the whole family.
The Eisteddfod is the natural showcase for music, dance, visual arts, literature, original perfomances and much more. Encompassing all aspects of the arts and culture in Wales, it is an inclusive and welcoming festival, which attracts thousands of Welsh learners and those who do not speak the language as well as Welsh speakers every year. Translation services are available in the Pavilion and bilingual information is available. We also have a centre for learning Welsh on the Maes.
