The Chair of Maes D looks forward to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las 2026

Tomos Hopkins is the Chair of Maes D – the Welsh learners’ village – at the 2026 National Eisteddfod, which is known as ‘Eisteddfod y Garreg Las’.

‘Y Garreg Las’ is an area that includes Pembrokeshire, south Ceredigion and west Carmarthenshire.

We caught up with Tomos…

Congratulations on being chosen as Chair of Maes D. How are the preparations going?

They're going great, thank you! We started working on the competition syllabus at the end of 2024, and we’re very happy to have a wide variety of subjects at every level – from Entry to Advanced – each with a local flavour.

The 2026 Proclamation event, called ‘Gŵyl Gyhoeddi’, was held recently. Could you tell us more about it?

This event is held just over a year before the Eisteddfod visits a particular area. It’s an opportunity to officially welcome the Eisteddfod to that area.

The Proclamation for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las was held in Narberth on 17 May. There was a procession and ceremony, involving schools, community groups and ‘Gorsedd Cymru’ – a society of Welsh-language poets, writers, musicians, artists and others.

What was the response from learners to the Proclamation event?

Everyone really enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the event. It was a new experience for many people to see the Gorsedd in Narberth and to learn about the Eisteddfod’s traditions.

After the ceremony, we held an informal ‘Paned a Sgwrs’ session (cuppa and a chat), which was a great opportunity to socialise and for learners to practise their Welsh.

What’s coming up over the next few months?

There are a variety of events planned, including gigs, bingo nights and treasure hunts. Information about all the fundraising events is available on the Facebook page: Digwyddiadau Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

Songs by Ail Symudiad, one of the most important bands in the Welsh rock scene, will be the theme for the Eisteddfod choir concert. The choir will start rehearsing in January, and this will be a great opportunity for Welsh speakers and learners to get to know each other and make friends while learning iconic songs.

I lead the ‘Parti Dysgu Cymraeg Sir Benfro’, a singing group for learners in Haverfordwest, and we’re looking forward to learning the songs so we can feel confident in the rehearsals with the main choir.

What are you most looking forward to at the 2026 Eisteddfod?

I’m looking forward to welcoming learners and new speakers to Maes D and offering a variety of opportunities for people learning Welsh to feel part of the 2026 Eisteddfod.