National Eisteddfod postponed for second consecutive year due to pandemic, forcing redundancies
This year's Ceredigion National Eisteddfod festival has been postponed until 2022, organisers have confirmed.
Job losses are expected as a result of the postponement with the National Eisteddfod saying it will now need to halve the size of its workforce.
Organisers said the aim is to hold the Eisteddfod in Tregaron in August 2022. This means the Llŷn and Eifionydd festival will be in Gwynedd in August 2023 and then it will be hosted in Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2024.
Betsan Moses, Eisteddfod Chief Executive, said: "It became increasingly clear in our ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales over the past few months that the Eisteddfod could not be held in Tregaron this summer.
"As a team, we’re more disappointed than anyone about it, and having to announce this for the second time has been incredibly difficult.
"We’ll be continuing with Eisteddfod AmGen, building on last year’s success, and I’m pleased to say we’re keen to have a strong competing element this time.
"We’re already discussing some exciting ideas and options with a few of our partners, and look forward to sharing these with everyone in due course.
"The past year has been unbelievably difficult for everyone.
"But on a positive note, it’s been so encouraging to see how we’ve all pulled together for the benefit of the language and our culture.
"We’re also pleased to have been able to support so many artists and performers through the Eisteddfod AmGen project during the past few months."
"We’re facing another extremely challenging year. Losing another Eisteddfod will have a far-reaching effect on us as an organisation.
"Yesterday, we had to launch a consultation process with staff as we’ll have to reduce the team to half its size in order to survive.
Ashok Ahir Eisteddfod Court President and Chair of the Management Board, said: "Naturally, we’re all very disappointed we’ve had to take this decision again, but I’m sure everyone will agree it’s the right and sensible decision for us as a Board to take.
"I don’t think today’s announcement will come as a huge surprise to anyone.
"We look forward to getting together in Ceredigion, once the virus has waned, and I’m sure that the Ceredigion Eisteddfod will be a festival to remember - and appreciate.
"In the meantime, we all need to support each other and our communities across the country and stay safe.”