Hundreds turn out to Eisteddfod Community Day event

MORE than 350 people from across Carmarthenshire have come together in a Community Day as part of celebrations being held in the run-up to the National Eisteddfod.

The sun shone down on the fun-filled event, held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne on Saturday.

Community groups, families and members of the Eisteddfod fundraising committees around Carmarthenshire were invited to visit the Gardens for free as a thank you for their hard work in already surpassing the total needed to be raised by the County ahead of hosting the National Eisteddfod in August.

Visitors to the event, which was organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, were able to get ideas on how to spruce up their communities during and in the run-up to the Eisteddfod; from bunting and gardening workshops to Welsh language taster sessions and the chance to see the Carmarthenshire National Eisteddfod Crown, Chair and the Italian Trophy.

It was also an opportunity for people to buy Eisteddfod merchandise, meet some of the Scarlets team, take part in children’s activities by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth Elli and much more.

Visitors were entertained by local artistes, including soloists Fflur Jones, Rhiannon Herridge, Llew Davies also Aelwyd yr Llyn and Aelwyd Llanarthne.

Executive Board Member responsible for the National Eisteddfod, Cllr Keith Davies, said: “It’s been a great day with a carnival-type atmosphere. Hundreds of people of all ages have come together.

“The aim of the day was to celebrate and show our gratitude to the communities in the county for their hard work and commitment in raising money for the appeal locally and to extend support to all localities to continue with the good work in the months leading up to the Eisteddfod.”

The Carmarthenshire Loveliest Locality competition was also launched at the event, which is a chance for local communities to enhance their local areas. The winners will be announced on Sunday during the week of the Eisteddfod.