Llanidloes will host the 2027 Maldwyn Meirionnydd National Eisteddfod Proclamation Ceremony on Saturday, May 9 marking the official countdown to next year’s festival.

By tradition, the proclamation takes place at least a year and a day before the Eisteddfod, formally welcoming the festival to the area and inviting local communities to take part in the build-up.

Organisers are aiming to fill the town’s streets with a colourful procession involving schools, community groups and local organisations from across the catchment area. The parade will set off from Llanidloes High School at 2pm before returning for a formal ceremony at 3pm.

The event will be led by Gorsedd Cymru, where Archdruid Mererid will receive the first copy of the Rhestr Testunau, or list of competitions, from Aled Griffiths, chair of the executive committee.

Looking ahead to the event, Mr Griffiths said: "I am really looking forward to this special ceremony. This is the first real opportunity for the people of Powys and South Gwynedd to enjoy the excitement and the presence of the Eisteddfod in their local area. This is an open invitation to the whole community to be part of the journey towards the festival next August."

The ceremony is expected to conclude by 4pm.

The list of competitions will later be made available in shops across Wales.

Anyone wishing to take part in the procession or volunteer at the event can register at: www.eisteddfod.cymru

The National Eisteddfod is an annual celebration of Welsh language, literature, music and performance, held in a different location each year and running every summer since 1861.

Last year’s festival in Wrexham attracted more than 150,000 visitors to Isycoed.

This year’s event, the 2026 National Eisteddfod (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las), will take place in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, from August 1 to August 8.