The deep history of Wales’s National Eisteddfod festival

By Christine James, Emeritus Professor of Welsh, Swansea University

The National Eisteddfod opens its gates in Pontypridd, a few miles north of Cardiff, from August 3 to 10 in 2024. Attracting up to 170,000 visitors, it is probably the largest travelling festival of its kind in Europe.

The Eisteddfod is a celebration of the language, culture and heritage of Wales. More than 1,000 events and activities for all ages across all artistic genres will take place, from modern to traditional music, poetry and literature, art, dance and comedy. There are also activities for children and even a science and…

Read complete article

~	Principles or raw power: 3 steps NZ can take to resolve its confused stance on Gaza

~	A new law aims to tackle online lies – but it ignores expert advice and doesn’t go nearly far enough

~	Need medicine in hospital? Our study finds how often IT flaws lead to the wrong drug or dose

~	New plan shows Australia’s hydrogen dream is still alive. But are we betting on the right projects?

~	The psychology of retirement: why do so many athletes struggle to call time?

~	Fujimori’s death won’t end pursuit of justice for Peruvian victims – or stop the strongman’s supporters from revering his legacy

~	Vietnam: Drop Charges, Release Democracy Campaigner

~	Operation Knock Knock: On the hunt for dissident voices in Venezuela

~	New study links low incomes, stressed parents and child behaviour – better support would bring lifelong benefits

~	Friday essay: Giant shark megalodon was the most powerful superpredator ever. Why did it go extinct?