±«Óãtv

People in all corners of the world will be able to enjoy the competions and the ceremonies from the Pavilion at the National Eisteddfod in Bala this year (Saturday 1–Saturday 8 August) as ±«Óãtv Cymru Wales will be streaming the action along with live English language commentary on the bbc.co.uk/eisteddfod website.

Arfon Haines Davies and Sara Edwards will commentate on the activities as they take place, offering background information about the competitions and the people taking part.

A live stream of the Pavilion activities has been offered on the website in previous years, but this is the first time ever that it will be accessible with English language commentary introducing the Eisteddfod to a brand new audience across the world.

Presenter Arfon Haines Davies says: "The Eisteddfod is so important to the Welsh-speaking community and it will be great to show non-Welsh speakers in Wales and beyond what it's all about.

"The main ceremonies make fantastic theatre and it's our annual opportunity to celebrate our poets, singers and performers.

"I'm looking forward to working with Sara and the challenge of commentating live on the action from the Pavilion although I must admit that I am feeling slightly nervous as it will be a new experience for me."

Keith Jones, ±«Óãtv Wales's Head of Programmes Welsh and New Media, says: "This new service is an important and very exciting development for us as we respond to the ever-changing viewing habits of our audience.

"It gives us great pleasure to broadcast our Eisteddfod coverage on a worldwide platform and we look forward to hearing from viewers all over the world."

The website bbc.co.uk/eisteddfod is also the place to find what's happening on the maes (festival field), the latest results as well as up-to-date weather forecasts, travel reports and help for Welsh learners.

SR