Summary
THERE were many changes as far as the future of the National Eisteddfod is concerned contained in the Stevens Report released to the event's council last November. It is encouraging to see that some of the recommendations have already been implemented this year. The fact that groups of entertainers have been keeping visitors occupied on the Maes itself is a welcome step forward, and we are told that more will follow next year. After all, fewer and fewer people are going inside the 3, 500 seat pavilion these days, hence the need to provide outdoor entertainment, such as the Newport Philharmonic Choir singing outside both the Welsh Arts Council and Newport City Council stands yesterday. This choir, incidentally, is the product of the 1988 Newport National Eisteddfod, and the majority of the singers are members of this week's official Eisteddfod Choir. Good for them. Walking around the Maes yesterday one suddenly came to realise that there are as many as 38 quangos represented, posing the question of what will it be like when Rhodri Morgan sets more of them on fire in two to three years time. This could lead to the Eisteddfod requiring a smaller site in future years. We've heard a lot about safeguarding the Welsh language within the Eisteddfod this week, but what about the official admission ticket to the Maes? On the reverse side, what do we find but an all English advertisement by a sponsor. Kemira Grow How -- partnership, knowledge, solutions. How safe is the Welsh language on the Maes?
Turning now to the Stevens Report, which was commissioned by the Eisteddfod and other bodies. The message was clear: You are an event that needs to be sustainable into the future. The Eisteddfod needs to be vibrant, modern and visible. It helps to promote Wales. The Eisteddfod is clearly of public good and worthy of support. You must enter into a stronger partnership.See the full content of this document
Extract
Choir Is Doing a Good Job
The report continued: "The Eisteddfod de...
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