The National Assembly for Wales is proud to play an integral part in this year's National Eisteddfod by hosting a range of exhibitions, discussions and events exploring Welsh life across the Assembly estate.
Dubbed the Eisteddfod with no fence, between the 3-11 of August, the Senedd will host Y Lle Celf (the art exhibition), the Societies Pavilions and the historic Pierhead will be home to Shw'mae Caerdydd – the centre for learning Welsh on the Maes - and the place to come for information about the Welsh language.
The Assembly is also hosting a number of events in the Societies Pavilions during the week including:
Democracy and the Arts: the effect of one on the other
Monday 6 August | 12.00 - 13.00
Democracy and the Arts play a central role in the lives of Welsh people – but how do they affect each other?
Llywydd of the National Assembly, Elin Jones AM, will chair a discussion panel along with the Chair of the Assembly's Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee, Bethan Sayed AM, Artist Elin Meredydd and leading dance, performance artist and presenter Eddie Ladd.
In partnership with Arts Council Wales and Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
Ready for the vote?
Tuesday 7 August | 11.30 - 12.30
An event in partnership with the Electoral Commission to discuss reducing the voting age to 16 at elections in Wales.
The discussion will be chaired by Elan Closs Stephens, Electoral Commissioner for Wales with panellists Elin Jones AM, Llywydd, Sally Holland, Children's Commissioner for Wales and young people including Ethan Williams, Vice-President of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Vice-Chair of the Syr IfanC Board, the Urdd's National Youth Forum.
Women's Role in Politics
Wednesday 8 August | 12.00 - 13.00
Marking 100 years since the successful campaign to secure votes for women, Elin Jones AM, Llywydd, will be joined by historian Dr Elin Jones as they discuss the influence of women on politics in Wales, in the past and present.
Journalist and TV presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts will chair.
Austerity – the debate
Thursday 9 August | 11.30 - 12.30
All over Wales, local government and public bodies face the challenge of providing public services with reduced financial resources. How can 'austerity' best be tackled?
Should it be resisted, or indeed is it such a bad thing at all?
Join a panel of leading commentators, campaigners and local government figures to discuss one of the burning issues of Welsh public life today.
Speakers include Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader, Ceredigion Council, Menna Machreth and Simon Brooks, Associate Professor, Morgan Academy.
In partnership with the Morgan Academy
Justice in Wales
Friday 10 August | 12.00 - 13.00
A panel of some of Wales’ leading lawyers discussing the future of justice in Wales, chaired by Professor Richard Wyn Jones from the Wales Governance Centre.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a ground-breaking Eisteddfod." Said Elin Jones AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales.
"I am delighted that the Senedd is taking its place on the Maes. The festival arrives at an exciting time in our evolution as we prepare to launch the Welsh Youth Parliament and create a parliamentary institution fit for the future."
I look forward to welcoming visitors from all parts of Wales to the home of our national parliament and to take part in some thought provoking, inspiring conversations throughout the festival."
Visitors will have a rare chance to have their picture taken in the Llywydd's chair in the National Assembly Siambr and Assembly staff will be on hand with information for visitors about who represents them and how they can get involved with the Assembly's work.
Young people from 11 up to 18 years old can find out about the Welsh Youth Parliament and sign up to vote.
There will also be information available about the latest Assembly reform developments including lowering the voting age in Assembly elections to 16 and changing the name of the institution to Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru.
Friday 10 August will see Elin Jones, AM, Llywydd of the National Assembly for Wales being honoured by the Gorsedd of the Bards and presented with the Blue robe for her service to the nation.
More details of the Eisteddfod at the Senedd can be found at www.assembly.wales/eisteddfod2018.
Eisteddfod 2018
We’re at the very heart of this year’s National Eisteddfod. Find out what’s happening at the Senedd throughout the festival.