Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

They’ve been a hit on TV and now they are storming the cultural fortress that is the National Eisteddfod for the second year in a row. Armed only with large quantities of the medicine called laughter and well-rehearsed comic timing, the mini rugby team of Welsh comics will be performing at the Denbighshire and District National Eisteddfod on Wednesday (August 7). Led by Daniel Glyn (top), Gary Slaymaker (second from top) and Phil Evans (above), the comedians were let loose in the Eisteddfod Pavilion at the 2012 Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod. “That gala night, called ‘Gala Comedi’ turned out to be a big hit,” said Ammanford-based funnyman Phil Evans. “The evening has since been screened twice on S4C and the public reaction has been great. “It was brave move by the Eisteddfod organisers to put us on in the hallowed arena of the Eisteddfod pavilion, but it worked a treat. “Now, we are delighted that we have been invited back to stage a brand new comedy night in Denbigh....

 Heard the one about the Welsh comedians who were let loose in the Eisteddfod Pavilion? Well, you’re about to hear it again as the Welsh fourth channel S4C broadcasts a special comedy gala night staged at the 2012 Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod. The gala night was billed at the time as ‘the biggest night in Welsh language comedy history’. Now, ‘Gala Comedi’ is being show on TV for the first time (9pm Saturday, July 6) as the highlight of S4C's Comedy Week. The comedy night represented a major breakthrough for the comedians taking part and a bold move by National Eisteddfod organisers. Daniel Glyn (pictured top) was one of the organisers and performers at the gala. He said, “It used to be said that the National Eisteddfod was not the place for stand-up comedy - it didn't appeal to the traditional audience. But, we always doubted whether that was true.” The theory was put to the test by comedians Tudur Owen, Ifan Tregaron, Gary Slaymaker, Dewi Pws Morris, Phil ...

An award-winning author will be returning to Llanelli next week (Friday, July 5) to share his enthusiasm for Carmarthenshire history and culture in a bilingual evening to raise money for next year's National Eisteddfod in the town. Jon Gower, who was brought up in Pwll and educated at Llanelli Boys' Grammar School, is the author of 17 books, including the novel, Y Storiwr which won last year's Wales Book of the Year Award, and the coastal journey 'Wales: At Water's Edge' which has been shortlisted for this year's prize. Jon also wrote 'The Story of Wales,' the best selling history which accompanies the landmark BBC series, presented by fellow Llanelli man Huw Edwards. Jon Gower says he's delighted to be be coming back to the town to give an illustrated talk at the town's library: "I've written two history books about Llanelli, one about Pwll and 'Real Llanelli' so I'm aware of the great wealth of material you can draw...

The leader of Llanelli’s business community has called for an urgent meeting with the organisers of the 2014 National Eisteddfod, a festival now being branded as ‘Carmarthenshire’s Eisteddfod’. “Businesses throughout Carmarthenshire should be involved in discussions and preparations for the 2014 Eisteddfod, said Andrew Stephens, president of Llanelli’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The appeal follows a host of ‘mixed messages’ about next year’s Eisteddfod, including disquiet about the cash Carmarthen Town Council is giving to the festival. “I think it’s important that the festival organisers get a grip of the situation very quickly and work with businesses and traders to ensure that the 2014 Eisteddfod is a big success,” said Mr Stephens. “On the one hand, we seem to have a row developing in Carmarthen over their contribution to what they perceive is an event which will benefit Llanelli. “Here in Llanelli, we can give a contrary view and tell you that we have recent, very unhappy, m...

There will be a variety of talks, lectures and interactive activities to suit all ages and interests at the Aberystwyth University stand at the National Eisteddfod this year. In addition, the stand will also have computers available so visitors can access the internet all week for free. If you are a school pupil you are welcome to come along and ask questions about the University, or come to reminisce if you were a student at Aberystwyth. The Aberystwyth press release says -  Teachers are also welcome to drop in and discuss study opportunities at the university with staff. You can be guaranteed of a warm welcome! You can win a mountain bike worth £325! To celebrate the inclusion of Aberystwyth University on the official list of training centres for mountain biking for the London Olympics in 2012 we are running a competition were you can win a Trek 3700 mountain bike. All you need to do is visit the Aberystwyth University stand at the Eisteddfod and answer a simple question...

The Aberystwyth University programme of events at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys 2010 is as follows - Monday 2nd of August 11am Dr Hywel Griffiths: Poetic Geography and Geographical Poetry In this session the bard Dr Hywel Griffiths, who is a lecturer at the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, will be reading and talking about some of his poems which have been inspired by the geography and landscape of Wales. 3.30pm Aberystwyth University Challenge Test your general knowledge! On Monday afternoon the University will hold a University Challenge. Two teams, representing students and staff, will face each other during this quiz under the watchful eye of historian and author Dr Russell Davies. Tuesday 3rd of August 11pm Communication in the age of digital and social media Pop by the stall to listen to a panel of experts discussing the influence of new technology on our everyday lives. On the panel will be Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, Direct...