WREXHAM city centre was full of colour as hundreds of people took part in the Proclamation Ceremony for the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod.  

School children and different groups took part in the parade on Saturday (April 27) and subsequent ceremony - with many dressed in traditional Welsh costumes. 

The procession began at the Yale Campus, Coleg Cambria. It headed through the city and then returned to Llwyn Isaf, outside the Guildhall, for the ceremony. 

The ceremony was a chance for people and visitors to see one of the Gorsedd’s colourful ceremonies. During this event, the current Archdruid, Myrddin ap Dafydd, was handed over to Mererid, who will lead and steer the Gorsedd over the next few years.

In line with tradition, the procession including representatives from a wide range of local organisations. 

The Wrecsam National Eisteddfod will be held from August 2 until August 9 in 2025.

Historically, the Eisteddfod’s intention to visit an area must be proclaimed at least a year and a day before the beginning of the festival. This is when the 'List of Competitions' is published, which includes information for anyone wishing to compete this year. 

During the ceremony, chair of the executive committee, Llinos Roberts, presented the first copy of the 'List of Competitions' to the Archdruid. Now the list has been presented, the competitions will be made public, and copies will go on sale in shops across Wales.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton and Wales' newly elected First Minister, Vaughan Gething, were among those in attendance.

Following the ceremony, cllr Pritchard said: "I'd like to thank everybody for coming, the turn out has been fantastic and I'm so pleased that the National Eisteddfod is coming to Wrexham. 

"It comes together with everything we're trying to do in Wrexham, it's fantastic. It was really nice to see the First Minister here, as well as good support from the local elected members.

"It's another good story for Wrexham."