The Gorsedd of the Bards announced that Myrddin ap Dafydd will officiate as the Archdruid for the period from 2019-22.
As only one nomination was received by the closing date, there was no need for an election, and the Gorsedd Board’s general meeting will confirm the nomination at their meeting during this year’s Eisteddfod.
A poet and publisher from the Conwy Valley, he has twice won the National Eisteddfod Chair, at Cwm Rhymni in 1990 and St David’s in 2002. He has also adjudicated at the Eisteddfod numerous times over the years.
He is a director at Oriel Tonnau and Cwrw Llŷn, but is best known for his role within Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, which he established in 1980, and which is one of Wales’ leading and busiest publishers.
He was the first Children’s Laureate of Wales in 2000 and has published a number of books for young people on Welsh history and folklore.
His aim as a poet and publisher is to reach a wider audience through his own words and the work of his company, and he hopes to bring the same energy, commitment and creativity to the Archdruid’s role over the next few years.
Discussing his appointment, he said, “A number of people have tried to persuade me to be nominated for the post of Archdruid over the years, many of whom I respect greatly, but the one thing which made a difference this time was that it was a group of poets from a younger generation who wanted to put my name forward. I felt the time had come for me to accept the honour, and I am now very much looking forward to the work. Of course, being part of the festival in the Conwy Valley will mean so much to me.
“It will be great to be able to reward and honour the great talents and benefactors of our culture. The post is also a chance to strengthen, extend and defend all things Welsh, which includes resisting the narrow and insular tendencies coming from the direction of London, and creating new supporters for our culture in other countries.”
Myrddin ap Dafydd will be presented during the Chairing Ceremony on Friday afternoon 10 August at the Cardiff National Eisteddfod.