The curtain comes up on Wales' most prominent cultural event and celebration as final plans are put in place for this year's National Eisteddfod in Conwy County beginning tomorrow.

Once again this year, comedy will feature prominently at the Eisteddfod, with the Comedy Festival returning to various venues across the Maes.

Much of the thanks for the success of the festival this year and in the past must go to Cronfa Gari, a fund set up in memory of the popular comedian and performer born and raised in the Llanrwst area, Gari Williams. 

And it's great that the festival has grown more than ever this year in Conwy County, with nearly 30 activities, thanks to the support of this fund.

This year sees comedy step into a completely new location on the Maes.  As night falls, the Literary Pavilion will be transformed, as the Cwt Cabaret, the Eisteddfod’s very own Cabaret Club opens its doors for the first time at 21:00 every night. 

Events and activities are suitable for those aged over 14, so there will be a more risqué and innovative programme in the Cwt late at night. 

Tudur Owen has the honour of throwing open the Cwt Cabaret doors for the first time ever, as he presents an evening of Welsh stand-up with Daniel Glyn, Beth Angell, Jams Thomas, Beth Jones and Steffan Evans.  Tickets are almost gone so book now to make sure you don’t miss out.

The Cwt is also home to this year’s Mas ar y Maes (the well-received LGBT+ festival launched last year) drama commission from Sunday ‘till Tuesday night. 

Corn Gwlad is a fabulously funny yet heart-wrenching version of the 1924 Eisteddfod Crowning Ceremony, which saw Prosser Rhys win the Crown.  This work-in-progress is a Seiriol Davies and Cwmni Pluen production, and is sure to become one of the festival’s major hits.  

The Cabarela Cabaret is back again this year, appearing at the Eisteddfod for the third year.  Caffi Maes B was their original home, as the concept was initially commissioned by the Eisteddfod itself.  But as the show went from strength to strength, and attracted audiences in all parts of Wales, it was clear that this Eisteddfod phenomenon needed a new home. 

There's nothing better than an entertaining panel game - apart from a panel game that’s packed full of poetry, music and all things Eisteddfod.  And that’s what is planned in the Cwt Cabaret on Thursday night.  

There are comedy sessions across the Maes throughout the week.  Daniel Glyn is curating a daily stand-up session in Caffi Maes B, with a women’s only line-up on Wednesday afternoon. 

There’s also a session for Welsh learners in Shw'mae Su'mae at the end of the week, and if you want to learn what makes good comedy, come along to the Literary Pavilion on Friday afternoon for a session with Theatr Bara Caws.

Over the past few years, the Eisteddfod has become increasingly well-known for providing a platform for absurd, funny and entertaining street theatre, and this year continues the tradition, with a new show commissioned by the Eisteddfod, Articulture and the Machynlleth Comedy Festival.

Step into the extraordinary life of the versatile Kitsch & Sync trio in their new show Romance on the Pavement which staged on the streets of the Maes during the week

Looking forward to a feast of comedy on the Maes on the outskirts of Llanrwst, Eisteddfod Chief Executive Betsan Moses said, “This year's comedy offer is amazing, and it's great to experiment with a new location, the Cwt Cabaret.

"It’s a chance for us to experiment with a more adventurous programme, and the response so far has been very promising.

“We are very grateful to Cronfa Gari for their support this year and over the last few years. This funding has enabled us to create a number of brand new commissions, and projects such as Cabarela have gone from strength to strength after leaving the nest, which is excellent.

"It’s vitally important we can experiment, collaborate and co-create entirely new and innovative works, which attracts audiences not only at the Eisteddfod but across Wales following the festival.

“I very much hope we will see some of this year’s performances and comedy ideas further developing and touring in the future.  There’s one thing for sure, the standard is extremely high this year and I can’t wait for people to enjoy what’s on offer.”

The National Eisteddfod is in Llanrwst from Saturday 3rd August until Saturday 10th August.