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One of the biggest and most vibrant cultural festivals in Europe, celebrating the best of Welsh arts, descends upon Rhondda Cynon Taff this year. It’s a spectacular showcase for music, dance, literature, theatre, circus, art, original performances and much more.

Huw Stephens heads to Pontypridd to bring all the highlights and stories from the National Eisteddfod of Wales and to discover how this ancient festival is constantly evolving to remain a relevant cultural phenomenon.

The week-long festival kicks off with a new adaptation of iconic rock opera Nia Ben Aur, 50 years on from its debut at the 1974 Eisteddfod.

Huw catches up with the new Archdruid and award-winning poet Mererid Hopwood as she presides over all the big ceremonies of the Gorsedd of the Bards throughout the week.

Huw also brings a flavour of the diverse selection of performances, from brass bands and classy pop to classical and contemporary music. Huw catches up with Pendyrus Male Voice Choir, who are celebrating their centenary with a special performance at this year’s festival. He also enjoys a stunning collaboration between classical harpist Catrin Finch and Irish fiddler Aoife Ní Bhriain as they perform together in one of the most hotly anticipated shows of the week! And he visits the Lle Celf – the largest temporary modern art exhibition in Europe.