Urdd Eisteddfod 2012 to be held at Glynllifon

Glynllifon is a well known landmark on the road from Caernarfon to Pwllheli

The Eryri Urdd Eisteddfod in 2012 will be held in the grounds of Coleg Meirion Dwyfor college at Glynllifon near Caernarfon.

With around 100,000 visitors and 15,000 competitors, over 70 acres of land is required to accommodate the annual youth festival.

Originally, nine offers of possible locations were received.

It is the second time the event has been held at the Glynllifon site - the last was in 1990.

Aled Siôn, the eisteddfod's director said the event had received offers of a high standard but all parts of the region.

"But following a diligent process considering a number of important factors, both the site and executive committees are of the opinion that Glynllifon is the preferred choice this time," he said.

Proclamation ceremony

Dr Ian J Rees, deputy principal of Llandrillo Cymru and head of operations at Meirion Dwyfor, said he is delighted that the eisteddfod is returning.

"Over the next few months we will be working closely with the Urdd in preparation for 2012," he said.

"We're looking forward to the festival's return and confident it will be a very successful eisteddfod," he added.

A 1,800 seat pavilion will be erected on the 20 acre maes, which will also accommodate between 100 and 150 stalls and exhibitors, a caravan site and car parks.

Meriel Parry, chair of the Eryri Urdd National Eisteddfod's executive committee, said the event had already generated "huge enthusiasm in Eryri with so many events and activities happening under the auspices of the local fundraising committees".

"The plans are in place for the proclamation ceremony in April and Caernarfon is sure to turn red, white and green on Saturday, 9th April," she said.