SINCE its inauguration in 1908, the Jersey Eisteddfod has involved many thousands of Islanders in the widest possible range of artistic and cultural endeavours.
SINCE its inauguration in 1908, the Jersey Eisteddfod has involved many thousands of Islanders in the widest possible range of artistic and cultural endeavours.

Young and old have sung, danced, acted and declaimed to test their skills and to entertain audiences. Many others have volunteered to become involved in the considerable organisation required to make the annual event such an enduring success.

In this its centenary year, all those connected with the festival can be deeply proud of what it has achieved and continues to achieve. They will be as aware as anyone that as well as playing a vital role in maintaining the health of the arts in the Island, the Eisteddfod is a remarkable environment for nurturing and encouraging young talent.

Through its French and Jersey Norman French sections, which continue to thrive, it also helps to protect
important elements of traditional Island culture which would otherwise be in great danger of being swept away by the more pressing issues of modern life.

The eisteddfod movement as a whole is, of course, most readily associated with the bardic traditions of Wales. Happily, the principles of performance, adjudication, recognition and award transplanted very successfully to Jersey soil 100 years ago. Today we can most certainly say that these principles have stood the test of time and that our version of the eisteddfod ideal continues to go from strength to strength.

Throughout the rest of this month musicians, actors, dancers, linguists and others will take to the stage to air their talents and entertain – and taste the sometimes dubious pleasures of live performance. As always, their

efforts will be supported by a small army of adjudicators and administrators whose willingness to support the event is absolutely crucial and to whom we all owe a debt of thanks.

Although those who take part will attest that every eisteddfod festival can be described as special, there can be no denying that 2008 is a landmark year.

In addition to wishing everyone concerned with this anniversary celebration every good fortune, we can hope that the next 100 years of this excellent institution will be just as triumphant as its history to date.