THE 2020 National Eisteddfod due to be staged in Ceredigion has been postponed until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was taken by the organisation's management board over the weekend following a number of discussions.

The aim is to move the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod to August 2022 and to hold the 2023 festival in Rhondda Cynon Taff, with the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod Proclamation Festival postponed for the time being.

Eisteddfod Court President and chair of the management board, Ashok Ahir, said: "Naturally, our supporters will be disappointed but I am sure everyone will agree that this is the right and sensible decision for us to take.

“It’s important to stress that we are not cancelling the festival, but rather postponing the Ceredigion Eisteddfod for a year.”

Eisteddfod chief executive Betsan Moses added: "The next few months are going to be difficult for the Eisteddfod, and we will be more dependent than ever on the goodwill of our supporters and friends.

“Although the festival itself is not for another four months, we have had to take the construction phase into account as well as current restrictions on gatherings, and the impact this would have on our competitions, performances and concerts.

“The safety of our volunteers, supporters, visitors, competitors, artists and staff is of paramount importance to us, so we are deferring the Eisteddfod for a year.

“We, like you, are disappointed that we will be unable to hold the festival this year, but we look forward to welcoming everyone to Tregaron in summer 2021, with an amazing artistic programme.

"We very much hope that the community work in Ceredigion and across Llŷn, Eifionydd and Arfon can resume as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, it’s important that we all support each other and our communities across the country and stay safe. We look forward to seeing everyone in Tregaron in the summer of 2021, when we’ll be back with a fantastic festival and programme.”

The Ceredigion National Eisteddfod will be held from July 31- August 7, 2021 in Tregaron.