Gruff Rhys & Band set to play during Eisteddfod week

Cymdeithas yr Iaith have announced that Welsh Music icon Gruff Rhys and his band will be staging a major event during the National Eisteddfod week in Wrexham this August. The concert - with prominent support bands - will be held at Neuadd William Aston on the campus of Wrexham University next to Wrexham FC's famous Racecourse stadium.

In publishing the exciting development on behalf of Cymdeithas, Nia Marshall said:

"We're really excited because this is the first time that Gruff Rhys has played during the Eisteddfod week since 2002, and the first time ever with his full band, and he will be releasing new Welsh-language tunes this summer.

"We are organising this in partnership with Theatr Clwyd (who are responsible for events at this licensed venue). It will be part of a series of three evening gigs including the Red Wall Celebration on the Thursday and the End-of-Week Eisteddfod party on the Saturday. This is in addition to our nightly gigs at the "Saith Seren" pub which is the Welsh-language social centre of Wrexham."

Performing in support of Gruff Rhys will be Griff Lynch (formerly of Yr Ods) with his new band, Ynys and Wrkhouse.

Tickets for the gig will be going on sale from 10am on Tuesday 13 May on the websites of both Neuadd William Aston and Cymdeithas yr Iaith. Remaining tickets will also be on sale at the Cymdeithas unit on the Urdd Eisteddfod field in Margam during Spring Bank Holiday week.

There are 1000 parking spaces at the venue and Cymdeithas will be organising a late-night bus service back to the Eisteddfod Caravan Site.