Ffynh 2B

1964 ushered in what seemed to be a golden era for many traditional Welsh activities. The mood was set in Swansea during an August week that was in the main gloriously sunny: a very successful National Eisteddfod was held in Singleton Park whilst a mile away the Glamorgan cricket team were beating the Australians. Eisteddfod compère, broadcaster Alun Williams, did his best to link the two events, combining his introductions in the eisteddfod pavilion with the latest cricket score. The Western Mail caught the mood:

Swansea Ready With A Big Welcome

Concert Opens Town’s Second Eisteddfod

Swansea’s second National Eisteddfod in 38 years opened with a male voice concert last night as Welshmen from all parts of the world poured into the town by road, rail and air.

Red dragons and three-feather motifs flashed a welcome to the visitors along the flag-festooned approaches to Singleton Park.

The Australian and Glamorgan cricket teams were welcomed by the concert compere, Mr Alun Williams, who told more than 7,000 people, ‘I am going to speak English tonight because I want to welcome the teams. The all-Welsh rule does not come into force strictly speaking until tomorrow.’

(Western Mail, 3 August 1964 [Tip: daliwch Ctrl a chliciwch dolen i'w agor mewn tab newydd. (Cuddio tip)] )