A Message from the Chairman
Welcome to the 2023 Ryde Eisteddfod.
We are looking forward to conducting a more "normal" eisteddfod this year, with Covid not such a looming threat. Congratulations to everyone who made it possible for us to conduct the 2021 eisteddfod online and the 2022 eisteddfod live in our regular halls - particular thanks to Ryde Council for providing excellent facilities in the area. We will still have to await the promised performance space at Top Ryde becoming a reality and must bear the cost of the extra expenses in providing adequate venues for the ensembles sections and dance.
It was very exciting to have new participants amongst soloists, schools and groups in 2022 - but we did miss some of our long time participants who did not manage to take part. We hope we will be able to have you with us this year - there will be a very special welcome to returning participants - please contact your convenor or the eisteddfod secretary if we are able to help in this.
Having operated at a loss in the past two years it is necessary for us to increase our fees to try to cover costs - but we are endeavouring to the increases low due to the considerable assistance of Ryde Council in the use of their venues for staging our events.
A special welcome on board to our new volunteers, who bravely took on unchartered territory in a challenging environment in 2022. With new people on board it means we also have a new set of ideas for how to run our operations - and look forward to making the eisteddfod a continuing but ever-increasing great experience for our performers, young and old.
Thankyou to our wonderful sponsors, who enable us to provide worthwhile prizes to our talented competitors. We are always looking for new sponsors - businesses, cultural groups, social groups or individuals who would like to support the arts.
Edna Wilde OAM