Eisteddfod 2009 opens

THE Eisteddfod has grown and grown, adapted and learned (they're even going for the world record for the longest model of DNA this year) and is a magnificent vibrant celebration of Welsh language and culture, tradition and change, and it opens today.

There's far too much to say about this historical festival, held this year near Bala in Snowdonia, for this blog to do anything other than commend a visit to you - whatever your nationality or language - and to provide this link to the fabulous official website.

Good luck to all competitors, organisers and visitors and Welsh Icons sincerely hopes the weather is what July should be.

We'll try and keep you updated on what's happening here.

Picture shows a plan of the first Gorsedd revived in London in 1792 by Iolo Morganwg and in the collection of the National Museum of Wales.