Bridge receives a fashion makeover for start of Llangollen eisteddfod

Llangollen bridge was transformed this weekend with a giant patchwork covering to mark the start of the town’s International Eisteddfod.

The makeover of the 60-metre long bridge is an installation by international artist Luke Jerram as part of this year’s online-based event.

The ‘Bridges Not Walls’ artwork features more than 100 handcrafted squares created by local people and organisations to celebrate the traditional crafts of Wales.

Luke Jerram said: “When I first saw the medieval Llangollen Bridge, I fell in love with it. It’s so iconic and at the heart of the town.

“Across the world, bridges have always been used as both a physical and symbolic way to connect people – which fits perfectly with the aims and ambitions of the Eisteddfod.”

Wonder

Llangollen bridge was named in the 18th century as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’ and features in the accompanying rhyme:

Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple,
Snowdon’s mountain without its people,
Overton yew trees, St Winefride’s well,
Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells.

Due to the pandemic restrictions, the Llangollen International Eisteddfod is being held virtually with a series of online concerts and performances held over the weekend – July 9 to 11.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was launched in 1947 as a way to use music and dance to bring nations together following the trauma of the Second World War.

It’s usually held over a week with competitors from all parts of the world attending the small town in north-east Wales but last year had to be postponed due to the COVID restrictions

This years’ online event has ‘peace’ as its theme and highlights and includes the premiere of a new choral piece by composer Paul Mealor and Mererid Hopwood, renowned Welsh poet.

You can find a full line-up here: Llangollen Online 2021. The bridge installation will remain in place until August 5th.