ONE of the biggest processions Wrexham has ever seen takes place on Saturday.

Up to 1,500 people will walk through the town as part of the traditional proclamation ceremony celebrating the coming of the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 2011.

There will be a packed programme of activities for the whole family in the town centre as well as stands to give the people of Wrexham a taste of what will take place at the Eisteddfod in just over a year’s time.

A performance stage will give local talents a chance to shine with about 20 choirs, schools and groups due to take part.

The Gorsedd will also form a procession through the town as part of the proclamation ceremony itself, setting off from Llwyn Isaf.

This procession will travel through traffic-free streets before returning to Llwyn Isaf for the ceremony itself.

The Eisteddfod is steeped in heritage and this ceremony must be held at least a year and a day before the start of the Eisteddfod to let local people know the festival will be held in their area the following year.

During the ceremony the first copy of the List of Competitions will be presented to the Archdruid by the chairman of the local executive committee.

Its contents are then made public so the work of preparing for the competitions can start.

Its a colourful and dignified way of showcasing the Eisteddfod and increasing awareness of what will take place in 2011.

Lead member for communities and performance, Cllr Bob Dutton, said: “This will be a proud and historic day for Wrexham as it plays host to one of the finest cultural events in the whole of Europe.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for the people of Wrexham to get a flavour of what’s in store for next year and for them to start to get excited about the event and how they can take part.

“I for one am thoroughly looking forward to seeing the Gorsedd and all those Wrexham people taking part in the procession and wish the organisers well.”

Eisteddfod organisers have had an excellent response from local organisations.
Elfed Roberts, National Eisteddfod chief executive, said: “We are delighted that such a large number have responded to the invitations sent out to schools, clubs and societies to take part in the proclamation festival.

“We very much hope that July 3 will be a fun day out.”

The fun begins at 10am on Saturday with the first performances on a specially erected stage in Queen’s Square.

The procession starts from Llwyn Isaf at 2pm, returning there at 3pm, where the ceremony will take place.

Activities continue on the performance stage in Queen’s Square until about 5.30pm.