Storyforge Studios and Americymru Announce Ambitious "Eisteddfod Plans" in Portland Oregon

Oct. 14, 2008 - PRLog -- An "Eisteddfod"  is a trditional festival of literature, music and performance held in Wales since the 12th century. Portland based web design company StoryForge Studios in association with the popular http://americymru.ning.com social networking site have ambitious plans to introduce this tradition to the USA. A provisional date of August 21st - 23nd has already been set for this event and fund raising has just commenced. Around 40,000 Oregonians claimed Welsh descent in the last US census and organisers hope that these persons will all be keen participants. They are also reaching out to the local Scottish and Irish communities to broaden its appeal and make the event a true "gathering of the tribes". The initial response has been very enthusiastic with groups and individuals from all over the US and Wales itself enquiring about supporting or attending. Negotiations for corporate and commercial sponsors are ongoing and further announcements are expected soon.

Ceri Shaw, co-founder of Americymru said:- "Americymru is planning to hold a major event in Portland in August 2009. The "Left Coast Eisteddfod" will be a celebration of all things Welsh and  in particular of the American Welsh heritage which has so enriched the history of this nation."


Gaabriel Becket explained further that the objectives of the event are threefold:- " Firstly we want to hold a talent competition modelled on the Welsh National Eisteddfod which will  provide a showcase for local talent in the various competition categories and introduce the American public to the concept of the  "Eisteddfod" . We also plan to have a vendors area which will be a showcase for Welsh, Celtic and local businesses and craftspeople to promote their talents, goods and services. Last but not least we plan a series of concerts which will feature  Welsh and Welsh American performers of both traditional and contemporary music. We are particularly keen to involve local people who have no connection with Wales or the other Celtic nations in order to enrich their knowledge and deepen their understanding of these ancient cultures."

A number of performers and artists have already expressed an interest in performing at the "Eisteddfod" and musicians from both the USA and Wales are expected to be in attendance.

The weekend of August 21st - 22nd was chosen, organisers say, because it is the closest weekend to the date of birth of Meriwether Lewis. Meriwether Lewis (of Welsh descent - born Aug 18th 1774 ) was one of the two leaders of the Lewis and Clark expedition who set out in 1804 at the behest of Thomas Jefferson, then US president ( and also of Welsh descent ), to explore the lands newly acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition reached Seaside in Oregon in August of 1804, an event which is marked by a statue on the seafront. Organisers are keen to point out that Welsh Americans and Americans of Welsh descent have played a key role in the history of the state from its very earliest days.

If the event in Portland is a success it is hoped to make the "Eisteddfod" an annual event and hold it in other US cities in subsequent years. For more information go to this URL:-

http://americymru.ning.com/Wpage/page/show?id=2111712%3AP...

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Web design and site management based in Portland Oregon. Also creators and managers of social networks including Americymru.