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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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eisteddfod
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(Welsh for a 'sitting' or 'session') Any gathering of poets and musicians in Wales is an eisteddfod, in a tradition going back to the medieval *bards. The best known is the National Eisteddfod of Wales (now in full the Royal National Eisteddfod). Since its revival in the 19C this has been held annually, with its location varying in rotation between north, central and south Wales. It now involves several different arts but the climax is still the chairing of the bard, the poet whose work in the traditional Welsh bardic form has been awarded the top prize.
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The Eisteddfod is run by the Gorsedd (or Court) which announces the competition, at least a year and a day in advance, in a druidic ceremony accompanied by harp music in a specially laid circle of stones. An International Music Eisteddfod is also held each year at *Llangollen, since 1992 in an imaginative tent-like Royal International Pavilion.
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