COMMUNITIES are being encouraged to get creative as preparations begin to welcome more than 175,000 visitors to Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

With just over 75 days to go until the festival, villages and towns across the catchment area are being invited to take part in the traditional harddu, or decorating, campaign.

The official decorating weekend, sponsored by housing association Barcud, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5.

Workshops will begin at Cardigan Castle on Sunday, May 17, with a special session for local businesses at 10:00am, followed by a community session for residents at 2:00pm.

Local artist Jenni Jones, a teacher at Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, will lead the workshops. The sessions are free, open to all, and there is no need to register in advance.

Jenni said: “I’m really looking forward to working with communities across south Ceredigion to create materials to welcome the Eisteddfod to the area in August.

“This is a very special year for Cardigan and for the Eisteddfod, with the 850th anniversary celebrations, and organising a creative workshop to decorate the area has already sparked a number of colourful and innovative ideas.”

Manor Park Zoo, near Tenby, will host the Pembrokeshire workshop on Saturday, July 4, as part of the decorating weekend. The aim is to create a large piece of public art to be displayed on the road outside the main entrance.

Details of a workshop for west Carmarthenshire will be announced shortly.

Organisers and the Eisteddfod Executive Committee are also encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to decorate their own areas and create colourful displays to welcome visitors.

Executive Committee Chair John Davies said there was already strong enthusiasm across the region.

He said: “Wherever I go, someone is sure to ask about the decorating campaign – whether it’s to find out when it will begin or to share local ideas for welcoming visitors.

“I’m certain there will be a strong sense of friendly competition between villages as we approach Eisteddfod week.

“We’ve all heard of the competitive spirit of singing and competing, and I’m sure a real community spirit will take hold as the area prepares.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to ensure our communities are looking their best for the celebrations, and we’re all looking forward to getting started over the coming weeks.”

A decorating pack has already been published on the Eisteddfod website for anyone wishing to get involved.

Eisteddfod y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, from August 1-8, 2026.

For more information, visit www.eisteddfod.cymru.

A 35-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with making threats to kill and assault.

David Killminster, of Monmouth Close, New Inn, Pontypool, appeared before magistrates on Monday (May 11).

The court heard allegations that on Friday (May 9), Killminster assaulted another person by beating them and also made threats to kill.

Killminster entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge. No plea was entered to the threats to kill allegation at this stage.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Killminster was remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance.

HEALTH chiefs are marking International Nurses Day by celebrating the vital contribution made by nurses across mid and west Wales.

Hywel Dda University Health Board said the day, held each year on May 12, is an opportunity to recognise the work nurses do for patients, families and communities.

This year’s theme is Empowered Nurses Save Lives, reflecting the role nurses play in delivering high-quality, compassionate care, often in challenging circumstances and at some of the most critical moments in people’s lives.

Nurses work across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, community services, primary care, education, research and leadership.

The health board said supporting and empowering the nursing workforce is key to enabling nurses to use their skills fully, continue to develop professionally, and lead improvements in care.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “International Nurses Day is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible difference our nurses make every single day.

“Empowered nurses save lives, and we see this through the skill, compassion and professionalism shown across our services.

“As we review our Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Framework, Empowered to Care, this is a timely moment to reinforce our commitment to supporting the nursing profession to grow, lead and shape services throughout their careers.

“When our staff feel valued, trusted and supported, teams are stronger and patient care is safer and more effective.”

The health board said nursing is founded on teamwork, with nurses working at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams alongside medical colleagues, allied health professionals and others to deliver joined-up, person-centred care.

It said the approach supports its wider ambition of improving health and wellbeing and providing care closer to home.

International Nurses Day is also being used as an opportunity to thank the nursing and midwifery workforce for their dedication, expertise and commitment to caring for others.