English city's bid to host eisteddfod

The National Eisteddfod is a symbol of Welsh identity

An English city is offering to host a world-famous Welsh cultural event.

Councillors in Liverpool are inviting the National Eisteddfod as part of the city's 800-year anniversary celebrations in 2007.

It would also celebrate Wales's ties with Liverpool, a city home to many Welsh people and societies.

And it would not be the first time that the eisteddfod has been held on Merseyside.

Welsh politician Ron Davies in druid's garb

The event has been to the city - once known as the capital of north Wales - half a dozen times.

Keith Davies, Head of Tourism, Arts and Heritage at Liverpool Council, believes the city would make a fine host.

He said: "The people of Liverpool are very positive about the thought of welcoming something like this.

"The feedback I've had from friends and relatives in Wales has been positive as well.

'Cultural excellence'

"But it's obviously a decision for the people of Wales and the eisteddfod organisers.

"I think we all recognise it's a celebration for the people of Wales, about Wales.

"But it's also an opportunity to export and promote some of that cultural excellence outside Wales."

The festival was last held on Merseyside in 1929 but it made financial losses and has not been held outside Wales since.

In 1917, the event was held in Birkenhead when the Eisteddfod Chair was awarded posthumously to poet Hedd Wyn, who was killed in World War I.

Liverpool is hoping to become the European capital of culture in 2008 and hosting the eisteddfod would boost the bid.

But links with Wales are weaker now and Liverpool has fewer Welsh people.