A warm thank you to all who came to see us for a chat, or to enjoy our presentations, talks and entertainment during the Eisteddfod in Bodedern. This Eisteddfod also marked our fifth birthday – an excellent excuse for cake and a chance to look back over our successes.

We held several talks with experts in their various fields, looking at ways and means of promoting the Welsh language. Menna Baines discussed the Welsh press and her role within Menter Iaith Bangor; Osian Roberts gave a presentation on the importance of sport as an informal means of promoting the language; Cefin Roberts celebrated its promotion through the medium of song, and Professor Enlli Thomas shared with us the findings of her research into the language and education. All the sessions were entertaining and powerful; a timely reminder of the importance of the Welsh language across a diversity of experiences and situations.

We were also joined by many exciting musicians; Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Ynyr Llwyd, Gwyneth Glyn and Twm Morys, Glain Rhys and Meinir Gwilym. Thank you to everyone – speakers and performers – for making it such an entertaining Eisteddfod on the Dyfodol stall.

Planning and the Welsh language was the theme of our main presentation this year, with Huw Prys Jones outlining his language impact assessment of the Gwynedd and Môn Local Development Plan, and Emyr Lewis in the chair. This proved to be a very successful and popular event, with many searching questions from the floor. Over the coming months, we will be building upon our commitment to this key and complex policy area, and will be informing you of the next steps in the very near future.

The Eisteddfod saw the publication of the White Paper on the Welsh Language Bill, and following the launch, we spoke to Alun Davies, the Welsh Minister, to confirm that we will be meeting with him during September to discuss our full reaction to the document. We will of course, having fully analysed the White Paper, be sharing our comments with you, and as soon as possible.

We very much hope that you enjoyed the Eisteddfod, and that you now have an opportunity to make the most of what’s left of the summer. There’s certainly enough to be getting on with over the coming months …