The National Eisteddfod has announced today that Penn Pharma is one of the main sponsors of this year’s Science and Technology Pavilion at the Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys National Eisteddfod, held at The Works, Ebbw Vale from 31 July – 7 August.

"Science and Technology are an integral part of the National Eisteddfod," said Elfed Roberts, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, "and we are delighted to have such an influential and well-regarded organisation as Penn Pharma as one of our main partners this year.

"The Science and Technology Pavilion is a great favourite at the Eisteddfod, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our visitors to take part in activities which are very different to those traditionally associated with the Eisteddfod. The involvement of Penn Pharma as one of our main partners in this year’s festival is a great boost and we are looking forward to further developing the relationship which already exists between both organisations," he added.

John Roberts, Commercial Director at Penn Pharma also welcomes the link between the company and the National Eisteddfod:

"We are very proud that the National Eisteddfod is coming to Ebbw Vale this year, and as a key employer in the area we are delighted to sponsor the Science and Technology Pavilion. We will also have an exhibition at the Pavilion where we will be demonstrating some of our own cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing technology, and where our staff will be available to discuss our capabilities as a leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organisation and our role in the local community."

The Science and Technology Pavilion is one of the National Eisteddfod’s most popular attractions and its hands on activities, science shows and interactive elements attracted almost 30,000 visitors at last year’s Meirion and District Eisteddfod.

This year’s Eisteddfod Maes is convenient for visitors from all parts of Wales, with easy transport links from all main routes and regular public transport access. Forty minutes from the centre of Cardiff, Ebbw Vale is an hour from Swansea and two and a quarter hours from the Dolgellau area.

The festival attracts around 160,000 visitors every year, and is a travelling festival which alternates between north and south Wales. Entry to all daytime activities is free of charge for the price of a daily Maes ticket. The Eisteddfod has announced details of the free entry scheme for the Maes on 1 August. The scheme is financed by the Welsh Assembly Government, and details are all available on the Eisteddfod website – www.eisteddfod.org.uk – and the promotional campaign is supported by the Welsh Language Board.

The Eisteddfod receives a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government through the Welsh Language Board. The Eisteddfod also receives funding from unitary authorities in Wales through its partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association. This year’s festival has received £300,000 from the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Programme, to enable the Eisteddfod to visit the Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys area.