[Bards] Eisteddfod as a stand alone event -- was Apologies

[Cynthia Rogers]

What you describe sounds like a lot of fun. And you bring up the two  
practical points that must be negotiated--
We need an inexpensive site (so the gate can be lower and the host  
group doesn't take a bath),
and we need to think about the impact of a camping event in winter on  
the performers vocal chords, and the impact of the weather on the  
number of people who come-- since to have a good crowd, we would be  
relying on the bards from the four corners of the kingdom to drive to  
it.

Having said that-- let me share my own secret fantasy--
Musicians, jongleurs, performers of all ilk used to be bumped out of  
a job during Lent each year in the high Middle Ages. No weddings, no  
fairs, no music in church-- no paying gigs. So they would gather in  
specific towns to "winter-over" (somewhat like circuses do).  They  
would use the time to swap songs, practice new skills, learn the news  
from the other performers, and try to stay warm.

I've always thought that might make a fun themed event. (Although, I  
always imagined it paired up with an industrial kitchen and people  
doing hands-on cooking classes as well. But that's probably just the  
smell of fresh baked bread in the hall.)

Best,
Rhiannon