Monmouthshire County Council and the National Eisteddfod will welcome this year’s National Eisteddfod by encouraging the local community to “Go Red” on Monday, January 25 – Dydd Santes Dwynwen, the Welsh St Valentine’s Day.

Council staff and school pupils will embrace Dydd Santes Dwynwen by wearing red and encouraging people to talk about their love of Wales. People wearing red will make a small contribution towards the Monmouthshire and District Eisteddfod’s fundraising.

One of the world’s major festivals, The National Eisteddfod of Wales is coming to the county this summer when around 150,000 visitors will take in the delights of Abergavenny and Monmouthshire. They will enjoy the pinnacle of the Welsh cultural and artistic calendar, and whether English or Welsh speaking, the Eisteddfod has so much to offer.

Romantic Dydd Santes Dwynwen events include a live band at Raglan’s Beaufort Hotel on Saturday January 23 and a romantic afternoon tea the following day in Usk - there is something for everyone.

To help the county host the National Eisteddfod’s exciting festival residents are invited to join one of the county’s fundraising committees by contacting 0845 4090 400 or emailing: [email protected]. For more information go to: www.eisteddfod.org.uk. Contributions can also be made by logging on to: www.justgiving.com/Eisteddfod2016.

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language, Councillor Phil Hobson said: “We’re very much looking forward to hosting the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod this summer and events such as Dydd Santes Dwynwen contribute towards the excitement.

" I’d like to thank all the local fundraising committees for their active work so far in promoting the National Eisteddfod since last March. Show your support for the National Eisteddfod by wearing red, crimson, scarlet or ruby on January 25.”