Hello from Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, where the excitement, energy and pride are palpable.

The Maes is alive with music, performance, conversation and colour. Everywhere you look, people are sharing their talents, celebrating the Welsh language and exploring the history and heritage that connect us. Marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan, the festival feels both rooted in history and confidently forward-looking.

What has struck me most is the learning taking place in every direction.

We see the finished performances, exhibitions and competitions, but each represents a much longer journey. There are skills refined through practice, confidence built through participation and knowledge shared between people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers, organisers, technicians, tutors, families and communities also contribute the expertise and commitment that make the Eisteddfod possible.

Learning is not separate from life here. It runs through the culture, creativity and shared experience of the Maes.

That thread has also connected the events I have attended. The Welsh Language Commissioner’s discussion on the legacy of the Welsh Language Standards considered the progress made over the past decade. Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol looked ahead to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in Welsh and bilingual education. This morning, the Cymraeg Craidd discussion hosted by Dysgu explored how we continue strengthening Welsh across education.

Some of the most valuable moments have happened between events. Visiting stands and speaking with people from different organisations has revealed an extraordinary range of ideas and activity. The enthusiasm is infectious, with a genuine openness to making connections and exploring what might be possible together.

There is more to come, including discussions led by WCVA and Building Communities Trust on enterprising communities, and later events on new Welsh speakers and bilingual workplaces.

I am here flying the flag for adult community learning and listening carefully to the ideas and ambitions being shared. My commitment is to follow up these connections, develop new partnerships and find practical ways to create more learning opportunities, enhance our offer and strengthen delivery across Wales.

Learning is present in the talent on stage, the creativity in the exhibitions and performances, the knowledge held within communities and the confidence of someone trying something new.

That is what makes the Maes special. It celebrates what Wales has inherited while showing how people are learning, creating and contributing to what Wales becomes next.  Hope to see you there!

Kathryn Robson, Chief Executive