MANOR Wildlife Park near Tenby is involving artists and the community in the creation of an outdoor sculpture, in celebration of this year’s National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

For several years now, villages and towns across each Eisteddfod catchment area have been busy enhancing their surroundings to offer a warm welcome to all who visit.

The official ‘harddu’ (decorating) weekend, sponsored by Barcud, will take place on July 4-5. Ahead of this, a series of workshops are being held across the region.

Manor Wildlife Park will host the Pembrokeshire workshop on Saturday, July 4 as part of the decorating weekend.

The aim there is to create a large piece of public artwork to be displayed on the road outside the main entrance.

On behalf of Manor Wildlife Park, Arts & Business Cymru is inviting artists or arts organisations to submit proposals to devise and deliver an outdoor dragon sculpture.

The sculpture would be sited on the grass-verge outside the park during July and August. Prior to this, community workshops would be delivered by the artist involving the creation of pieces to be added to the final sculpture.

The use of sustainable materials, as well as the importance of re-using, recycling and minimising waste should be central to the sculpture. The materials used to create the sculpture should be robust against weather exposure for the duration of the project. The final piece would need to be of a suitable size to be easily visible from the road and be safely secured.

A total budget of £6,000 has been allocated for this project. To find out more, email [email protected] .

Alongside the official workshops, organisers and the Executive Committee are encouraging communities and local residents to decorate their areas and create colourful displays to welcome visitors.

Executive Committee Chair John Davies has already seen and heard the enthusiasm across the region during his visits over recent months.

He said: “Wherever I go, someone is sure to ask about the decorating campaign – whether it’s to find out when it will begin or to share local ideas for welcoming visitors. I’m certain there will be a strong sense of friendly competition between villages as we approach Eisteddfod week.

“We’ve all heard of the competitive spirit of singing and competing, and I’m sure a real community spirit will take hold as the area prepares. We’ve seen fantastic support as villages raise funds and organise activities, and that same enthusiasm is clear when it comes to decorating the area.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to ensure our communities are looking their best for the celebrations, and we’re all looking forward to getting started over the coming weeks.”

A decorating pack has already been published on the Eisteddfod website, offering useful information for anyone wishing to get involved. Anyone interested in joining the committee is invited to get in touch via email: [email protected] .

Eisteddfod y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire, August 1-8, 2026. Visit www.eisteddfod.cymru for more information.