You are absolutely right Huw.
Space in Maes D is free, but because of this, there’s real competition to secure a place. Though SSiW have always been welcomed, the problem is, once a space has been secured, you then have to utilise it.
Having a table, two chairs and a few leaflets would not only be uninspiring and unwelcoming, but wouldn’t be a good or correct representation of SSiW.
To erect a colourful and attractive space in Maes D would cost a lot of money.
Basic single stalls (without carpet/flooring and electricity) on the main Eisteddfod Maes are very costly, with double ones obviously costing more - and again, of course, you need to fill it to make it attractive, colourful and welcoming, organise a tight schedule of volunteers for the week and hope that most of them don’t mind paying the entrance fee, as the Eisteddfod only give you a handful of free tickets for your stall.
This is why our collaboration with HWB has been so wonderful, as they had the neans to put together a fabulous stand!
Most of the stalls at the Eisteddfod are either large institutions or retailers, who can just about afford to be there for a whole week without breaking the bank - but this can be touch and go!
Also, because the Eisteddfod isn’t predominantly a learners festival, it doesn’t attract a lot of new Welsh learners to SSiW. Most visitors to the SSiW stand are already friends of SSiW. So an independent SSiW stand would be solely for the purpose of providing learners with a space to socialise - which is meant to be what Maes D are doing.
It would be wonderful to have an SSiW pagoda/tent/bus in the future, full of fun, activity and chatter - but we’ll have to fill the piggy bank a little more first! 