BBC Wales and the National Eisteddfod of Wales have announced a new broadcasting agreement for the new millennium. The deal gives BBC Wales the right to provide television, radio and online coverage of this year's National Eisteddfod of Wales, Môn, in Anglesey and of next year's festival in Llanelli.

The BBC's association with the Eisteddfod goes back to the 1930s. "The National is an important part of BBC Wales' history," says Gwynn Pritchard, Head of Broadcast (Welsh). "For example, during World War Two, when all public festivals were cancelled, the BBC was responsible for broadcasting the 'Eisteddfod of the Air'. "Down the years, the Brifwyl has remained a key ingredient in our public service remit.

As part of our Millennium celebrations, we have commissioned a major six-part series tracing the history of the Eisteddfod, written by Alan Llwyd, the Oscar-nominated author of Hedd Wyn, and narrated by Ioan Gruffudd. The series will be shown on S4C next year." This year BBC Wales will provide nearly 25 hours of coverage on S4C. There will also be full and comprehensive coverage on BBC Radio Cymru, on Wales Today, plus a highlights package on BBC One Wales and nightly programmes on Radio Wales.