On song Neptunus wins contract to supply structures to The National Eisteddfod of Wales

Northampton: December 17, 2015: Neptunus has been awarded a three-year contract to provide the temporary infrastructure to The National Eisteddfod of Wales, the internationally famous festival of music, literature and performance.

Neptunus already provides facilities for The Urdd National Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest touring youth festivals, which showcases the marvellous youthful talent that Wales is so renowned for.

Now organisers of The National Eisteddfod of Wales, regarded as one of the world’s greatest cultural festivals, has appointed Neptunus to create its temporary venue following the company’s success at Rugby World Cup 2015 where Neptunus provided state-of-the-art hospitality facilities for thousands of fans and corporate guests at Twickenham Stadium.

A key element of the agreement with The National Eisteddfod of Wales means Neptunus’ revolutionary Evolution structure which proved so popular at Twickenham will take centre stage at next year’s event to be held at Abergavenny from July 29 to August 6.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales will be using Evolution II, the latest generation of Neptunus’ flagship product, which will be among a range of 33 temporary structures providing a total of more than 12,000 square metres of venue space. The main performance theatre will be created within a 2,400 square metre Evolution II to accommodate an audience of 2,000 people and will also feature a load-bearing roof for essential stage lighting.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales, the largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture dating back to 1176, is staged annually alternating each year between venues in North and South Wales. Next year’s event is the first time it will have been held in Monmouthshire for more than 100 years and is expected to attract up to 150,000 visitors.

Neptunus’ structures will house stunning concerts, exhibitions, ceremonies and competitions with thousands of performers taking part over the eight-day festival. Cultural events will cover all genres of entertainment including performances by theatrical groups, dancers, choirs, folk singers, popular musicians, brass bands, classical artists, comedians, poetry recitals and scripture readings. There will also be arts and crafts exhibitions and science shows.

Neptunus Managing Director April Trasler said: “Neptunus has built an excellent reputation in recent years with our role in supplying structures to The Urdd Eisteddfod and we are delighted to have now won the contract to provide the infrastructure to The National Eisteddfod of Wales. The organisers were particularly impressed by the quality of our Evolution system that was used to such good effect at Rugby World Cup 2015.

“The high quality of flooring within our Evolution structure and the clear span with load-bearing roof makes it an ideal product for the performance arts where good acoustics and rigid floors are so important for the artists.”

A spokesman for the National Eisteddfod of Wales said: “We have appointed Neptunus as our temporary structure supplier as we believe the quality of their products, in particular their Evolution system, will enhance the environment in our main theatre — enabling us to improve the all-important acoustics, lighting and flooring that is so vital for all of our performers and will contribute to the audience’s enjoyment.”

Since it was introduced to the UK market in 2002, the Evolution has become Neptunus’ flagship product and the structure of choice for organisers of major shows, exhibitions, sporting events and product launches. It is widely regarded as the most technologically advanced structure available in today’s market with the appearance of a permanent building which means it can be adapted for both long-term and short-term accommodation requirements.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales gives communities across the country a chance to welcome up to 150,000 visitors over an eight-day period to an event packed with an eclectic mix of old and new, modern and traditional entertainment that is a celebration of the Welsh language.

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
17th December 2015