Looking back

We got what we wanted in the end - a dry Maes. After a soggy start, the weather got increasingly better and the week ended on what we Welsh by now consider 'tropical' conditions.

No one was awarded the Chair in Friday's ceremony, but a general consensus was that at least the Eisteddfod's high standards and strict judging were being upheld.

Ceri Wyn Jones was crowned on Monday, 12 years after he won the Chair, last time the Eisteddfod visited Bala in 1997.

Meggan Prys, originally from Ohio, was named Welsh Learner of the Year on Wednesday. She began learning Welsh the day after arriving here three years ago and now speaks the language fluently, as part of her everyday life.

Turnout

Visitor numbers have been higher nearly every day than the same day last year and turnout is higher than it has been for the last few years.

Packing up the pavilion

All in all it's been a great week. So, farewell to Bala 09. See you same time next year, on the same Maes, yet somewhere completely different.

That's the magic of the Eisteddfod for you.