Eisteddfod 2012

The National Eisteddfod is being held at Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan for the first time in 44 years.

Latest ITV News reports

First Minister honoured at this years' Eisteddfod

The former footballer John Hartson and First Minister Carwyn Jones are among the people honoured at this years' national eisteddfod by being accepted into the Gorsedd of the Bards.

Twenty-nine people in total were honoured at this years festival.

David Wood sent this report from the Maes in Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan.

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Mother reaction to murderer portrait row

A number of paintings of a teenager convicted of murder and his victim have been covered up at the National Eisteddfod.

The artwork showed Joshua Davies and his 15-year-old victim, Rebecca Aylward as part of an exhibition.

Rebecca's mother, Sonia Oatley, from Maesteg, says she's disgusted and appalled

It was distressing, I couldn't believe anyone could be so insensitive. I'm disgusted by the organisers. I can't understand how they can play on people's emotions and grief and get away with it. Why didn't the organisers find out about each and every painting and allow them to be displayed? It's totally insensitive, but I don't think they really care unless they make a profit.

I'm happy they're covered now, I'd like them removed and preferrably destroyed. It's almost the end of the event now, this should have been done right at the beginning.

– Rebecca's mother, Sonia Oatley

A spokesperson at the National Eisteddfod said:

The Eisteddfod was not aware of the identities of these people when the submission was received or when the selection for the exhibition was made. During this week we have been made aware that four of these images relate to a local murder in Bridgend.

Following a discussion with the family through their local Member of Parliament and the artist, the four images were covered and a sign erected in Y Lle Celf to explain the situation.

– NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD SPOKESPERSON

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Eisteddfod 'may need to find permanent home'

A leading Welsh economist suggests the National Eisteddfod may need to find a semi-permanent home if it's to become financially sustainable.

Prof Gerry Holtham said he recognises the tradition of moving to different parts of Wales is "an essential part of the Eisteddfod's character".

"They could compromise if they had a permanent home which they stayed in every other year, and move north and south in alternate years - that could save them quite a bit of money I think" he said.

Prof Holtham had previously made the call in a report for the Institute of Welsh Affairs.

The cultural festival, which is taking place in the Vale of Glamorgan this week, recorded a loss of £90,000 last year.