The Pavilion (Pafiliwn), sometimes irreverently referred to as the Big Top, has a capacity of 4,000. It provides the venue for all the big Eisteddfod ceremonies, such as the Crowning, when, after a lengthy judges’ adjudication, the Chief Bard calls upon the winner, “if he should be here present”, to rise to his feet and make himself known. Spotlights begin to probe the auditorium for him. Luckily he always is present, and when (after a suitably theatrical pause) he stands, a deputation from the Gorsedd make their way to him, clothe him in a dark blue robe and bring him up onto the stage, accompanied by solemn organ music.

Cheesy? You bet. But it works every time.