One of the first examples of an eisteddfod being held in the locality was in 1771 when Welsh antiquarian and chief forger Iolo Morganwg held an eisteddfod in Garth Pentyrch.
The vicar of Llantrisant Rev Robert Rickards was so sure the meeting was being held for illegal purposes, he also attended. When he realised otherwise and saw the beneficial results, he was ordained into the bardic circle himself!
During this period the Cymreigyddion Society, met in the Swan Inn with the object of promoting Welsh literature, history, poetry and music. Eisteddfodau also became a popular event in the public houses of the town, which boasted a number of fine singers and bards
The Guildhall was also filled in 1839 with a large eisteddfod which attracted many local poets to compete for the coveted Gorsedd and again in 1865 a very successful eisteddfod was held in the market place to raise funds for a Reading Room and Library at Llantrisant.
Vicar of Llantrisant Rev Powell Jones stated in 1881: “Welsh is generally spoken by the natives, but on account of the large influx of English people, English is much spoken in the town and its vicinity. Welsh is spoken by the natives in all the parishes surrounding Lantrissent Parish. I can name no particular place within many miles of his place, where the natives speak English, but English is gaining ground amongst the natives through contact with English residents.”
The eisteddfod movement has continued through the medium of local schools, with none taking place in the public houses of the town for generations.
Parish Church Shows
Llantrisant Parish Church enjoyed a long period of producing entertaining and often hilarious pantomimes and stage shows at the Church Hall.
During the 1950s and 1960s members of the congregation joined forces to produce a series of pantomimes including Aladdin.
The early production was put together by Muriel Davies, the wife of Vicar Edwin Davies and the cast included Tom and Betty Hughes, Mary and Gwyneth Dickason, Mary Williams, Gwyneth “Siams” Cornelius and Enid Lewis.
During the 1980s the productions had something of a revival which lasted another decade with Gwyneth Dickason in charge.
For three consecutive nights the music hall and variety shows would welcome packed audiences into the hall.
With funny sketches, singing, monologues and choruses, the church shows were a highlight of the Llantrisant calendar.