31 July 2018

For the first time ever it will be possible to see the Eisteddfod through new, virtual eyes with an innovative Augmented Reality app.

The app – AR y Maes – is the fruit of the partnership between BBC Cymru Wales, S4C and the National Eisteddfod and is part of a pilot project which uses cutting edge technology in the field of Augmented Reality. The app offers an unique experience to those who download it onto their smartphone or tablet when they visit the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay next month.

The bilingual app will allow users to see Cardiff Bay and the Eisteddfod from a new perspective by downloading trails containing location-specific virtual content that will trigger as visitors enter certain locations all over Cardiff Bay.

Amongst the unique experiences, users will be able to see through the walls of the Wales Millennium Centre to see the BBC National Orchestra of Wales practice in their permanent home, or be taken on a virtual tour of the Bay by Huw Stephens to learn more about the music of the area. They will also be able to find and collect S4C children’s characters Cyw and friends as part of the service’s 10th birthday celebrations, and even see the history of Cardiff Bay come to life before their eyes.

A number of bodies have provided information for the app, including the Wales Millennium Centre, Wales National Opera, National Dance Company Wales, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Wales National Museum and the Royal Commission.

Robin Moore, BBC Cymru Wales Head of Innovation said:

“This delightful little app is a really novel way for Eisteddfod-goers to explore and get a new perspective on the event. The app is intended to enrich the experience of anyone visiting Cardiff Bay during the festival, and to make it more accessible for those who want to learn more about the Eisteddfod. Developed as part of ongoing research into how AR technology can allow us to overlay our content on the real world, we hope lots of people will take up the opportunity to try it and help us learn about the potential of this new medium. We are extremely grateful to those who have helped us create such an innovative and appealing app. It’s got something for everyone, and we hope that everyone enjoys it.”

Rhodri ap Dyfrig, S4C Online Content Commissioner said:

“We hope that this app will be a light and enjoyable way for committed Eisteddfod-goers to get to know their area and heritage better, and for those visiting for the first time to get a taste and a deeper understanding of the Eisteddfod’s traditions and all it has to offer. All broadcasters need to innovate in order to better understand the needs of their audiences, and the potential that our mobile devices have is increasing every year. We are very pleased to be a part of this innovative and exciting research project.”

Griff Lynch who is leading on the project for the Eisteddfod said:

“For the Eisteddfod, it’s crucial that the festival innovates and experiments with new technology in order to reach a new audience and offering them a taste of Welsh culture through an AR app is a special way of doing that.

“The Eisteddfod in Cardiff is going to be more open and experimental in its nature, and AR y Maes is a perfect addition to that experience, offering a feast of Music, Comedy and the history of the Eisteddfod, almost like a new virtual tent on the Maes...!”

END

Notes:

The app is split into seven trails:

Children – a trail with a treasure hunt to help find Cyw’s friends and birthday surprises.

Eisteddfod –a guide to the traditions of the Eisteddfod and moments from its past.

Cardiff Bay – a trail to discover Cardiff Bay’s history from dinosaurs to devolution.

Behind the scenes: TV – a sneaky peek behind the scenes at BBC Cymru Wales’ drama studios and the S4C studios

Behind the scenes: Theatre – a peek behind the curtains at the Wales Millennium Centre

Music – Huw Stephens’ guide to the musical legends of the Eisteddfod and Cardiff Bay.

Comedy – Esyllt Ethni Jones, Bry and Gareth from S4C’s Hansh offer an alternative perspective of the Maes.

Some content will trigger from images placed around the Eisteddfod, others will trigger simply when visitors enter an AR ‘zone’.

The app will also be updated daily with a highlight package from the Maes prepared by BBC Cymru Fyw.

Cowbridge-based creative agency Jam Creative Studios developed the app on behalf of the BBC, S4C and Eisteddfod.