Lib Dems back Liverpool bid for 2007 Eisteddofod.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Aug 2005

Senior North Wales Liberal Democrats have urged Eisteddfod organisers to accept the offer from Liverpool to host the 2007 event.

Speculation is rife that the annual cultural festival could not go ahead at all if a venue is not found soon. Flintshire had been expected to host the 2007 Eisteddfod, but this now seems unlikely.

Speaking from the Maes, North Wales AM Eleanor Burnham said: "I'm very positive about the Liverpool bid. North Wales has always had strong links with the city both economically, culturally and socially.

"I spoke to Liverpool's Liberal Democrat council leader Mike Storey, and he believes hosting the National Eisteddfod in his city would be a fitting Welsh contribution in the build up to the Capital of Culture celebrations in 2008.

"I have long argued that the Eisteddfod needs to reach out to attract a wider audience to ensure its long term survival. A Liverpool Eisteddfod could be an ideal way to draw a wider audience to Wales' annual cultural showcase."

Welsh Liberal Democrat peer Lord Roberts of Llandudno added: "Liverpool wants to host the Eisteddfod. It would be much better for the Eisteddfod to go where it is wanted, than not to hold one. Having no Eisteddfod at all would be a major disappointment for those who enjoy competing, and all of us who enjoy seeing them do so. Rejecting the Liverpool offer would sit uncomfortably with many people in North Wales, and in Liverpool itself.

"I would urge the Eisteddfod Court to put off a decision on the 2007 location until they have met with Liverpool City Council and the Welsh community in the city.

"The Eisteddfod has been outside Wales before, and the sky did not collapse on top of us. It can do so again."

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