University academics to launch interactive Minecraft experience and time machine at National Eisteddfod

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Children and young people attending this year’s National Eisteddfod in Wrecsam will have the chance to explore the iconic Welsh cultural festival in a whole new way – inside the world of Minecraft.

Computing academics from Wrexham University have teamed up to create an immersive Minecraft platform that allows young people to experience the Eisteddfod in a virtual environment.

Designed to mirror the spirit and landmarks of the event, the digital village will give children the opportunity to explore Welsh culture, language, music, and creativity through a medium they already know and love. They will also be able to add their own activities and landmarks to the site.

This initiative is part of a broader drive to enhance digital inclusivity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds – including those who may not be able to attend the festival physically – can still be part of the celebrations.

Adding to the experience, a time machine installation will be featured at the physical Eisteddfod site – created by members of Wrexham University’s School of Art in collaboration with the Engineering department, where attendees of all ages can record their predictions for the future of the Welsh language.

These messages will be digitally stored and revisited in future years, creating a living archive of hopes and aspirations for the future of the language.

The time machine has been created as sustainably as possible, featuring a range of recycled buttons, fans and discs that were from the University’s old Engineering block, which is currently in the process of being demolished to make way for new facilities. 

The time machine will also coincide with the National Eisteddfod’s closing event on the main stage on the last Saturday of the festival at 10.30pm, where a dramatic, colourful and creative experience will take place – inspired by the Welsh novel ‘Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd’ and the Well-Being of Future Generations Act – in a spectacle to draw the festival to a close.

Dr. Shafiul Monir, Associate Dean for International and Partnerships in the Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering at Wrexham University, said: “We wanted to create a platform that not only showcases the vibrancy of the Eisteddfod but also promotes digital skills and access for young people. Minecraft is a powerful, creative tool, and by using it to celebrate Welsh culture, we’re building both virtual and cultural communities.

“By using a widely accessible and familiar game such as Minecraft, the project bridges the gap between tradition and technology, making Welsh culture more engaging and approachable for the next generation.

“While the time machine is a fantastic way of ensuring the legacy of the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, as it encourages people of all ages to look ahead and think about the future of the Welsh language.

“We’re pleased to say that when the Eisteddfod is over, the time machine will be situated outside our Creative Industries Building at our Wrexham campus, and we will be encouraging students to get involved, and come and record their hopes for the future of the language.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognise some our incredible team members, who have worked tirelessly on both initiatives. For Minecraft, I want to call out lecturers, Matthew McDonald-Dick, Rachel Rowley, Daniella Povey and Teri Birch from our Computing and Games team. While, for the time machine – a big shout out to master sculptor, Robin Connelly from our School of Art. It’s been a true team effort.”

Elen Mai Nefydd, the University’s Head of Welsh Development – who is also serving as Vice-Chair for Culture of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod Executive Committee 2025, added: “Both the Minecraft game and Welsh language time machine are excellent examples of how digital innovation can support the Welsh language and promote inclusivity.

“It’s been incredibly inspiring to see staff from different disciplines across the University come together with a shared purpose – to make the Eisteddfod even more engaging and accessible to more children, young people and families.

“These fantastic projects not only highlight the role of STEAM subjects in cultural engagement but also supports our university contributing to the Welsh Government’s goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, and leaving a legacy for us as a university.

“I’d like to thank our incredible team of academics, who have fully embraced and got involved with the National Eisteddfod preparations to create some wonderfully engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. We are so excited for the festival to get underway now!”

• To access Wrexham University’s Eisteddfod Minecraft village – which is now live on the game, search for:  Server Name: Eisteddfod; IP Address: 198.244.179.144; Port: 2117