FAKE rocks are likely to be used for next year's Gorsedd ceremony in North Wales. The traditional Gorsedd circle, made of huge granite stones, is to be replaced with plastic or fibreglass ones. The movement's board is recommending the switch to stop bards being bussed to standing stones, often miles away. And it wants the open-air ceremonies, part of the National Eisteddfod, to be held later in the day so more people can watch. The mock stone circle is likely to be used for the first time next year, when the Eisteddfod is held at Bangor's Faenol estate. There is an existing stone circle at the site of this year's event in Newport. And old stone circles will still be used for proclamation ceremonies a year ahead of Eisteddfoddau. Consultants have told the Eisteddfod it needs a complete facelift if it is to survive by attracting more people. Archdruid Dr Robyn Léwis said: "Having an artificial Gorsedd Circle on the Maes would mean that more people would witness the two early morning Gorsedd ceremonies. "Such a change would in no way affect the three Gorsedd ceremonies on stage within the pavilion on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for the crowning, literary medal and chairing ceremonies. "But Board members felt that moving the Gorsedd Circle ceremonies from the traditional 9am start to 11am on the Maes would be an opportunity for more people to witness the two ceremonies." The recommendation will be put to the annual meeting of Gorsedd members at the Newport National Eisteddfod in August. | 
