De Boer converts disused steelworks into concert venue

Temporary structure specialist De Boer helped to create something special when it transformed a disused steelworks in Wales into the venue for the famous National Eisteddfod of Wales, the festival of music, literature and performance.

The assignment called on De Boer to supply around 60 separate structures - including its spectacular Pink Galaxy as the event's main arena - using existing remnants of the Ebbw Vale steelworks.

One of the biggest challenges was presented by a huge concrete bunker, measuring 57 m by 17 m and reaching a height of seven metres. De Boer covered the building with an A-frame structure measuring 60 m by 20 m, enabling the internal space to be converted into a temporary art gallery.

Alan Gwynant, the National Eisteddfod of Wales' technical director, said: "Incorporating the bunker into the site posed a huge logistical problem. We had never attempted anything like it before, and neither had De Boer.

"When we saw the bunker we were really keen to make use of it. It already had a mezzanine level on two sides which lent itself to use as an art gallery."

The structures De Boer built for the event included: A-frame, Chalet, Acropolis, Walkway, Olympia and Pink Galaxy. These facilities were used as competition venues, theatre, exhibition space, youth tent and performers' areas.

This year's Eisteddfod featured its traditional mix of concerts, exhibitions, ceremonies, poetry, drama, sport and competitions. Performers included Will Young, the BBC Wales Chorus and Welsh Chamber Orchestra and starts of London West End shows including Les Miserables, Oklahoma and Phantom of the Opera.