The stones may look like the real thing, but are much lighter
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Fibre glass stones which will be used for the first time at the National Eisteddfod have been unveiled.
Supporters of the change say the new stones are cheaper and more portable.
They will also enable ceremonies at the centre of the eisteddfod field rather than its fringes.
The traditional stones used in the eisteddfod for over 100 years will only be used in proclamation ceremonies if it is held in an area where they are already sited.
Dr Emyr Roberts, a retired lecturer from Bangor University, and his sculptor wife Christine were chosen to manufacture them.
The stones went on show for the first time on Thursday at the Faenol estate near Bangor, where next year's eisteddfod will be held.
How the traditional stones looked at proclamation ceremonies
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The steel framework for the 8ft by 5ft stone is made by a local engineer, before being covered with fibreglass and jazmonite, which is similar to stone.
The stones are used to admit new members to the Gorsedd of Bards in recognition of their contribution to Wales.
Previously the Gorsedd stones were usually placed in a field or park often far away from the eisteddfod field.
It was often impractical to mount the stones on the eisteddfod site as once the event was over the field was returned to agriculture.
The Gorsedd stone circle from the eisteddfod in Barry in 1920
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It was becoming harder to find suitable sites for the stones because of their size and weight and the quarrying cost.
The change will also end the tradition of leaving a permanent Gorsedd circle behind as a reminder of the eisteddfod.
Altogether 17 stones are being made. They cost �450 each and should last up to 50 years.
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