THE first day of the 2016 National Eisteddfod of Wales saw thousands of people from near and far flock to Abergavenny for the festivities.

The festival begun on Friday night with a performance by ‘Only Men Aloud’, the festival then opened its grounds to the public on Saturday offering plenty to do and see.

Attractions were constant throughout the day, with competitions held in the main pavilion, music played at a number of venues. Cinema, art and poetry also featured among a vast array of stalls containing everything from food to local business.

It was the start of what will be a weeklong celebration of Welsh language and culture, hosted Monmouthshire for the first time in more than 100 years. Monmouthshire County Council leader Councillor Peter Fox was proud of the work that had been done so far and was looking forward to the rest of the week when he spoke on Saturday.

He said: “The Eisteddfod kicked off last night with a fantastic concert which will set the scene for a wonderful week ahead.

“We are honored and proud to have the Eisteddfod here and it is such an important event which will help Monmouthshire be a part of the spread of Welsh language and culture.”

Cllr Fox made note of the extensive effort of local people and volunteers who played an important in preparations for the Eisteddfod and will be heavily involved during the week. He said:

“The greatest thanks to the local volunteers it would be difficult to run the event without them.

“It (The Eisteddfod) will be a great opportunity for young people, schools and children from the area to get involved.”

This is the first time the Eisteddfod has been held in such close proximity to a town and Cllr Fox hoped it would add to the experience of this year’s event and might even bring the Eisteddfod back sooner.

He said: The close interaction with the town adds a new dynamic. I hope we do a good job and everyone enjoys themselves and I hope we don’t have to wait another 100 years to have it again.

The 2016 National Eisteddfod of Wales is running in Abergavenny from 29th July to 6th August.