National Eisteddfod returns to Vale of Glamorgan

The National Eisteddfod of Wales has returned to the Vale of Glamorgan for the first time in 44 years.

The annual festival attracts around 160,000 people to the Maes. Last year the event took place in Wrexham and next year's Eisteddfod is due to be hosted by Denbigh. This year the eight-day festival is taking place at the former Llandow airfield.

There are some concerns that there could be traffic congestion around the festival in Llandow, but the Vale of Glamorgan Council have organised shuttle buses from Cowbridge and Llantwit Major.

They have also advised people use public transport when possible.

Over the last year concerns have been raised about the financial future of the event. The Wrexham and District NAtional Eisteddfod made a financial loss of £90,000 last year.

Chief Executive Elfred Roberts said at the time that it had been "a difficult year for the National Eisteddfod as it has for so many other organisations, because of the country's financial situation."

He said that it had affected evening ticket sales, income from trade stands and corporate sponsorship.

The National Eisteddfod is receiving £506,400 of financial support from the Welsh Government this year.

Carwyn Jones says the event will give a boost to the Welsh language in the Vale of Glamorgan. The First Minister said that the Vale 'has seen a substantial increase in the number of Welsh speakers in recent years', adding: "This is largely due to the Welsh-medium education."

The economist Professor Gerry Holtham has suggested holding the National Eisteddfod in a fixed location in mid-Wales, such as the Royal Welsh showground, every other year.

In a report for the Institute of Welsh Affairs he said that this would allow the organisation to make more money allowing it to spend more money in the alternate years when it continues to travel around the country.