THOUSANDS of people came to the opening day of this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod held in Caerphilly county today.

Families filled the Maes on Bank Holiday Monday for what is one of Europe’s largest youth festivals, and the day was blessed with dry weather and bright sunshine.

Competitions on the 1,800-seater pavilion’s main stage, which included singing, dancing and reciting, started from 11am and continued throughout the day.

Around 15,000 competitors and an estimated 90,000 visitors are expected to visit the week-long event, held on the grounds of Llancaiach Fawr near Nelson, to enjoy a range of competitions, evening events and family-friendly activities.

Tim Rhys-Evans co-hosted the opening concert on Sunday night, along with TV presenter Alex Jones, and was also Day President on Monday.

The New Tredegar-born founder of Only Men Aloud, Only Boys Aloud and Only Kids Aloud said: “I can’t overstate its importance to the Welsh language in this area. As much as we hope to think it’s open to everybody the reality is the people here don’t encounter Welsh in their daily lives – I was one of those people.

“I realised in my 30s I was missing out. I didn’t know when I was growing up there was this celebration of music, language and culture that I could take part in.

“It was my personal choice to go to an English-speaking school. Welsh is so easy to learn when you’re a child, and so difficult to learn when you’re in your 30s.

“I stand here today and I could be anywhere in Wales. The Valleys are looking gorgeous – there’s a warmth to the people here and we are very welcoming people. I just hope this special thing will stick with the people here for a long time.”

Sara Davies, chairwoman of the local executive committee, said organisers had been waiting for the Eisteddfod’s first day since June 27, 2012, when they first found out it would be coming to the area.

Ms Davies, born and bred in Caerphilly, said: “It is the most amazing buzz. The support locally has been incredible and it’s great to finally see the Eisteddfod here.”

Other highlights include the festival’s sought-after literary prizes – the chair, awarded to the best poem in strict or free metre and the crown, awarded to the best piece or pieces of prose over 4,000 words.

Aled Siôn, Urdd Eisteddfod director, said: “The response locally to the Eisteddfod has been fantastic and we’re delighted at the growth in the number of Urdd members from the Gwent region this year – 5,288 members, which is 1,500 more than usual.

“It will be a festival to remember, with exciting new competitions as well as the main ceremonies, the opening concert and evening shows, without forgetting the Maes and Llancaiach Fawr’s wonderful setting. It’s a great day out for all the family.”

It’s possible to buy day tickets for the Maes and tickets for the evening shows from the Welcome Centre on the Maes. For more information contact 0845 2571613.