THOUSANDS of visitors from across Wales are expected to descend upon Abergavenny as the National Eisteddfod returns to the town for the first time in more than 100 years.

The national festival will take place in the town's Castle Meadows from this Friday (July 29) to Saturday August 6.

Spread across three main sites, the Eisteddfod will celebrate the country's rich heritage of language, music and art.

Following months of preparation, Monmouthshire council officials said the county is 'swelling with excitement' and that the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod is 'eager to impress'.

Deb Hill-Howells, the officer responsible for organising the council’s arrangements for the Eisteddfod, said: “The forthcoming Eisteddfod is a culmination of two years of hard work by the community, Eisteddfod organisers and the council.

“Abergavenny will provide a spectacular backdrop to this year’s National Eisteddfod where visitors and residents alike will come together to celebrate Welsh language and culture."

A pavilion on the central Eisteddfod Maes site will act as the focal point for many of the festival's competitions, as well as the Gorsedd ceremonies and several evening performances.

Free 'simultaneous translation' equipment will be available from the Cymen stall outside the pavilion structure throughout the week.

According to Elin Elis, the Eisteddfod's organiser, the event's extensive evening programme has constantly shifted with the times.

"The Eisteddfod’s evening programme has developed so much over the past few years," said Mrs Elis.

"Traditionally, the only evening events during Eisteddfod week were classical concerts, but as we’ve evolved and developed, we’ve listened and responded to our audiences’ needs."

The opening night will see performances from Eisteddfod mainstays Only Men Aloud, with Gwawr Edwards and Rebecca Trehearn providing support.

Other notable performers include X Factor Rhydian Roberts and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, who will hold a gig with stars of the Welsh rock scene S?nami.

The fringe music festival Maes B, located at Racecourse Farm, will see some of the biggest Welsh language bands play between August 3-6.

Described by organisers as the festival's 'afterdark little brother', Maes B is considered the biggest Welsh music festival in the country.

Schoolchildren from several Gwent schools are also expected to feature across the week, delivering songs and poems exclusively in Welsh to audiences.

A family caravan and camping site will also be located on the Llanover Estate some two miles from the Eisteddfod Maes.

For more information and a full festival lineup, visit: www.eisteddfod.wales.