NEWPORT'S National Eisteddfod is on course to being a bumper success - attracting 32,000 visitors in its first two days.

This topped last year's figure of 29,000. And organisers say the vast majority of visitors are local people who do not speak Welsh.

Glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit meant visitors flocked to see the cultural event at Tredegar House - but organisers say it is not just the weather which attracted people.

A spokeswoman said: "We had weather this good last year, but the numbers are definitely higher for the first weekend.

"I've spoken to the staff manning the ticket offices and gates and they tell me that the majority of people coming in were locally based and non-Welsh speaking so we want to say a massive thank you to the people of Newport and the surrounding areas for coming along to enjoy yourselves. We think you're fantastic."

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams said he was delighted to "come back home" to Gwent for the Eisteddfod on Saturday.

Dr Williams opened the visual arts pavilion on Saturday evening and congratulated the winning artists.

He told the Argus: "It's fantastic to be back. It's like coming home.

"I hope to spend a few days here. I won't be taking part in any ceremonies but I'm really looking forward to wandering around the field and meeting friends.

"It's a big thing for Newport and it's a measure of the difference between now and 1988 that there is more local feeling and more pride in the event.

"That's got something to do with a new round of confidence from the people of Newport.

"There have been over 400 entries to the visual arts competition. It's a record year. This bodes well for a memorable Eisteddfod in Newport."

Dr Williams' parents spoke Welsh but it was not spoken regularly at home, so he has learned the language himself. At St David's Eisteddfod two years ago he was made a member of the Gorsedd.

His message to Gwent non-Welsh speakers thinking of visiting the Eisteddfod was: "Don't be frightened. There are good translation facilities and there's plenty to see. The atmosphere goes beyond language."