THE Chairman of the Eisteddfod’s executive committee Frank Olding has officially welcomed visitors to the Monmouth and District National Eisteddfod.

Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Olding praised the ’small band’ of volunteers who had worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Eisteddfod as well the event’s permanent staff for their handwork and ’good humour’.

Mr Olding also thanked Abergavenny Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council for their financial support.

He said the past year had been wonderful and had seen ’Welsh speakers, Welsh people with little Welsh and incomers with no Welsh’ working together to ensure that the Eisteddfod was a success.

The National Eisteddfod takes place on Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows until next Saturday