THINGS are heating up, well at least in a metaphorical if not meteorological sense, the temporary structures have been erected, the flags have been hoisted, Only Men Aloud are warming up and for the first time in over 100 years the National Eisteddfod is nearly upon us.

For seven days, Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows site will become the cultural mecca of Wales, as humanity’s hordes flock to the Maes and lose themselves in a sea of literature, music, druidic lore, and warm beer.

And be warned when you’re on the Maes, to expect the unexpected. As the National Eisteddfod’s Head of Communications, Gwenllian Carr points out, “The Castle Meadows site is smaller than we’d usually use for the Maes, but it’s such a beautiful setting and lends itself perfectly for hidden surprises, which is a key feature of this year’s Eisteddfod.

In recent years the National Eisteddfod has become a lot more of a festival, and a lot more inclusive, and during its week in Abergavenny the organisers hope that everyone in the town and the surrounding area will find the time to pay a visit to the Maes, and find out why Wales’s national festival is still going and still growing.

The National Eisteddfod is predicted to bring over 100,000 visitors and between £6 to £8 million to the area, but more than that, a day out at the Eisteddfod is a fun day out, and you’d be a fool to miss out, especially when it’s on your own doorstep.

The National Eisteddfod has expressed how overwhelmed it has been by the welcome and support it has received from Monmouthshire as a county, and would like to return the favor in kind by giving visitors a day out to remember.

They’re particularly excited about this year’s new Pavilon, which Only Men Aloud will be preforming in this evening to open the event.

As Gwenllian Carr points out, “Our traditional pink tent was very iconic, very popular, and very lovely, but the acoustics weren’t brilliant, and after all said and done it was just a tent. This new pavilion is something else and we’re all very excited to see people’s reaction to it.”

And the new pavilion is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to changing people’s preconceptions of what the National Eisteddfod is all about.

So why not get down there and experience it for yourself, there’s plenty to see and do and drink and eat.

If you’re lucky you might just get to see the leader of Monmouthshire County Council delivering a speech in the vast loftiness of the MCC tent beneath the shadow of an enormous white owl. Now where else are you gong to get that sort of bang for your buck?

Mr Fox explained, “I am sure everyone is as excited about the week ahead as I am. The Eisteddfod is a means to promote Monmouthshire as a tourism destination both before and during the week. The county will benefit tremendously from the economic benefits of the event. Thousands of people will have the experience of a lifetime. Here’s to a fantastic National Eisteddfod here in Monmouthshire. I look forward to welcoming visitors this week and I’m sure they will want to return to our beautiful country in the future.”

The Chronicle will have a stand on the Maes all week. So do pay us a visit and let us know your thoughts on the National Eisteddfod.