There may be five months to go, but for those thinking of competing at the National Eisteddfod in Monmouthshire, the closing date for getting involved is looming ever closer.

This year sees a brand new way of registering for stage competitions, as the festival unveils its online registration programme, making it easier than ever before for people to enter.

This means that would-be competitors can get involved and register for the festival with a click of a button and from the comfort of their own home – or even when they’re on the go - using the Eisteddfod’s new responsive website, which can be viewed on a tablet and smartphone – www.eisteddfod.wales. The new system is now live, well in advance of the 1 May deadline for stage competitions.

The new system is only currently available for stage competitions. Those taking part in the composition competitions still need to compete in the usual way. The closing date for these competitions is 1 April.

Welcoming this new development, Eisteddfod Organiser, Elen Elis, said, “We’re delighted to launch online registration for stage competitions. We know there is a call for a system like this and I hope people will use the online registration and payment system.

“We also know that some people prefer to compete in the traditional way, sending us their entry forms through the post, and that’s absolutely fine. We want people to choose how to get in touch and register to compete. Our aim is to have lots of competitors at the Eisteddfod in Monmouthshire, and I’m sure as people realise we have an online registration system, we’ll see a definite switch from the traditional paper entry form to online registration over the next few years.”

As the Eisteddfod develops its website, more and more services are becoming available online. The 2016 caravan and camping pitches can be booked via the website (www.eisteddfod.wales/caravans), and you can also register to volunteer at this year’s festival (www.eisteddfod.wales/volunteering). The aim is to enable visitors to get in touch in the way they prefer, and at a time which suits them rather than during office hours only.

The Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod will be held on Castle Meadows, Abergavenny from 29 July – 6 August. For more information go online.