Abergavenny’s hosting of the National Eisteddfod received widespread praise from politicians and local people, as the seminal Welsh cultural event drew to a close.

Attendance figures for the week-long festival topped 140,000, with a seven-year best of 19,086 attending on the final Saturday.

Event organisers said the numbers were particularly impressive given Monmouthshire’s distance from the Welsh-speaking heartlands, and its relative inexperience of Eisteddfod events.

The county’s invitation to host the festival had been justified, given its success, said council leader Peter Fox.

“We’ve waited over a hundred years for the Eisteddfod to return to Monmouthshire and this week has been absolutely fantastic,” said Councillor Fox.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!  There has been a willingness to embrace the Welsh language and we need to build on this. 

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has enjoyed their time on the Maes and they have been very complimentary about the 2016 Monmouthshire & District Eisteddfod. 

“This Eisteddfod has displayed Monmouthshire at its best and we hope that people will return to experience the many attractions that our county offers.”

Councillor Fox also paid tribute to the Monmouthshire Ambassadors, whose volunteer efforts were lauded by many who commented on the warm welcome and help provided by the group.

Despite concerns of potential traffic problems, visitors also praised the Park and Ride system, which ensured disruptions were kept to a minimum, and access to Castle Meadows was not impeded.  

Elfed Roberts, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod said, “Thank you to the people of Monmouthshire for their welcome over the past two years, and to the council for the fantastic working relationship. 

“It’s taken us over a hundred years to return to Monmouthshire and I think the whole of Wales and beyond has fallen in love with the area.

“We were delighted with the week itself, and in particular with the figures for the final Saturday, and the number of local people who came back for more after visiting us at the beginning of the week. 

“It was a memorable and happy week for Eisteddfod visitors and also for staff and volunteers alike, and one that we’ll all treasure for many years to come.”

Among the cultured offerings of music and drama, dance and Welsh poetry, the Love Monmouthshire pavilion, displaying the best of the county’s arts, crafts, culinary prowess and sport, was well-received with visitors.

The flower-decked arena drew large and appreciative crowds to its three areas, which split into three, sport, culinary and main stage areas.

The Vale of Usk Country Kitchen showcased the best of the region’s venerable food and cookery, whilst the main stage held choirs, musicians and exhibitions like the River Severn Lave fishermen display.

The Give It A Go Zone encouraged visitors to display their own sporting talents, when the weather became a little less than polite.

Speaking as the event closed, outgoing Eisteddfod President, Garry Nicholas, spoke of the success of this year’s festival held at Castle Meadows, Abergavenny.

He said, “Sometimes, everything comes together to create the perfect Eisteddfod.

“There’s an enthusiasm nationally and locally, excellent competing and a fantastic atmosphere on the Maes and in the local town. It happened this year in Monmouthshire.

“This year is an Eisteddfod which will be remembered for many years as a happy and friendly week; when the country came to an area of Wales which hadn’t hosted the festival for over a century and where the welcome was warm and generous.”

Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language, Phil Hobson, said, “We eagerly looked forward to the National Eisteddfod for a long time and it exceeded all expectations.  

“Many Monmouthshire residents have revelled in this wonderful and vibrant celebration of language and culture.  Our Love Monmouthshire/Caru Sir Fynwy pavilion was outstanding and featured spectacular performances as well as demonstrating the best of the county’s rich heritage.”

Abergavenny held the last Eisteddfod within Monmouthshire over one hundred years ago. Next year’s event visits Angelesey, before returning to Cardiff after a decade-long hiatus.

 Abergavenny Mayor, Chris Woodhouse spent countless hours down Castle Meadows over the week-long event.

“What a wonderful week this has been for Abergavenny.  Many of the one hundred thousand plus visitors have said to me personally how they have appreciated the wonderful warm welcome given to them during their stay,” he said.   ??“Whilst the Town by day has not benefited as much as it could have, many estimate that a lot of people will revisit the town in the future when they will have more time to spare.

“The wonderful TV coverage, showing the Maes and the town at it’s very best, will attract people from far afield to come here.

“The quality of the concerts and the individual performances at the competitions were of the highest standard, this plus the design and atmosphere experienced by all the visitors, will ensure that the memory of the Monmouthshire Abergavenny Eisteddfod will be with us for many years to come.

“Many thanks must go to Frank Olding and his Committees for the years of hard work that ensured the Eisteddfod would be a huge success. 

“A particular mention must be made of the many young people who took part during the week, whose behaviour and enthusiasm was a joy to watch. 

“The word on the Maes is that we will not have to wait another 100 years before the next Eisteddfod.  I certainly hope not.”

Local businesses also enjoyed a bumper trade, with hotels and licensed premises reporting a busy period.

Jackie Pope, manager at Abergavenny Hotel said, “We had full occupancy right up to this Sunday, which is fantastic.

“It’s been a little quiet on the bar, but that’s because we are on the edge of the town, really. People were using a different route to get down to the Eisteddfod, but those coming off the train usually popped in here.

“I have to say: it’s been really positive. People are so very friendly. Anything that brings new people into town, is positive. They often enjoy their visit and plan on coming back,” she said.