Organisers hail 'brilliant' Urdd

Thousands of visitors and competitors attended the week-long event

Organisers of this year's Urdd Eisteddfod in Conwy have described the event as a "major success".

The eisteddfod, which ends on Sunday, has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to its site at Penrhyn Bay near Llandudno.

An estimated 40,000 young people have been taking part in competitions including singing, dance, and poetry.

"We have had a brilliant festival," proclaimed eisteddfod director Aled Siôn.

The eisteddfod field, or 'maes', was on the same site as the event eight years ago, and organisers said that helped ensure preparations went smoothly.

"The outstanding co-operation of the staff of Conwy County Council over the years of preparation has contributed greatly towards the eisteddfod's success," added Mr Siôn.

The event officially ends with a Gymanfa Ganu hymn singing gathering at a chapel in the Conwy Valley town of Llanrwst.

Dilwyn Price, who chaired the local committee helping organise the eisteddfod added: "The Gymanfa will bring closure to a fantastic week.

"Seeing Conwy's children and young people star on the stage alongside Urdd members from all over Wales has been a treat."

Next year's eisteddfod will be held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, opened by the opera star Bryn Terfel.