WITH only 500 days until Monmouthshire hosts the 2016 National Eisteddfod, local committees and residents are already hard at work.

Held on the outskirts of Abergavenny, the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod will attract around 150,000 visitors during eight days, from 29th July to 6th August next year. 

The first official event associated with the festival takes place in Caldicot on Saturday 27th June and is called the Proclamation Festival and Ceremony. This event gives local people and visitors alike a chance to enjoy a flavour of the festival, and a taste of what's to come next year when the Eisteddfod is held locally.

County Councillor Phil Hobson, Monmouthshire's cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language, said: "We're very much looking forward to the Proclamation of the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod on 27th June taking place in the south of the county at Caldicot where a great deal of enthusiasm has been shown already.

"Fundraisers across the county are already busily organising events so everyone can get involved. It's no exaggeration to say that we are all very excited about the National Eisteddfod coming to us for the first time in over a hundred years when we welcome visitors to our beautiful county from across Wales, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world."

During the ceremony, the first copy of the list of competitions will be presented to the Archdruid Christine by the Chair of the local Executive Committee, Frank Olding, and once the list has been presented, its contents are made public, and the work of preparing for the competitions can start. It's a colourful and dignified way of showcasing the Eisteddfod and increasing awareness about what will take place in the Monmouthshire area in 500 days time.

A coffee morning has been organised for Saturday 28th March at the Monmouth Priory from 10.30am to 12pm with live music to celebrate the Eisteddfod.

If you'd like to get involved with preparations for the 2016 National Eisteddfod, telephone: 0845 4090 400 or email: [email protected]">[email protected].