THE National Eisteddfod at Abergavenny reached its halfway point yesterday - and the host county is proving a big hit with visitors.

Around 60,000 people have paid a visit to the Castle Meadows site over the four days to date, and many have made a beeline for the distinctive blue pavilion that houses displays of the best of Monmouthshire's arts, crafts, culinary skills and sports.

The Love Monmouthshire/Caru Sir Fynwy site consists of three areas - the Give It a Go Zone where people test their sports prowess, the Vale of Usk Country Kitchen showcasing the best of the region’s food and cookery, and a main staging area, where choirs and singers perform, and exhibitions are staged.

“We’ve eagerly looked forward to the Monmouthshire & District National Eisteddfod, but its arrival has exceeded all expectations,said councillor Phil Hobson, Monmouthshire council cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh language.

"Our Love Monmouthshire/Caru Sir Fynwy pavilion is outstanding and has featured spectacular performances as well as demonstrating the best of the county’s rich heritage."

A neighbouring pavilion that is proving popular too is that of the Circuit of Wales, where have been busy explained to Eisteddfod visitors from across Wales the benefits of the ££315 million project which, when funding wrangles are sorted out, will be built north of Ebbw Vale.

"We've had a fantastic response from people who have come to see what the project is about," said Circuit of Wales chief executive Martin Whitaker.

"It is important to be able to spread the word about the Circuit of Wales to people from across Wales, because this is a project that will benefit all of Wales."

The rain held off at Abergavenny yesterday, and there another packed programme of competition across several venues. For more information on what is come at the Eisteddfod, visit https://eisteddfod.wales/