HEAVY afternoon showers broke the heatwave but failed to dampen the spirit of success at the Eisteddfod.

A total of 15,142 people went through the gates yesterday - just down from last year's bumper figure of 15,861 but well over the 2002 total of 13,478.

Youngsters dressed in traditional costume drew the crowds with a series of Welsh country dances. They put on two performances, one in the open air and one in a packed dance pavilion.

Ruth Agg, a member of organising body Gwyl Plant Gwent (Gwent Children's Festival), said: "These are just some of the youngsters who take part in our activities.

"It's been wonderful for the children and it's brought in many parents who might never have visited the Eisteddfod."

Groups of dancers from eight schools were involved, including: Magor Church in Wales, Brynglas Primary, Tysign Primary, Durham Road Junior, Griffithstown Junior, Greenlawn Primary, St Andrews Junior and Abertillery.

Mum Sharon Gambin, 28, of Bryn Bevan, Newport, was watching daughter Carley, 9.

She said: "I'm very proud of her. She likes the country dancing classes at school and it's a useful talent to have.

"The Eisteddfod was worth the entry fee. I cannot understand anything but there's plenty to do."

The Burleigh Academy is one of a handful of Gwent stands and Sarah Lucas, the owner of the talent and dance academy, described the Eisteddfod as "marvellous."

Sarah renovated a 1912 Newport church and transformed it into the academy, which teaches music, singing and dance.

She said: "It's lovely to see Welsh culture and the arts promoted and celebrated like this. I did some Welsh classes for a while and feel inspired to go back to them.

"It would be good to see more traditional Welsh food on offer. We were looking for laverbread and faggotts but couldn't find any."

Gwent winners in the festival so far include Morgan Roberts, of Blackwood, who took second place in the solo for boys aged 12-16. Blaenavon Band was third in the brass band section 2 competition.