THE big clean-up was under way today after 155,000 people passed through the gates of this year's National Eisteddfod.

Organisers say 5,000 more people than expected attended the Newport event.

Eisteddfod Press officer Betsan Williams said this year's festival was exceptional.

"The Eisteddfod went brilliantly, we are very pleased. We estimated about 150,000 visitors, but a massive 155,000 came from all over, which is fantastic and better than expected."

There will now be a six-week clean-up, where all rubbish and stalls will be packed away.

"The big clean-up is going well. We worked with the council and had recycling bins all through the festival, but it will take about six weeks to clean up and pack away," said Ms Williams.

Previous Eisteddfods were hit by setbacks including foot-and-mouth disease and bad weather, but this year's event proved a success.

"The Eisteddfod saw a variety of shows and events, the competitions were of an extremely high standard and quality, the vibrancy of Maes was wonderful.

"You can have Indian dancers one minute, then turn the corner to see the Newport singers," said Ms Williams.

"There have been lots of highlights, the fireworks were impressive and the opening ceremony was superb."

The new bar was welcomed by visitors at the event this year. "We had lots of positive feedback, especially on the bar. People have said that they enjoyed a pint on a sunny afternoon," she said.

"In total there were about 85 per cent non-Welsh-speakers there, but the important thing is the people of Newport came and enjoyed and were a part of it.

"The council worked with us and helped out, Newport was definitely a good host for us, the council and the people were on board and came to see what the Eisteddfod was like," she said.

"We would certainly come back to Newport. The site was fantastic and we have had lots of response from visitors who said it was the best site so far."

Last night Gwent Police said the week had passed off very quietly. Inspector Hugh Nicholas said: "I am very pleased to say that there were very few crimes on the Maes during the Eisteddfod. No arrests were made or cautions given out.

"There were four crimes, the theft of an overhead projector, theft of a sum of money from a purse, theft of sunglasses and an attempted handbag theft.

"Gwent Police would like to thank the Eisteddfod for the professional way the event has been organised."