HE is one half of British music's most famous siblings and is the big name draw for the Eisteddfod's opening weekend.

Julian Lloyd Webber's performance on Sunday evening with the National Orchestra of Wales promises to be one of the highlights of the festival.

He is widely regarded as one of the most creative musicians of his generation. The acclaimed cellist has collaborated with an extraordinary range of musicians from the legendary singer composer Elton John to violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

Mr Lloyd Webber (his brother Andrew is the musicals composer) told the Argus he was excited about coming to Newport and performing for the Eisteddfod audience.

"I love this sort of event," he said.

"I have done the festival in Llangollen two or three times. It is always a great atmosphere - there is always a buzz in the air. The atmosphere of playing in a marquee is always special."

Sunday night's performance will feature Celebration Dances by Hoddinott, a Cello Concerto by Elgar and the popular Dvorak's Symphony Number 9.

He said: "The Elgar concerto is an ideal piece for this kind of occasion. It really shows off the cello and can be a very moving piece particularly for a large audience.

"And the National Orchestra of Wales is a terrific orchestra which I have been very close with.

"I am just really looking forward to playing in Newport where I have not performed for a number of years. The Eisteddfod is well-known throughout the world and is a wonderful celebration of Welsh culture."

The performance, which follows two nights of local entertainment on Friday and Saturday, is the first in an exciting week of events.

Mr Lloyd Webber's performance will be followed on Monday by the ever- popular Aled Jones, who will team up with the winners of last year's Wales Choir competition, Ysgol Cerdd Ceredigion.

The Eisteddfod choir and orchestra, featuring soloists Jason Howard, Timothy Richards, Eirian James and Jennifer Rhys Davies, perform Dvorak's Stabat Mater on August 5 and the following day sees a celebration of Wales' longest-running soap opera, Pobol y Cwm.

For tickets call 0845 122 1176.