KEY events at Newport's Eisteddfod next year could get the chop if more money is not found, it was claimed today.

The Welsh language festival - currently being held at Meifod, near Welshpool - needs £100,000, or Newport could lose attractions such as the Maes B youth stage.

Newport's Eisteddfod is expected to cost around £2.5m, of which £200,000 has to be raised by local groups.

Local committees in Gwent have so far have raised only an estimated 20 per cent of the total needed.

But Sioned Davies, assistant organiser of the Newport Eisteddfod, said: "We have no idea where this figure has come from. It's far too early to say we will have a shortfall in Newport.

"If we were facing this situation this time next year, then fair enough. "Local committees are hard at work, working towards their total and hopefully we will get there. They are confident they are going to raise it.

"It's impossible to say now what the monetary situation will be like.

"We are conducting a survey on the Eisteddfod site now to see how much grant aid we can get for Newport."

The report also said the Eisteddfod lost £180,000 when it visited St David's in Pembrokeshire last year.

Ms Davies said: "The figures referred to a loss last year at St David's. The weather there had a significant impact and the amount of people coming through the gates was significantly less.

"It's been a scorching week here and there are plenty of visitors."

Councillor Glyn Jarvis, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "Newport is really excited to be hosting 2004 Eisteddfod. We will be working closely with tthe organisers to make it as successful as the 1988 event."

The Newport economy is set to get a massive multi-million pound boost from hosting the Eisteddfod next August at Tredegar House.