ORGANISERS of the National Eisteddfod 2004 in Newport are asking local people to raise £230,000 to support the event.

Local government, sponsorship and grants will cover most of the projected £2m cost of the cultural festival.

But Gwent people are expected to raise the £230,000 themselves by forming several organisational committees and meeting a fundraising target.

On Tuesday night the first meeting of the Newport West committee opted for a target of £50,000. Other committees will be set up in the larger Gwent towns.

Sioned Davies, assistant organiser of the Eisteddfod at Newport, said: "The total figure was approved by the executive committee, made up of local people.

"It sounds like a lot, but the return Newport is going to get is going to be worth it. And the festival still goes ahead if the target isn't met."

The Eisteddfod, a massive celebration of Welsh culture, is expected to generate £6.5m and enormous cultural benefits for Gwent.

The Eisteddfod annually attracts 170,000 visitors and over 6,500 competitors to various Welsh culture competitions and concerts featuring classical and modern artists.

The festival site itself will have an array of exhibitions and over 350 stalls from various institutions and societies.

Miss Davies said: "Over the next few weeks public meetings will be held to launch the various committees across Newport.

"A warm welcome is offered to anyone wishing to get involved with helping to organise this unique cultural festival, which will be held in Tredegar Park, Newport, during August 2004, and will place the whole of Gwent well and truly in the spotlight."

On November 19 there is a public meeting to form the Abergavenny Appeal Committee at 7pm at Ysgol Gymraeg y Fenni, Abergavenny.

Also on November 19 is a public meeting to form the Monmouth Appeal Committee at 8pm in The Kings Head pub, Monmouth.