Organisers of the Urdd Eisteddfod are putting the final touches to one of the biggest youth festivals in Europe.

More than 100,000 visitors have begun arriving in Cardiff for the six-day Urdd National Eisteddfod, which kicks off on Monday.

This year's event is being held at Coopers's Field, next to Cardiff Castle. It is traditionally held at Whitsun, and alternates between north and south Wales, and should have been hosted by Cardiff in 2001.

Last year's eisteddfod was cancelled

Last year's eisteddfod had to be abandoned because of the foot-and-mouth crisis - the biggest in a series of financial setbacks it had suffered in a matter of months.

Back in April 2001, the Welsh Assembly announced a �150,000 boost for the Urdd, following news that it had been forced to put its Aberystwyth headquarters up for sale.

Urdd organisers announced at the time that it was facing a deficit of �500,000 and would have to axe18 jobs.

Organisers are hoping that this year's event will attract more visitors than ever - and provide a welcome filip for its flagging funds.

Entertainment

More than 15,000 children and young people will be seen competing in a wide range of competitions, and a variety of evening events have been organised to entertain visitors.

Although the National Eisteddfod is historically a celebration of the Welsh language, Urdd leaders are keen to promote it equally as an event for those who do not speak Welsh.

With this in mind, translation equipment available free of charge at the main entrance and a learners' pavilion has been provided.

Staff at Cardiff Castle have been making a special effort to raise the profile of the Welsh language for visitors.

Key words

The castle already employs a number of staff who speak Welsh, as well as other European languages.

And, during Eisteddfod week, they will be offering special Welsh-language tours of the castle apartments every day during normal opening hours.

All the other staff have been taught key words and phrases to help them greet visitors and direct them around the site.

In addition, visitors to the Eisteddfod site can pick up leaflets for discounted entry into the castle.

Sian Eirian, Urdd director of the Eisteddfod and the Arts, said: "There will be a lot of young people in the city for the week. Many of them have not been to Cardiff before, so it's nice to see that the Castle is making a special effort to welcome them."