More than 100,000 visitors began arriving in the city over the weekend for the six-day festival - the largest summer youth event in Europe.

The Urdd is a wonderful example of a minority language cultural event that is celebrated across the whole of Wales

Welsh Culture Minister Jenny Randerson

This year's event is being held at Cooper'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 Urdd 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.

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 equally keen to promote their event as something for those who do not speak Welsh.

Last year's Urdd eisteddfod was cancelled

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.

They have learnt key Welsh words and phrases to help them greet visitors and direct them around the site.

Visitors to the eisteddfod site can pick up leaflets for discounted entry into the castle, and Welsh-language tours of the castle apartments will be offered every day.

Welcome

One special visitor to this year's eisteddfod is European Commissioner for education and culture, Viviane Reding.

Welsh Assembly culture minister Jenny Randerson said she was delighted to extend a welcome to the commissioner.

"It is exciting that the Urdd is being held in our capital city this year in light of Cardiff's bid to become European Capital of culture in 2008," she said.

" It is yet another vibrant occasion that draws visitors into the city and helps put it on the International map."

Celebrated

Ms Randerson said the event provided an opportunity to discuss minority languages with the commissioner, and she looked forward to seeing the EC's language strategy, due to be published in 2003.

"Minority languages are essential to maintaining a culturally diverse Europe," she said.

"The Urdd is a wonderful example of a minority language cultural event that is celebrated across the whole of Wales."

Children's Commissioner for Wales Peter Clarke will be making his first visit to an eisteddfod, and his team will have a stand on the maes.

Children and young people attending the event will be invited to take part in an all-Wales survey of the state of the nation's school toilets organised by the commission team.