The packing up process continued on Sunday at the site of this year's National Eisteddfod at St David's in Pembrokeshire.

The weather had threatened to wash the pageantry out of the cultural festival several times during the eight-day event.

The weather failed to dampen spirits

Tents were blown away and some people were forced to leave because of strong winds which brushed the coastline on Thursday night.

However, despite the conditions organisers say the event was a success with very few complaints.

About 130,000 visitors attended the festival - less than the amount anticipated.

Crowds of up to 170,000 were expected but eisteddfod bosses say many were kept away by the weather.

Organiser Aled Sion said: "There were less people coming in from the immediate vicinity because the area is sparsely populated.

"Obviously the weather did effect numbers - if it is wet you can't expect as many as if you have a scorcher."

The design of the chair caused controversy

More than 6,000 competitors took part in the eisteddfod - which is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in Europe.

The highlight of the week for many was the chairing of the bard ceremony held at the Pavilion on Friday.

This year's winner, Myrddin ap Dafydd from Llwyndyrus, Pwllheli, was awarded the prize for a collection of poems on the theme "Llwybr" (Path).

It was the second time he had won the chair, the first time was at the Rhymney Valley eisteddfod in 1990.

The chair itself - made by a local teacher Robert Jones - caused controversy, being described as the most radical design of the last 100 years.

It was a departure from the traditional wooden structure and was made of wrought iron, oak, and a man-made product, avonite. It had a Celtic cross on one armrest, and a blackthorn bush on the other.

Eisteddfodwyr will now have to wait another year before the next literary festival.

The 2003 event is expected to be held in Welshpool, mid Wales.

But the location will not be the only change - the familiar green and yellow stripes of the pavilion will be gone, with a new yellow and blue tent in its place.