The event attracts visitors from across Wales

This year the annual cultural festival is being held at the Faenol Estate, between Caernarfon and Bangor.

The eisteddfod has been dogged by financial problems in recent years, and it has been revealed that organisers once considered bankruptcy.

Better visitor numbers are expected this year because the venue is in a predominantly Welsh-speaking area.

"It is a very, very special area," said director Elfed Roberts, who was born nearby.

There are hopes more visitors will attend this year

"We have a lot of supporters here, and there has been a tremendous buzz in the area for the past two years.

"Local communities have worked very hard indeed to raise money for the eisteddfod and each one has raised far more than the target we set them.

"But it's not just the money raised that is important. The activities that are organised bring people together and strengthen communities."

There had been some concerns that major roadworks on the A55 on Anglesey, coupled with increased visitor numbers, would bring traffic chaos, but no serious problems have been reported.

The eisteddfod's technical officer, Alan Gwynnant, was confident things would go well on the roads.

"The planning with the police and the highways department has been very, very detailed, and we are hoping that, as long as people follow the signs, all will be well," he said.