Villagers are hoping for a bonanza week

Although the Eisteddfod field is a mile and a half away, the village of about 1,000 people will be the nearest port of call for festival visitors who want to stock up on provisions for their stay.

The local business community is already preparing for the hordes of visitors who will pass through the village from 2 -9 August.

But it may be along week for the owners of the two shops, one public house and one petrol station in the village, situated eight miles from Welshpool.

We don't know what to expect but we do know it will be a busy week for us Huw Lewis, shopkeeper

"We don't know what to expect but we do know it will be a busy week for us," said Huw Lewis, who runs the post office and general stores in the centre of the village.

"I will be stocking up on cans of drink, crisps, sandwiches, sweets and chocolates. I will be happy if we get a lot of business but I won't mind too much if it is quiet either."

Mr Lewis, who serves on two eisteddfod committees, said he would probably stay open until 2200 BST during the festival week, but hoped he would find some time to visit the maes as well.

Kathy Gittins: Celebrating the occasion

Robert Thomas, who runs the Kings Head pub, will put up two marquees at the rear of his tavern to serve thirsty eisteddfod-goers, who as usual will not be allowed to drink alcohol on the field.

Mr Thomas added that he had already taken bookings for meals from coach parties.

Kathy Gittins, a self-publishing artist will divide her time during eisteddfod week between her shop in the village and a pitch on the festival field.

"Because the eisteddfod is on my doorstep this year I felt I had to do something to celebrate the occasion," said Ms Gittins, who will launch her collection of Montgomeryshire landscape greetings cards during the week.

"I hope people will not stay on the site but come and visit Meifod, which has changed very little in the last 200 years."

Roy Jones: 'Take as it comes'

One person that visitors might be pleased to see during the week will be mechanic, Roy Jones, who also sells petrol at his garage in the village.

"We'll order more petrol for that week and I expect I'll be called out a few times, mainly because of flat batteries," he added.