The eisteddfod attracts 80,000 visitors annually

For the first time in its 58 year history, the north Wales festival's turnover exceeded �1m last year.

In 2000 and 2001 the eisteddfod's organisers had been operating at a financial loss.

The news comes days after Wales' National Eisteddfod said it could be in jeopardy because of serious concern over its finances.

Their shadow governing body met in Aberystwyth on Saturday and said this year's festival in Newport, south Wales, was already showing signs of losing a large amount of money.

Finances

The festival is running at an annual loss of �130,000.

Organiser's of the Llangollen Eisteddfod say in 2003 they had a surplus of �109,321 but as a charity this was not profit but money that will be re-invested into the festival.

They have managed to turn things around by staging more well-known artists such as Shirley Bassey.

Their expenses have increased as a result but they are finding it easier to recoup the money.

"Lesley Garrett turned the eisteddfod around and then Shirley Bassey," said spokesman Nigel Davies.

"The eisteddfod realised that you have to give people what they want to see...[that means] going for the artists that will sell the tickets," he added.

In 2000 the eisteddfod saw a net loss of �268,707 and 2001 saw a loss of �232,680.

Shirley Bassey performed to a sell-out crowd in Llangollen

Established in 1947, the musical eisteddfod is one of the highlights of the Welsh cultural calendar.

The July eisteddfod is a major event in the music calendar, attracting 80,000 visitors each year.

This year former choirboy Aled Jones will take to the stage for the first time in his 20-year career.

Anglesey-born Jones will appear on stage for the 58th festival with the Opera Babes on Friday 9 July. The week-long event starts on 6 July.

West End star Michael Ball, whose family roots are in the south Wales valleys, will top the bill on 11 July, the final night of the event.

Organisers say ticket sales are already outstripping those of 2003 which, in itself, was a record breaking year.