Final preparations are being made for the Urdd National Eisteddfod at the Anglesey Showground in Mona.

Around 100,000 visitors are expected at Europe's biggest youth festival, which gets underway on Saturday and continues throughout the entire week.

Ynys Môn last played host to the Eisteddfod - at the same venue near Gwalchmai - in 2004.

Organisers say this year's festival has attracted over 14,000 entries across Wales in response to a wider range of competitions, including a record number of young people from the island taking part.

Urdd arts director Llio Maddocks said: "It's been 22 years since the Eisteddfod last came to Anglesey, and I know that there has been huge excitement around welcoming the Eisteddfod once again and celebrating our young people's creativity in 2026."

"It will be an historic week this year with the event being held over seven days for the first time ever and I would like to express my sincere thanks to the people of Anglesey for their warm welcome, to the local committees for their tireless work and generous support, and to the hundreds of volunteers who will make next week's event possible."

"I would also like to thank all the coaches and teachers who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to ensure that children and young people from across Wales, including more competitors than ever from Anglesey, benefit from the priceless opportunities provided by the Urdd."

The opening weekend will include the fifth annual Gŵyl Triban festival featuring live music from the likes of Ciwb, Aleighcia Scott, Elin Fflur, Fleur de Lys and Gwilym.

Over the last two years, more than £380,000 has been raised locally towards the Eisteddfod with the fundraising target reached with a week to go.

Anglesey Council said welcoming one of Wales' biggest cultural events was "a huge honour" for the island.

Chief executive Dylan J Williams said: "Welcoming the Eisteddfod is an important milestone and a testament to our continued commitment to promote the Welsh language in all aspects of life."

"We are glad to be part of this celebration and look forward to welcoming visitors to the council's stall and our island."

Council leader Gary Pritchard added: "This event is a great opportunity to showcase Anglesey as stronghold for our language and culture, as well as our welcoming communities. We are looking forward to seeing people from across Wales enjoying this weeklong event on our island."

Travel concerns

Ahead of the opening day, Urdd organisers said they were aware of recent traffic restrictions on the Menai Suspension Bridge, adding they were in "continuous communication" with local authorities to "minimise any impact" on people travelling to Mona.

On Wednesday morning, the bridge was closed for a safety inspection after it was crossed by an overweight vehicle - the third time in two months.

A one-lane closure in place during maintenance work is expected to be lifted on Friday evening, although authorities are reminding drivers that a 7.5 tonne limit continues.

Concerns have also been raised about a lack of shuttle bus - or 'Park and Ride' - service to and from the Maes, which has generally been provided at past Eisteddfodau.

Transport for Wales (TfW), one of the main sponsors of the event, says both they and the Urdd "encourage visitors to choose sustainable travel options when travelling to the Eisteddfod at Anglesey Showground".

Organisers say the nearest train stations to the Maes are Llanfairpwll (nine miles away) and Ty Croes (five miles away - request stop) - but the only connection via bus will be the Arriva 4A route between Bangor and Holyhead, which passes directly by the showground.

A spokesperson for Arriva told MônFM there were no plans to run additional services during the Eisteddfod.

North Wales Police are also warning motorists to plan ahead and expect possible delays around the Gwalchmai area as visitors start to arrive.

Meanwhile, TfW has pledged to continue its support to the Urdd's 'Cronfa Cyfle i Bawb' ('Fund for All') scheme, which aims to provide holidays at its residential centres across Wales for hundreds of children from lower income families.

Asides its presence on the Maes, TfW is encouraging train passengers to watch out for the special 'Mistar Urdd' branded train, which was unveiled last year.

Lowri Joyce, TfW's head of Welsh language, said: "We are thrilled to be back at the Maes for another year."

"Seeing the Mistar Urdd train out on the tracks always brings a smile to our passengers' faces, and we are equally proud to support the 'Fund for All' initiative for a second year."

"Ensuring that every child in Wales has the chance to participate in these cultural milestones is at the very heart of what we do."

MônFM will have regular coverage from the Urdd National Eisteddfod each weekday on Breakfast with Kev Bach from 7-10am and on Drivetime with Tomos Dobson and the team from 4-7pm.