The countdown to the Urdd Eisteddfod on the Royal Welsh Showground has begun.

An event was held at the showground this morning to mark 100 days until the flagship event returns to Llanelwedd for the first time in 40 years.

Brecon and Radnorshire are hosting the event, which will see 15,000 children competing in competitions from hairdressing to singing, between May 28 and June 2.

Organisers say around 90,000 people are expected to visit the showground, near Builth Wells, throughout the week.

Councillor Aled Davies, Powys council’s deputy leader, said: "We are very excited that the Urdd Eisteddfod is returning to Powys for the first time in 30 years, and to Llanelwedd for the first time in 40.

"Communities in the area have been busy preparing and raising funds for the event, and there has been a significant increase in the number of Urdd members in Brecon and Radnorshire, and in the number of children and young people taking part in the Urdd’s activities, showing that the Eisteddfod is already having a great impact.

"We are also looking forward to welcoming children and young people from all over Wales here to the event, and to the hive of activity that they will bring with them.”

As well as competitions to be held across the showground, including in pig pens, on the field there will be activities such as sports sessions, a climbing wall, children’s shows, a funfair, live music and over 80 stands offering activities and selling a variety of goods.

Evenings will feature concerts, shows and competitions showcasing local and national talent.

Aled Siôn, director of the Urdd Eisteddfod said: "We are so excited to be returning to this beautiful part of Wales for the first time in 40 years. As well as raising awareness of the Welsh language amongst local children and young people and their families, research shows that a visit to an area by the Eisteddfod contributes up to £6 million to the local economy and that 78% of visitors spend money in local businesses. I am very much looking forward to welcoming young people and families from all parts of Wales to Builth Wells in 100 days time."

It was also announced that tickets for the Eisteddfod are now for sale via the website www.urdd.cymru/tickets For the first time ever, it will be possible to buy an any day ticket, which means visitors won’t need to decide which day they will be visiting the Eisteddfod weeks in advance.

Tickets are reduced before the end of April.