During Eisteddfod week, more than 40,000 extra cars are expected on the roads leading to the Meifod area.

Eisteddfod organisers, Powys County Council, the police and other agencies have been planning how to manage the increased traffic - and how to minimise the gridlock which is so often a feature of such festivals.

The advice is to stick to recognised 'A' roads to reach the Eisteddfod site. Note that the A483 Newtown to Llandrindod Wells road will be closed at Esgairdraenllwyn due to major roadworks so avoid that route if travelling from south to north. (Read more about the road closure in our BBC News Online pages).

The three main roads leading to Meifod are the A495, the A458 and the A490. Special Eisteddfod direction signs have been set up along all routes so you shouldn't have any difficulty finding the maes.

Depending on which approach you take, you'll be directed to one of three parking areas. It's the first time the festival's had three car parks and the hope is that traffic queuing to go in will be reduced as a result.

Parking is free but make a note of where you leave your car - you'll be glad you did as you and hundreds more head for home at the end of the day!

Before heading off, you may want to check our live traffic news for the latest information on the state of the roads.

By Bus

Powys County Council have organised special buses to shuttle people to and from Meifod. The buses will travel from Newtown and Welshpool, picking up passengers along the way.

The fare will be £1 each way and you can get more details by phoning the council's Transport Helpline on 0845 6076060.

There are further links to local bus service information from our travel pages .

The good news is that if you do let the train take the strain, there'll be public transport waiting to transport you from either Newtown or Welshpool stations to the maes itself.

Wales and Borders trains have put on special bus services to meet trains arriving from the Aberystwyth or Shrewsbury direction. The cost from the station to Meifod will be £1 each way, payable on the bus.

By Plane

Probably not an option open to many but there is a a small airfield for light aircraft at Welshpool, which is about eight miles from the Eisteddfod site. Find out more by visiting the airfield's official website.