Those who know and love the Eisteddfod have been sending in their secrets on surviving the annual cultural get-together. If you've got some advice to add, fill in the form below.
your comments
sazzy spazzy
exccellent i went to the eistedffod but 1 thng that was bad was it cost £24.00 4 5 people
Siwan from Carmarthen
Wear sensible shoes - you can do a lot of walking around that pavilion - and pack clothes for all weather eventualities.
Heulwen from Harlech
Pick up a map on your way in showing the layout of the site - it's a big area and you may not be able to find what you're looking for without consulting your map! They could do with some more signs around the maes showing people where things are.
Menna from Corwen
Look at a map carefully before setting off for Meifod - I got lost two or three times on the way! There don't seem to be many signs as you approach from the North East.
Mattie Williams from Penllyn
Make the most of the fact that the Eisteddfod travels around and is held in a new different location every year. To me, the journey to different parts of Wales is part of the enjoyment. It's also about meeting new people as well as old friends.
Huw Evans from Pontardawe
If there isn't a queue at a loo don't use it. It will need cleaning!
Never pass a food hall without calling in for tasters. By the end of the week, you will have enjoyed the best part of a full meal for free.
Don't buy tea and coffee, it's free at the Salvation Army, church tents and most charity stalls. And in North Wales always ask for a "Panad" and not a "disgled o de" (cup of tea)as you'll probably gain some form of insult, such as "hwntws"...
Emyr from Machynlleth
*If you're visiting the Eisteddfod for the whole week, buy the special Week Ticket - it's cheaper than paying every day!
*Make time to visit some important local milestones which make up Mwynder Maldwyn - a stone's throw away from the maes, you'll find Dolwar Fach, the home of Welsh hymn writer Ann Griffiths; the spectacular waterfall of Pistyll Rhayader at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, and Powis Castle in Welshpool.
Owain from Swansea
Never leave your Pavilion seat during a competition as organisers tend not to like this (for some reason) and might publicly admonish you from the stage.
Never stand up to look who the winning bard is before he or she has stood up when the winner is announced - you might find that you get a large spotlight pointed towards you.
Use the phrase 'Fe gafodd fe/hi gam'('he/she was robbed') often. This will allow you to blend in with the professional eisteddfod set.
Elin from Cardiff
Thursday's a good day to visit if you're a Welsh ex-pat or if you want to meet Welsh ex-pats. There's a special ceremony on the main stage of the pavilion and all Welsh ex-pats can take part.
Add your advice on getting the most out of the National Eisteddfod.
If you're a first-time visitor to the National Eisteddfod, read these top tips before you set off for the maes at Meifod. 
