The Urdd has issued an apology after hundreds of people were stuck for hours trying to leave the National Urdd Eisteddfod car parks near Meifod.

Motorists were queueing for as long as two-and-a-half hours on the first day of competing on Monday (May 27).

Drivers could be seen shouting, swearing and blasting their horns frustrated by the situation which involved one exit for hundreds of cars and a temporary traffic light system.

David Jones, from the Newtown area, was stuck in the queues with his family after a long day of competitions.

"People were going crazy!" he said.

"I don't want it to reflect badly on the Urdd because in mid Wales we don't have a lot going for us as it is, but I really feel Powys Council Highways should have taken it all into account."

READ MORE: Powys' Monday winners at the National Urdd Eisteddfod - pictures

David urged others to consider the situation on Tuesday "as families don't have that much patience after a long day!"

Other people took to social media to share their frustration about car park A coming to a standstill for hours while watching motorists in car park B leaving the field.

People shared that it "wasn't fair" for families who had babies in the car and many having long distances to travel home before heading back to the eisteddfod in the morning.

One person shared that the issues were “absolutely appalling”.

“We couldn't even head back [into the eisteddfod] at that point to use the toilets as it was all closed.”

Another said: “It’s not good enough, sorry. Why on earth would you think that one exit would be sufficient???

“We’ve been at a complete stop for an hour with some people waiting for an hour before we even started waiting.


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“It’s completely unacceptable and looks like poor planning and execution. I expected better from an organisation with this much experience of running events like this.”

In a statement posted on social media shortly before 6.40pm, the Urdd said: "What a busy day at the Eisteddfod! We thank you for your patience as hundreds leave the site at the same time.

"We apologise for the inconvenience. Our teams are working hard to get everyone out of the car parks as safely and quickly as possible."

Powys County Council has been approached for comment.