Celebrating 850 Years of the Eisteddfod

Carreg Filltir Las: Taith Yr Arglwydd Rhys

Small World Theatre joins the National Eisteddfod of Wales to mark its 850th anniversary with a week-long journey across west Wales, featuring our giant puppet of Lord Rhys, and ending in a public celebration at Cardigan Castle.

A cultural journey

Join The Eisteddfod for free events including music and poetry as we welcome Lord Rhys and his faithful hound Teifi to the following locations.

20/06/26 – 16:30 📍 Newcastle Emlyn

Lord Rhys will attend the local Eisteddfod at Ysgol y Ddwylan. Come join the welcome ceremony with Eddie Ladd and Mari Mathias.

21/06/26 – 12:00 📍 Talgarreg

At the rear of the Glanyrafon Arms, Lord Rhys and his dog Teifi arrive to witness a theatrical interpretation of the Rebecca Riots, adapted from Kathryn Campbell Dodd’s film Cragen Becca. The welcome ceremony follows, led by Eddie Ladd, Mari Mathias and Ceri Wyn Jones. Afterwards, enjoy performances from Mari Mathias and Casi Wyn.

21/6/26 – 18:00 – 📍 Llangrannog

Lord Rhys and Teifi descend to the beach to hear the words of Llangrannog’s own Cranogwen, recited by Eddie Ladd, alongside a performance by Joe Shapland. The welcome ceremony follows with Eddie Ladd, Mari Mathias and Ceri Wyn Jones. The evening continues with performances from Gwefus Mefus, Chwaer and Ceri in the Beach Hut and Pentre Arms.

25/6/26 – 18:00 – 📍 Wdig

Join us on Goodwick Sands, outside Ocean Lab, for the arrival of Lord Rhys and his dog Teifi. The welcome ceremony will be led by Eddie Ladd, Mari Mathias and Ceri Wyn Jones.

Stay on after the ceremony for music from Goodwick Brass Band and Dros Dro, plus poetry from Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan. Ocean Lab will also be hosting its first Burger Evening, with food, drinks and a warm welcome.

26/6/26 – 18:00 – 📍Maenclochog

The arrival of Lord Rhys and his dog Teifi comes to Maenclochog’s village square. Following the welcome ceremony, led by Eddie Ladd, Mari Mathias and Ceri Wyn Jones, enjoy music from Lowri Evans and Mei Gwynedd, alongside poetry from Eifion Daniels, Rachel James, Rhiannon Iwerydd and Wyn Owens.

Arglwydd Rhys’ Homecoming!

27/6/26

A day and an evening’s free entertainment in Cardigan Castle to celebrate Lord Rhys’ homecoming.

In the Castle

12:00 - 17:00 - Family activities throughout the afternoon.

Live music

Great bands throughout the day, programmed with the help of Aberteifi LIVE. Free entry.

Lord Rhys’ homecoming

The grand procession sets off at 18:00.

Lawn Stage

13:00 – 13:40 - Dewin

14:00 – 14:40 - Betsan

15:00 – 15:40 - Lafant

16:00 – 16:40 - Mellt

17:00 – 17:45 - Carwyn Elis Rio 18

19:30 - 20:15 - Mwsog

21:00 - 22:00 - Band Pres Llareggub

Pavilion Stage

13:30 – 14:10 - Kizzy Crawford

14:30 – 15:10 - Rhiannon O’Connor

15:30 – 16:10 - Vrii

16:30 – 17:10 - Gwilym Bowen Rhys

19:30 - 21:00 - STOMP Barddoniaeth

21:30 - 22:30 - Creuriau Sain

Parade

18:00 – 19:00

A grand procession will make its way down High Street to the Quayside, led by Lord Rhys alongside his faithful hound Teifi, the Wolves of Spraoi, and a host of spectacular performers and characters.

At the Quayside, Lord Rhys will receive a ceremonial welcome as the Eisteddfod Chair arrives accompanied by musicians on horseback, while the Crown is carried upriver by poets aboard traditional boats.

The celebrations will culminate with Lord Rhys returning triumphantly to the castle, where he will join the evening festivities and performances.