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 giant procession and immersive celebration marks 850 years of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, tracing its origins back to Lord Rhys. The journey begins on 19 June at St David’s Cathedral, where Lord Rhys is reawakened, setting out on a symbolic journey across west Wales.
The project brings together communities in west Wales to create site-specific performances along the way, journeying to places connected with past Eisteddfod chair-winning poets. Marc Rees, creative lead for the project, is working closely with artists Ceri Wyn Jones, Mari Mathias and Eddie Ladd, to feature alongside Lord Rhys and his faithful hound, Teifi, blending poetry, music and performance.
The journey culminates on 27 June with a spectacular procession through the Cardigan bringing together local and international artists, and community groups. Spraoi Festival joins from Ireland, presenting large-scale floats in their first performance in Wales, supported by Culture Ireland and Wales Arts International.
The magical Parade will end at the quay, where poets and the Eisteddfod chair arrive by river, with the crown on horseback. Audiences are led into Cardigan Castle for a free, multi-arts celebration.
First held in 1176 at Cardigan Castle, Lord Rhys’s original gathering of poets, musicians and performers established a cultural tradition that continues today.
The tour!
Friday 19 Jun - St Davids
Saturday 20 Jun - Cenarth & Newcastle Emlyn
Sunday 21 Jun - Talgarreg
Monday 22 Jun - Llangrannog
Thursday 25 Jun - Goodwick
Friday 26 Jun - Maenclochog
Saturday 27 Jun - Cardigan
