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.
Carreg Filltir Las tour!
Join us at free events including music and poetry as we welcome Lord Rhys and his faithful hound Teifi to the following locations.
19/6/26 - 17:45 - St Davids
20/6/26 - 12:00 - Cenarth
20/6/26 - 16:30 - Newcastle Emlyn
21/6/26 - 12:00 - Talgarreg
21/6/26 - 18:00 - Llangrannog
25/6/26 - 18:00 - Goodwick
26/6/26 - 18:00 - Maenclochog
27/6/26 - Aberteifi (see below!)
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 Final Celebration!
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.
Interested in Volunteering?
Cardigan Town Council is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support this day of celebration in the town. This will be an opportunity to be part of a unique creative event, meet new people and have fun while doing so!
Click on the buttons to find out more.
