A GIANT puppet of Lord Rhys will begin his journey at St Davids this coming Friday as part of a week-long celebration marking the 850th anniversary of The National Eisteddfod of Wales, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Welsh Government.

At the heart of the journey is a spectacular 5-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys, created by Small World Theatre and travelling from town to town before arriving in Cardigan for a full day of performance, music, poetry and family activities. The event promises great bands throughout the day, programmed with the help of Aberteifi LIVE.

The event is set to feature newly commissioned puppets of the famous Welsh prince and his faithful hound Teifi created by the Skeleton Crew. Hundreds of spectators are expected to follow his journey across the Preseli Hills from St Davids Cathedral to Cardigan Castle over eight days.

Everyone is invited to the free events hosted by the local communities in their towns and villages, and featuring Eddie Ladd, Mari Mathias and Ceri Wyn Jones. Expect special guest appearances from Kizzy Crawford, Casi Wyn, Mari Lois, Lowri Evans and many more along the way.

The giant puppet of Lord Rhys will make his debut in St Davids on June 19 at 5.45pm. He appears in Cenarth and Newcastle Emlyn on June 20, before journeying to Talgarreg and Llangrannog on June 21. There’s a short break before he rejoins the celebrations in Goodwick on June 25, and then onwards to Maenclochog on June 26.

The celebrations culminate on Saturday, June 27 at 6pm with a spectacular public event and giant Parade in Cardigan.

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.

Ann Shrosbree of Small World Theatre said:

“Marc Rees and The National Eisteddfod of Wales have a truly magical vision for this event. Dancers, performers, musicians, a giant pineapple, horses and boats on the River Teifi bring the Eisteddfod chair and crown to Cardigan Castle. It will be like nothing we’ve seen before!”

Bill Hamblett added:

“We hope this will be a memorable occasion for Cardigan and the surrounding area. We’re also delighted to be collaborating with Ireland’s renowned Spraoi Festival, whose magnificent giant wolves will lead the procession through the streets thanks to the support of Culture Ireland and Wales Arts International.”

All events are free and information is available on the National Eisteddfod’s and Small World Theatre’s websites.