CROWDS lined the streets of Cardigan on Saturday (Apr 25) as Barley Saturday once again brought the town centre to life with classic vehicles, rural tradition and a strong sense of community.

The annual event, one of Cardigan’s best-known celebrations, saw packed pavements and barriers along the High Street as families, visitors and local residents turned out in the sunshine.

Among those taking part was well-known West Wales delivery driver Dai Rees, who attracted plenty of attention as he drove through the town in his pride and joy, a blue Ford 3000 tractor.

Tom Samways, of HQueue in Cardigan, said it had been “another superb turn out” for the annual event, adding that it appeared to be getting bigger every year.

He said: “Some amazing entries but my vote has to go to the most famous delivery driver in West Wales, Mr Dai Rees, with his pride and joy, the trusty Ford.

“He even managed to pull up outside the shop for us to get a picture.”

The event also featured a touching personal moment for Deborah Davies, who finally completed a lap of honour on her vintage motorcycle, affectionately known as Olive, in memory of her godfather Leslie Morris.

Deborah said it was “5th attempt lucky” after several previous efforts to complete the lap had not come together.

Posting after the event, she said: “Well Olive and I did it, we finally did our lap of honour in Barley Saturday in memory of my godfather Leslie Morris, 5th attempt lucky. And here’s the proof.”

She also thanked Sue Davies for the photographs, which captured her smiling on the green vintage machine during the event.

With crowds filling the streets, classic vehicles passing through the town and residents sharing their own memories and photographs online, this year’s Barley Saturday proved once again why it remains such a popular fixture in Cardigan’s calendar.

Packed streets: Crowds lined High Street in Cardigan for this year’s Barley Saturday

Cover image: Stuart Ladd

SLAPSTICK STAGE FUN

THE THOUGHT of invisibility, and the advantages it might bring, has captured imaginations for generations since H. G. Wells’ classic story was first published.

Now The Invisible Man, adapted for the stage by Derek Webb, is coming to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven this May, offering audiences an evening of fast-paced slapstick silliness.

Although the story has been adapted many times for film, it is far less often seen on stage. This original and riotous version features 15 characters played by just three energetic actors, with quick costume changes, clever prop work, wacky imagination and plenty of tongue-in-cheek fun.

The production is presented by Our Star Theatre Company, following its successful 2023 UK tour and critically acclaimed sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The British Theatre Guide praised the show as “high paced throughout”, adding: “An exuberant cast, Daniel Davis, Eleanor Catherine Smart and Sophie Watkins, deserve credit for confidence and maintaining a high pace throughout. Watkins is a talented performer, coaxing the best out of the piece.”

The Invisible Man will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30pm.

Tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked online at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

LEAD Welsh Conservative candidate Paul Davies has called on voters in Ceredigion Penfro to support his party following his appearance on S4C’s leaders’ debate, Y Ddadl Fawr.

Mr Davies, who is standing in the forthcoming Senedd election in May, took part in the programme on Thursday (Apr 23), alongside representatives from other political parties in Wales.

The debate focused on key issues facing voters, including the future of the Welsh NHS, the rising cost of living, and support for the agricultural sector.

Mr Davies told the audience and viewers at home that the Welsh Government, supported by Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, had failed to deliver for communities across Wales.

He said: “For nearly three decades Wales has been governed by socialist parties whose policies have failed to deliver the outcomes that people deserve.

“In that time, waits for NHS treatments have skyrocketed, education standards have declined and the economy is stifled. It’s a record of failure and our communities deserve better.

“Only the Welsh Conservatives have a credible plan to get Wales working – by cutting taxes, reducing red tape and regulations on businesses, and cutting waste to deliver better value for money from our public services.”

Y Ddadl Fawr was recorded live for S4C at 8:00pm and remains available digitally through S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

Photo caption: Paul Davies pictured outside Yr Egin in Carmarthen.