Sun shines on town as Gorsedd of Bards declares 2026 Eisteddfod plans

CROWDS lined the streets of Narberth on Saturday (May 17) as a spectacular parade and formal proclamation marked the official countdown to the 2026 National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire.

Under blue skies and blazing sunshine, local schoolchildren, Welsh cultural groups, and the Gorsedd of Bards processed through the historic town in a vivid display of colour, tradition, and community spirit. The event, known as the Proclamation Ceremony, is held to formally announce and bless the future Eisteddfod’s location.

Pupils from local schools including Ysgol Arberth and Ysgol Bro Gwaun proudly marched through the town waving flags and banners, while women and girls in traditional lavender dresses carried wildflower bouquets to symbolise peace and heritage.

The Gorsedd of Bards – clad in their iconic white, green and blue robes – followed in solemn procession from the Town Hall to the Proclamation Stone. Accompanied by music and cheering from the gathered crowd, the ceremony culminated with the traditional Gorsedd rituals, conducted in Welsh, declaring Pembrokeshire as the host county for the 2026 National Eisteddfod.

The high street shops formed a lively backdrop as onlookers waved red dragon flags and cheered in support of Wales’ unique culture and language.

Local councillors, community leaders and Gorsedd officials took part, along with young people chosen to represent the future of Welsh culture. One young girl dressed in ceremonial robes and holding a bouquet smiled as she led part of the procession, with many onlookers describing the atmosphere as “joyful” and “deeply moving.”

A local resident said: “It’s a proud day for Narberth. The sun is shining, the town is full, and it really feels like we’re coming together to celebrate our culture. Roll on 2026!”

The National Eisteddfod – one of Europe’s largest cultural festivals – is due to take place in Pembrokeshire in summer 2026, with preparations now officially underway following today’s proclamation.

(Images by Malcolm Richards/Herald)

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it is pleased to confirm that essential conservation and repair works at Narberth Castle will start on Monday, May 19.

The works are part of a carefully planned conservation programme designed to stabilise the castle’s historic stone walls using specialist mortar bedding techniques, undertaken in accordance with CADW guidance.

Given the sensitive and technical nature of the works, and the need to use tracked access equipment across uneven grassed areas, a full closure of the site to the public will be required for a period of 12 weeks.

This includes the footpath through the site.

This closure will enable contractors to carry out vital repair and stabilisation work safely and effectively.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025, at which point the entire site will be fully reopened to the public.

Currently, several areas of Narberth Castle remain closed due to structural safety concerns.

While it is fully appreciated that the summer months are important for tourists and visitors, prolonged dry weather during this period is essential to carry out the specialist conservation works effectively and safely.

These essential works are key to ensuring the long-term preservation of this important heritage site.

Pembrokeshire County Council says it remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project and will provide regular updates as the work progresses.
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “We apologise for the short notice before this work begins but it is important that we acted as quickly as possible to deliver this project whilst the weather allows it.

“It will mean some inconvenience now, but with the outcome that this important heritage asset remains in good condition for the foreseeable future.

“We thank people in Narberth for their patience on this matter and I am sure they would want to see a safe and accessible cultural asset in their community for the long term.”

Cllr Marc Tierney, the local Councillor for the Narberth Urban ward, added: “Narberth Castle is really important to the people of the town and historically as a place linked to the Mabinogion.

“The delay to repair works has been frustrating, and a continued closure is disappointing. However, I realise that good weather is needed to ensure the repairs hold, which means the Castle will reopen to all in a few months.

“Many local residents have asked how the Castle grounds could be further improved, and this is part of an ongoing conversation that I am having with the Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and other interested parties.”

CHANGES to Pembrokeshire streetlight provision, which has seen their loss in some rural areas, has saved £1.5m a year, councillors heard.

In a question submitted to the May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Michael John asked: “The loss of streetlights in rural areas is an issue which causes great concern to any members of the public affected, and one which is raised with me regularly.

“I believe it is an issue that a number of other members have raised and continue to raise with the department also. Given the policy was introduced around 2006, nearly 20 years ago, does the Cabinet Member agree it would be a good time for it to be reviewed?”

Responding, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said the changes were introduced following a notice of motion by a former county councillor back in 2008, with the need for lights based on four criteria: the number of night-time injuries, high usage – both for vehicles and pedestrians, night-time crime levels, and the number of residents in properties nearby.

Members heard changes to lighting provision, including updating to more efficient LED types, as well as data-led targeting of new areas for lighting, and decommissioning of lighting in areas not meeting the criteria, saved the council some £1.5m a year, along with a reduction in Carbon emissions.

He said he was more than happy the concerns raised following the changes could be reviewed at an appropriate council scrutiny committee.

Cllr Sinnett said was one of the original supporters of the change in policy, adding that, although not universally popular, the change “has had some quite positive effects in terms of budget savings and carbon reduction”.

He finished: “I commend the administration of the time for having the courage to introduce that.”