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)

AN APPLICATION to rebuild a weather-damaged riverside wall at a historic Pembrokeshire mill and museum, now a restaurant, has been approved by national park planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners, Bluestone Resorts Ltd sought permission for the replacement of a collapsed riverside retaining wall at the listed Blackpool Mill, Blackpool Bridge, near Narberth.

A supporting statement through agent Graham Frecknall Architects said: “The property of Black Pool Mill is a Grade-II*-protected heritage asset located on the south bank of the Cleddau River at Blackpool Bridge.

“The property was granted formal planning and listed building consent in 2020 to convert the former museum use to a restaurant with ancillary on site facilities and was opened to the public in July 2023.

“In October 2023 after a spell of considerable rainfall and high tides, a large portion of the existing stone faced, riverside retaining wall located immediately adjacent to the main mill building and to the rear gable of the store building collapsed into the Cleddau River. In November 2023 following liaison with conservation and NRW officers, temporary works were installed to limit further collapse and/or erosion of the retaining wall whilst a permanent solution was sought.

“The proposals for the new retaining wall look to re-create the coursed stone façade of the pre-collapsed riverside wall in modern, structural materials, formed and coloured to match the basement stone façade of the main mill building adjacent.”

The restaurant opened in 2023 after William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone National Park Resort, received permission to restore the mill in 2020. A total of £3 million was spent on preserving, restoring, and transforming the Georgian building and its grounds.

The 210-year-old mill had been renovated and rebuilt by skilled craftspeople and engineers who have taken care to preserve its historical character.

They installed 53 traditional sash windows that match the classic Georgian architecture, as well as custom-made staircases.

The original milling equipment, including the connecting rods and braces, was also restored to reflect the mill’s industrial history.

The restaurant created 35 new jobs both front and back of house.

An officer report for the latest application, recommending approval, said: “The wall is to be built of pre-cast ‘Redi-roc’ to a traditional batter, the outer facing giving the appearance of coursed rock-faced masonry, the colour to match the masonry of the mill. The wall will be underpinned by a reinforced concrete foundation on bed rock.”

Detailing the mill itself, the report said: “Blackpool Mill, listed Grade II* is a rare and complete survival of a Late Georgian former corn mill, a tall and imposing symmetrical winged group, on the upper tidal reaches of the Eastern Cleddau,” adding: “The site is of archaeological importance, being the site of an iron forge, established in 1760, ceasing production in 1806.”

The latest application, and a related listed building application, was conditionally approved by national park planners.

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, 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.”