Giant puppet procession brings Welsh history and culture to the streets ahead of this summer’s National Eisteddfod

FISGHUARD and Goodwick joined the celebrations today as the spectacular Carreg Filltir Las procession brought the story of Lord Rhys to north Pembrokeshire.

Residents lined the streets as a giant puppet of the 12th-century Welsh prince, created by Small World Theatre, made its way through the community as part of the build-up to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The procession commemorates 850 years since Lord Rhys hosted what is widely regarded as the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Fishguard was one of the stops on the route, with families, local residents and Welsh language supporters turning out to welcome the larger-than-life figure as it passed through the town.

Organisers say the project aims to connect communities across the Eisteddfod area while celebrating Welsh language, culture and heritage.

The procession forms part of the build-up to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las, which will be held in north Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors and will showcase Welsh music, literature, performance, art and culture.

The Lord Rhys journey has already visited communities across west Wales and will culminate in Cardigan, the historic birthplace of the Eisteddfod tradition.

Photo caption:

Crowds gathered in Fishguard as the Lord Rhys procession passed through the town as part of the build-up to the 2026 National Eisteddfod.

PLAID CYMRU has renewed calls for the Crown Estate to be devolved to Wales after figures showed income linked to Wales rising from £8.7 million to £210 million in five years.

The party says the increase, described as a rise of around 2,300 per cent, shows that Welsh natural resources are generating huge sums while communities in Wales see little direct benefit.

The Crown Estate manages much of the seabed around Wales, England and Northern Ireland, including areas leased for offshore wind developments. Its profits are paid to the UK Treasury, rather than being retained directly in Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s Ceredigion-Penfro branch said: “Crown Estate profits are up 2,300% but Welsh communities see no benefit.”

The issue has become increasingly topical as Pembrokeshire and the wider west Wales coast are being promoted as key locations for the next generation of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

Supporters of devolution argue that Wales should have control over the revenue generated from its coastline, seabed and natural resources, with profits reinvested in local infrastructure, ports, skills, transport and public services.

They also point to Scotland, where the Crown Estate has already been devolved. In Scotland, revenue from Crown Estate assets is managed north of the border and contributes to Scottish public finances.

Plaid Cymru says Wales should be treated in the same way.

The party argues that, as offshore wind expands, Wales risks seeing major energy infrastructure developed around its coastline while the financial rewards continue to flow to Westminster.

The Crown Estate has benefited significantly from offshore wind leasing in recent years. Across the UK, the estate has reported profits of more than £1 billion for a third consecutive year, with offshore wind continuing to play a major role in its income.

In Wales, the political argument is sharpened by the scale of potential development in the Celtic Sea.

Ports such as Milford Haven and Port Talbot are expected to play a major role in supporting floating offshore wind, with politicians and industry leaders saying the sector could bring thousands of jobs and major investment.

However, campaigners say Wales must secure more than construction work and supply-chain promises. They argue that long-term control of Crown Estate revenues would allow Wales to build a lasting national benefit from renewable energy.

The UK Government has previously resisted calls to devolve the Crown Estate in Wales. Ministers have argued that Crown Estate profits are returned to the Treasury and used for public spending across the UK.

Opponents of devolution also say Wales already receives funding through the wider UK funding settlement, and that changing the Crown Estate model could add complexity at a time when major energy projects need certainty.

But calls for change have continued to grow, particularly as the value of offshore wind leases has increased.

For Plaid Cymru, the issue is now being framed as a question of fairness.

The party says Wales is being asked to host nationally important renewable energy infrastructure while having limited control over the income generated from its own natural resources.

With the Senedd election approaching, the future of the Crown Estate is likely to remain a major political dividing line.

For campaigners, the argument is simple: if Welsh waters are helping to generate hundreds of millions of pounds, Welsh communities should see the benefit.

For the UK Government, the current system keeps Crown Estate revenue within the UK-wide public finances.

The debate now turns on whether Wales should continue under that arrangement, or follow Scotland in taking control of Crown Estate assets for itself.

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has told European ambassadors that Wales is ready to play a stronger role in rebuilding relationships with the EU.

Speaking at Europe House in London yesterday, the First Minister addressed representatives to the UK from major EU nations, setting out his government’s ambition for closer cultural, economic and political co-operation with Europe.

The meeting came just a day after Mr ap Iorwerth made his first overseas visit as First Minister, travelling to Dublin on Wednesday.

In his speech, he described Wales as an “internationalist nation” and said the Welsh Government wanted to strengthen ties with European neighbours.

He said: “This Welsh Government is determined to take meaningful action to strengthen cultural and economic ties with our European neighbours.

“But we must have the tools to do this. That means a stronger Welsh voice in international engagement.”

Mr ap Iorwerth also repeated his support for a closer UK-EU relationship, saying Wales would continue to make the case for the UK to rejoin the Single Market and Customs Union.

He said doing so would “reduce friction, restore alignment and unlock the full potential of our shared economies.”

The First Minister said international engagement was already helping Welsh exports, inward investment and job creation, but added that Wales wanted to build further partnerships across Europe.

He also said the relationship with Europe was about more than trade.

“For generations, opportunities to live, study and work across Europe have shaped Welsh lives and broadened horizons,” he said.

“We are determined that the next generation will not be denied those opportunities.”

Mr ap Iorwerth said Wales was “full of national pride” while also being “confidently internationalist”.

He added: “We stand ready to work with you to deliver that future, together.”