Community celebrates Pembrokeshire’s medieval heritage with spectacular living history event

GOODWICK Moor was transformed into a living battlefield on Saturday (May 17) as the inaugural reenactment of the historic Battle of Goodwick Moor drew crowds from across Pembrokeshire.

The all-day event, organised by the Fishguard & Goodwick Future Project, brought together dozens of reenactors in full medieval dress, recreating scenes from the legendary 1078 battle that once shook the local landscape.

Families, history enthusiasts and curious locals gathered under clear blue skies to watch warriors in chainmail clash shields, blow battle horns, and demonstrate ancient weaponry. Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, with authentic tents, traditional crafts, and demonstrations of swordplay, weaving and blacksmithing. Children looked on in awe as the reenactors explained life in a Norman encampment.

Among the groups performing were members of Y Cantref Breiniol, a renowned Welsh reenactment society specialising in early medieval history. Their attention to detail and commitment to authenticity brought the past vividly to life, right down to the handcrafted pottery and food preparation methods on display.

Organisers said the event exceeded expectations and hoped it would become a fixture in the local calendar.

“The turnout has been amazing,” one volunteer told The Herald. “People really engaged with the history. We’re proud to bring this part of Goodwick’s heritage back into public memory in such a hands-on way.”

The Herald understands that the reenactment is part of a wider initiative to boost cultural tourism in North Pembrokeshire and reconnect the community with its ancient roots.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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)

𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗱 𝘆𝗻 𝘆𝗺𝗴𝘆𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘆𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆𝗺𝗱𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝘄𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗱 𝘆𝗿 𝗘𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗱

ROEDD torfeydd yn llinellu strydoedd Arberth ddydd Sadwrn (Mai 17) wrth i orymdaith drawiadol a seremoni ddatganiad ffurfiol nodi’r cyfri i lawr swyddogol at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2026 yn Sir Benfro.

Dan awyr las ac heulwen gynnes, cerddodd plant ysgol lleol, grwpiau diwylliannol Cymreig, a Gorsedd y Beirdd drwy’r dref hanesyddol mewn arddangosfa fywiog o liw, traddodiad ac ysbryd cymunedol. Cynhelir y digwyddiad, sy’n cael ei adnabod fel y Seremoni Ddatganiad, i gyhoeddi’n ffurfiol ac i fendithio lleoliad yr Eisteddfod yn y dyfodol.

Cerddodd disgyblion o ysgolion lleol gan gynnwys Ysgol Arberth ac Ysgol Bro Gwaun drwy ganol y dref yn falch, gan chwifio baneri a phlacardiau, tra bod menywod a merched mewn gwisgoedd traddodiadol lelog yn cario blodau gwyllt fel symbol o heddwch a threftadaeth.

Dilynnodd Gorsedd y Beirdd – mewn gwisgoedd eiconig gwyn, gwyrdd a glas – mewn gorymdaith urddasol o Neuadd y Dref at y Garreg Ddatganiad. Gyda cherddoriaeth a sorllyd cefnogwyr ar hyd y ffordd, daeth y seremoni i ben gyda defodau traddodiadol y Goron, wedi’u cynnal yn Gymraeg, gan gyhoeddi Sir Benfro yn swyddogol fel sir gartref Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2026.

Roedd siopau cyfagos yn ffurfio cefndir bywiog i’r digwyddiad wrth i’r dorf chwifio baneri’r ddraig goch ac annog diwylliant ac iaith unigryw Cymru.

Cymerodd cynghorwyr lleol, arweinwyr cymunedol ac aelodau swyddogol y Goron ran yn y digwyddiad, ochr yn ochr â phobl ifanc a ddewiswyd i gynrychioli dyfodol diwylliant Cymru. Roedd un ferch ifanc mewn gwisg seremonïol, yn cario tusw o flodau, yn gwenu wrth iddi arwain rhan o’r orymdaith, gyda llawer o’r gynulleidfa’n disgrifio’r awyrgylch fel “llawen” ac “emosiynol iawn”.

Dywedodd un trigolyn lleol: “Mae’n ddiwrnod balch i Arberth. Mae’r haul yn tywynnu, mae’r dref yn llawn, ac mae wir yn teimlo fel ein bod ni’n dod at ein gilydd i ddathlu ein diwylliant. Dewch ymlaen 2026!”

Disgwylir i’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol – un o’r gwyliau diwylliannol mwyaf yn Ewrop – gael ei chynnal yn Sir Benfro yn haf 2026, gyda’r paratoadau bellach yn dechrau’n swyddogol yn dilyn datganiad heddiw.

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.”