THOUSANDS of people lined the streets and quayside in Cardigan on Saturday as the town marked 850 years since Lord Rhys held the first recorded Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle.

The spectacular procession formed the finale of the Journey of Lord Rhys, a week-long celebration which has travelled across west Wales before returning to Cardigan, where the story began in 1176.

At the centre of the event was a 5-metre-tall puppet of Lord Rhys, created as part of the Carreg Filltir Las project to celebrate the origins of the National Eisteddfod.

Crowds gathered around the castle, quayside and town centre as music, performance and pageantry brought the story of the first Eisteddfod back to life.

One of the most striking moments saw George, one of the Gentle Giants Shire Horses, given the honour of carrying this year’s Eisteddfod Chair to Cardigan Castle, 850 years after chairs were first awarded there for poetry and music.

The first recorded Eisteddfod was hosted by Lord Rhys ap Gruffudd at Cardigan Castle in 1176, with poets and musicians competing in what is widely regarded as the foundation of the modern Eisteddfod tradition.

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held at Llantood from August 1 to 8. The location is less than four miles from Cardigan Castle, creating a direct link between the first recorded gathering and the modern festival.

The Eisteddfod has described the anniversary as a chance to celebrate 850 years of tradition while inspiring new audiences across Wales.

Saturday’s homecoming brought that history into the streets of Cardigan, with families, visitors and local residents turning out in large numbers for one of the most significant cultural moments in the town’s recent history.

Phillip Roberts stole cash from USA Chicken and returned the following day with intent to steal

A CARMARTHEN man has admitted a string of burglaries at the same takeaway business on consecutive days.

Phillip Roberts, 44, of Brewery Road, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to three offences connected to USA Chicken on Blue Street.

The court heard that on June 4, Roberts entered the premises as a trespasser and stole a tip jar containing cash. He also admitted a second burglary at the same business on the same date, during which £50 cash was stolen.

A further offence took place on June 5, when Roberts entered USA Chicken as a trespasser with intent to steal.

Magistrates adjourned sentence for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The report will consider all sentencing options, including possible committal to the Crown Court.

Roberts was granted conditional bail. He must not enter USA Chicken, Blue Street, and must not contact Mustafa Baksi, either directly or indirectly.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on July 1 for sentence.

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE has issued a fresh appeal to the public following the declaration of a critical incident on Friday (June 26), as exceptionally high demand continues to place pressure on crews across Wales.

In a social media post published today (Saturday, June 27), the Trust warned that hot weather is contributing to a rise in ambulance call-outs, including incidents involving heat-related illness, falls, breathing difficulties and existing medical conditions worsened by the heat.

The message comes less than 24 hours after the service declared a critical incident amid unprecedented demand, with ambulance resources stretched across Wales.

The Trust is urging people to call 999 only for serious or life-threatening emergencies, contact NHS 111 Wales for urgent health advice, and use local pharmacies for minor illnesses and ailments.

It said choosing the right service can help ambulance crews reach the sickest patients more quickly while pressures remain high.