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Craft Festival Wales opens in Cardigan with record crowds

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National event returns with special guests and top awards

CRAFT FESTIVAL WALES opened its doors at Cardigan Castle on Friday (Sept 5), drawing record visitor numbers and setting the tone for a busy weekend of craft, creativity and celebration.

The event was officially opened by broadcaster and author Kate Humble, with more than 1,000 people passing through the gates on the first day alone. Organisers say the festival, which launched last year, is now confirmed as an annual fixture in Cardigan thanks to support from Event Wales, Arts Council of Wales, the Ceredigion County Council Shared Prosperity Fund and local businesses.

Best Stand award: Sarah James MBE with Justyna Medon from Addicted to Patterns, winner of the ‘Best Stand’ award, alongside First Minister Eluned Morgan MS and award sponsors Kate and Jack Lennie at Craft Festival Wales 2025

Among the special guests on Friday was First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, who presented two of the festival’s key awards. Textile designer and weaver Llio James, originally from Talybont and now based in Cardiff, was named ‘Best Maker in Wales’. The ‘Best Stand’ award went to Justyna Medon of Addicted to Patterns, a surface decoration and printmaking specialist from Pontyrhyl near Bridgend.

Craft Festival Wales features 100 professional makers from across the UK, each chosen by an independent panel for the quality and originality of their work. Exhibitors include jewellery makers, ceramicists, glass artists, wood and metalworkers, furniture makers, and textile designers.

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS with textile designer and weaver Llio James, winner of the ‘Best Maker in Wales’ award at Craft Festival Wales 2025 (Pic: Herald).

The festival continues over the weekend, running from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available online or at the gate, priced at £8 for adults, with children entering free when accompanied by an adult. A three-day weekend ticket is also available for £15.

The event is curated by Sarah James MBE, who has been creating award-winning craft festivals across the UK since 2003. She was recognised with an MBE for services to craft in King Charles’ Birthday Honours in 2023.

Craft Festival Wales was awarded ‘Event of the Year’ at the Caru Ceredigion Awards in 2024, and organisers are confident this year’s strong start will help cement its reputation as one of Wales’ leading cultural events.

For full details of exhibitors, workshops and activities, visit craftfestival.co.uk/wales

COVER PHOTO:

Broadcaster and author Kate Humble cuts the ribbon to open Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle, joined by Sarah James MBE and Councillor Olwen Davies, Mayor of Cardigan
.

 

Community

Councillors needed for Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council

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A PEMBROKESHIRE community council, which only has half its council seats filled, is calling for anyone interested in becoming a councillor to think about joining it.

Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council which cover areas such as Reynalton, Thomas Chapel, Begelly and also Kilgetty, is on the lookout for new members, having six vacant seats out of 12.

Peter Adams, Vice-Chair said: “The community council currently has six vacancies for our council, and would very much like to hear from anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in community matters.

“The only commitment asked, is for a monthly meeting at the Kilgetty community centre on the second Thursday of the month to assist in decision making in the community, apart from the summer break which is usually in August when there is no meeting.”

He added: “KBCC council has 12 seats for councillors to represent the community covering the areas of Reynalton, Thomas Chapel and Kilgetty-Begelly; in recent years councillors have left for various reason due to retirement and other commitments etc, leaving us currently with six people.

“A lot has been achieved in the community in the last two years with a new park being opened, and now the completion of the ownership of the community centre the council feel that we need to encourage new people to come forward with ideas, and to also assist in the running of the increasing community facilities.”

Anyone interested please contact the council’s clerk Gary Price using the council’s website (www.kilgettybegellycouncil.co.uk) or phone 07984991520.

 

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HOPE MS Therapy Centre celebrates 40 years of support in Pembrokeshire

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A special evening of music and celebration marked four decades of service by HOPE MS Therapy Centre, one of Pembrokeshire’s longest-serving self-funding charities.

THE ANNIVERSARY concert took place on Friday evening (June 26) at St Clement’s Church, Neyland, bringing together supporters, trustees, local councillors and members of the community to celebrate the charity’s 40th year.

Founded in 1986, HOPE MS Therapy Centre provides support and therapies for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions across Pembrokeshire. The organisation has operated as a self-funding charity throughout its history, relying heavily on fundraising and community support.

Guests enjoyed performances from the Quaynotes Mixed Choir, along with acclaimed soloist Sarah Arthur, in what organisers described as an evening of music, song and thanksgiving.

Among those attending was Pembroke Mayor Jonathan Grimes, who praised the charity’s contribution to the county. He was joined by fellow county councillors and trustees including Simon Wright and Simon Hancock MBE.

Writing after the event, Cllr Grimes said: “Thank you to HOPE MS Therapy Centre for inviting me as Mayor of Pembroke to this evening’s concert to celebrate 40 years of service to Pembrokeshire.

“It was great to see my fellow county councillors and members of the trustee board as well as enjoying a fabulous performance from Quaynotes Mixed Choir and the fabulous soloist Sarah Arthur.

“Congratulations to HOPE MS Therapy Centre. I’m looking forward to being involved with the other events you have planned to celebrate 40 years.”

The concert is one of a series of events planned to mark the charity’s milestone anniversary year.

HOPE MS Therapy Centre continues to support people from across Pembrokeshire, providing therapies, advice and a vital social network for those affected by multiple sclerosis and related conditions.

 

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Fishguard joins Eisteddfod celebrations as Lord Rhys procession arrives in town

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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.

 

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