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Giant Lord Rhys and hound Teifi packed the Cardigan streets
Hundreds — some reports said thousands — stood on the pavements as a giant puppet of Rhys ap Gruffudd and his hound Teifi was walked through town. The first recorded National Eisteddfod was held at Cardigan Castle in 1176. This was the homecoming for the 850th year.
The parade closed a week-long Journey of Lord Rhys across west Wales. One of the Gentle Giants shire horses, George, carried this year’s Eisteddfod Chair to the Castle. Performers, musicians and community groups filled the centre and the quay.
The National Eisteddfod itself sat at Llantood as Eisteddfod y Garreg Las. Ceredigion ran a free shuttle, Bws yr Arglwydd Rhys, from Finch Square on the hour through the first week of August.
Cardigan can still claim the first Eisteddfod. The puppet was the version you could see from the bridge. Craft Festival is next at the Castle, 11–13 September