St David’s Day Celebrations– 28 February to 2 March 2013
Gwlad Gwlad! Come along and celebrate St David's Day with us!
From the 28th February – 2nd March, Cardiff Council with some help from our partners St David's Day Committee, Wales Millennium Centre and the Welsh National Opera have put together an exciting and cultural festival in honour of St David and all things Cymraeg!
Just take a look at our events programme below; there really is something for everyone this year.
Event Programme
St David's Day Market, 28th February – 2nd March
With stalls located across the Hayes area of the city centre, you are sure to find a shopper's paradise full of unique crafted Welsh souvenirs and gifts. So if you are looking for a special gift for someone or simply just love shopping, make your way to the Hayes in Cardiff City Centre. The Market will be open from 10am – 5pm and a warm Welsh welcome will be guaranteed.
St David's Day Parade
The biggest event in the festival calendar is The National St David’s Day Parade which makes its way right across the city centre
Join the carnival atmosphere on the 1st March with colourful street dancers, school children and youth groups dressed in Welsh traditional costume and music. The famous Giants of Wales Owain Glyndwr, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Nessa will also be making a return again this year so look out for these big personalities!
Starting at City Hall at 12.30 pm, the parade will wind its way around the city centre finishing at the Hayes outside St David's Hall at 1.15 pm where the patriotic spirit will continue with a heartfelt rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Join in the fun and get involved – what better way to spend a Friday lunch break than singing the national anthem with thousands of friends that you don’t know! Everyone is welcome to join the parade, bring your family, your partner, your family or just all your loved ones and make this year’s St David’s Day Parade something to remember.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay – 1st to 3rd March
As well as the St David’s Day parade on the 1st March in the city centre, our friends in the Iconic Wales Millennium Centre in the heart of Cardiff Bay will be showcasing a free medley of Welsh songs by school children from Rhondda Valley and musical performances from schools in Merthyr Tydfil on the Glanfa stage. Soak up the Welsh musical atmosphere or and enjoy a complimentary mini Welshcake and a coffee. Welsh Rarebit and traditional Welsh dishes are also on the menu at Ffresh Restaurant and Bar, where you can taste some of the finest Welsh cuisine!
Throughout the weekend, you will get a flavour of traditional Welsh entertainment with free performances on the Glanfa stage.including performances of traditional and contemporary folk songs from Pembrokeshire singer songwriter Richard James. For full details of events throughout the St David's Day weekend visit www.wmc.org.uk/StDavid
Competition
Get the chance to win a delicious Sunday Lunch for 4 people from a special St David's Day menu at Wales Millennium Centre in the Ffresh Restaurant. You can enter from 18 February – 1 March, so visit www.realradio.co.uk for a chance to win. Winners will be contacted on 1 March to book their table.
Street Entertainment – 2nd March
On St Mary’s Street and the Hayes look out for some interesting characters parading around. Enjoy some fantastic Welsh music and street entertainment from 2nd March.
Welsh National Opera - Various dates
Over the weekend the world class Welsh National Opera presents stunning performances of The Cunning Little Vixen on 28th February and Madam Butterfly on 1 to 2 March. For details visit www.wno.org.uk
Get into the St David’s Day Spirit!
There are lots of ways to celebrate and show your support for St David's Day:
• Pin a daffodil or leek to your clothes
• Wear your Welsh rugby or football shirt
• Bake some Welsh cakes and sell them in work or to your neighbours for charity
• Wear the national costume
• Wear a daffodil-face or a leek head!
• Dye your hear red or paint your face
• If you are brave, wear a Welsh kilt to work
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Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant Hapus pawb!
