St David's Day Celebrations in the Capital

24th January 2012

Preparations have begun for a jammed packed programme to celebrate Wales’ Patron Saint, St David with a special festival taking place from February 29 - March 4.

The festival kicks off with Capital Cardiff, a conference for those helping to shape the future of Wales. The conference which will be held at City Hall on February 29 will provide the opportunity for entrepreneurs and leading business figures to share ideas.

The National St David’s Day Parade will take place on St David’s Day itself, March 1. Departing from City Hall at 12.30pm the parade will feature a colourful array of traditional costumes, musicians, carnival dancers and banners.

Also returning this year will be the Giants of Wales. Introduced last year the giants are made by local school children and are large figures of well known Welsh figures. Last year, pupils from All Saints Church in Wales Primary and Mount Stuart Primary created giant figures of Shirley Bassey and Owain Glyndwr. Two new giants will join Shirley and Owain on this year’s parade.

Everyone is welcome to join the parade or line the route and cheer on those taking part. People are also encouraged to come along dressed up in traditional Welsh costume, Welsh themed fancy dress, or maybe in the national colours of Wales to celebrate.

Along with the parade, there are many more St David’s Day events taking place across the city. St David’s Hall will host a St David’s Day Gala Concert with BBC NOW featuring an array of Welsh soloists and choirs all guaranteed to bring a joyful “hwyl” to the evening.

The Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) will also host the world famous Welsh National Opera during the festival with performances of The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata. The WMC will also play host to a free music programme on the Glanfa Stage each day. 

To celebrate all things Welsh a special craft market will also feature in the city centre, based on the Hayes from March 1 to March 4, offering an exciting range of local crafts and food.
 
An unforgettable evening of music will also be delivered on March 3 by SWN and will feature a Varity of Welsh bands who will be performing at The Globe.

Deputy Leader for Cardiff Council, Cllr Neil McEvoy, said: “My hope is to have celebrations for St David that match those of our Irish cousins for St Patrick. Over the last two years, Cardiff has introduced new events into our calendar to celebrate St David’s Day. Along with the parade commitee we have also added new features to the parade including the Giants of Wales, getting more and more school children involved to teach future generations the importance of celebrating Wales’ Patron Saint.

“I would encourage everyone in Cardiff to join the parade or cheer on those who are taking part and join in with the St David’s Day celebrations.”

For more information about St David’s Day follow us on twitter @stdavidsdayCdf  #cdfdaff

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