This April, the community of Pembrokeshire and beyond is invited to take part in Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg, a celebration of Welsh traditions at Narberth to mark the arrival of spring.

Taking place on Saturday, April 12, the event at SPAN Arts, Town Moor, Narberth will highlight Wales’ cultural heritage, blending ancient customs with creative workshops, traditional music, and seasonal festivities.

While Easter is widely observed as a Christian holiday, the arrival of spring has been honoured in Wales for centuries. In Celtic times, the Spring Equinox—a day of equal light and darkness—was seen as a time of renewal and transformation. Communities gathered to welcome the lengthening days through feasting, song, and ritual, often lighting fires as symbols of warmth and fertility. The return of the sun was deeply connected to the cycles of nature, and many of these traditions later intertwined with Easter celebrations.

Building on these themes of renewal and celebration, Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg offers a range of activities inspired by Welsh customs, including:

Spring Wreath-Making Workshop with Hannah Darby – A hands-on session where participants can craft their own decorative wreaths using seasonal materials, embracing the symbolism of new life and growth.

Choral Procession with the Mari Lwyd made by Artist Samara van Rijswijk – The Mari Lwyd, an iconic figure in Welsh folklore, will lead a musical procession with choral singing, filling the town with song and echoing the storytelling customs of Welsh communities.

Traditional Singing and Dancing – A lively celebration of Welsh folk music and dance, bringing together voices and movement to honour the season.

Welsh Tea and Cake – Attendees can enjoy a selection of traditional Welsh treats, including Bara Brith (a rich, spiced fruit loaf) and Welsh Cakes, served with tea in a warm and welcoming setting.

The event aims to reignite interest in Wales’ rich folkloric traditions, connecting the community with its heritage through music, creativity, and shared experiences. By blending historical customs with modern celebrations, Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg provides a meaningful way to engage with the changing of the seasons, much as past generations have done.

With a ‘pay what you can’ policy, starting from just £3, this celebration is open to all and offers a unique opportunity to experience Welsh culture in an immersive and interactive way. Whether taking part in the workshops, enjoying the choral procession, or simply indulging in a traditional Welsh tea, attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation of Wales’ historical connection to the rhythms of nature.

SPAN Arts is a community arts charity, based in Narberth, with a 30-year history of making a significant contribution to the arts in Pembrokeshire. Aiming to reduce social exclusion and address issues of rural isolation, the charity delivers high quality and diverse range of music, theatre, comedy and voice events, alongside a wide range of arts and wellbeing projects to ensure local access to the arts.

Visit span-arts.org.uk or email [email protected] for more information or to discuss your accessibility needs.