Show your Welsh spirit on Wales’ national day and proudly wear that daffodil or wave your Welsh flag with passion at Cardiff’s official St David’s Day Celebrations.
From the 27 February – 2 March, Cardiff Council with partners the St David's Day Committee have put together an exciting and cultural festival in honour of St David and all things Cymraeg!
St David’s Day Events
Saturday 1 March
The Parade leaves City Hall at 12.30pm and travels down Kingsway, St John Street, Working Street, The Hayes, Mill Lane, St Mary Street, High Street and through Cardiff Castle’s main gate into the castle grounds at approximately 1.15pm.
As always the St David's Parade will be brimming with colourful carnival dancers, community and youth groups in Welsh traditional costume, Welsh folk musicians and dance groups, dancing dragons and funky street bands. That’s not all, look out for the famous Giants of Wales Owain Glyndwr, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Nessa!
Welsh Entertainment in Cardiff Castle
Once you have followed the parade to Cardiff Castle, come and enjoy Welsh music, folk dancing, carnival characters and drumming in the Castle grounds from 1.00pm – 3.30pm
Admission to the castle grounds will be free between 1.00pm and 3.00pm for those taking part or following the parade. If however, you are heading straight to the Castle grounds before 1.00pm or after 3.00pm there will be an admission fee. Visit www.cardiffcastle.com for more details.
Cardiff Story Museum
Minny Street Church Exhibition
March - May 2014
Opening on 1 March, members of Minny Street Church in Cathays explore the history and story of their church and community. Over 130 years old, Minny Street Church is one of the oldest churches in the city. For details visit www.cardiffmuseum.com
St David's Day Drawing Competition
Enter the St David’s Day Competition at Cardiff Story Museum and draw something Welsh for St David's Day! The competition opens on 22 February and all entries must be handed in to museum staff by 5.00pm on St David's Day 1 March. Children of all ages can enter to get the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Winners will be revealed on the Cardiff Story Museum website www.cardiffmuseum.com
St David’s Hall
St David's Day Gala BBC NOW
Enjoy a medley of traditional Welsh songs on Saturday 1 March from 7.00pm. Conductor Grant Llewellyn presides over a traditional St David's Day Gala concert joined by Welsh soloists and choirs, guaranteed to bring a joyful "hwyl" to the evening. There's a mix of traditional works by Welsh composers, old favourites and a new BBC commission from Paul Mealor. Come and join in one of the best-loved traditional gala events in Cardiff's calendar. www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
St Fagan’s National History Museum
St David’s Day Fun
Where better to celebrate St David’s Day than at St Fagan’s National History Museum. Call in for a wealth of all things Welsh including folk dancing, traditional baking, giant daffodils and a complimentary Welsh cake. 10.00am to 4.00pm. www.museumwales.ac.uk
National Museum Cardiff
St David’s Day Celebrations
A selection of St David’s Day events and activities are taking place at the National Museum Cardiff with leek tossing, a bara brith eating competition, design your own Welsh game, Welsh cake baking and a visit from Decimus the dragon. For a list of events visit www.museumwales.ac.uk
Sunday 2 March
Sophia Gardens
St David’s Day Run
The St David’s Day Run will continue the celebrations and raise money for local charities. Over the years the event has gone from strength to strength and raised thousands of pounds for local charities such as ‘Help a South Wales Child’. The route around Bute Park is a great family day out with lots of local entertainment. www.stdavidsdayrun.com
Other events & activities
Tuesday 11 February to Saturday 1 March
Wales Millennium Centre
La Traviata, Welsh National Opera
Treat yourself this St David’s Day to La Traviata, performing from 11 February to 1 March. A life-affirming celebration of the fact that essential human qualities like compassion, love and self-sacrifice do exist. For more details visit www.wmc.org.uk
New Theatre
Under Milk Wood
Celebrate your welsh roots with an evening Under Milk Wood. Performing from 11 to 15 March, Under Milk Wood has humorous and enchanting characters living in Llareggub, a small Welsh town by the sea. Meet blind Captain Cat, Mog Edwards and his sweetheart Miss Price, Sinbad Sailor, Dai Bread, Polly Garter, Nogood Boyo and Lord Cut Glass. Dylan Thomas explores their lives, hopes and thoughts in the dreams of a night and the rhythm of a day. For details visit www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
