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Cardiff Castle pays an affectionate tribute to a momentous event |
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Cardiff Castle pays an affectionate tribute to a momentous event
1n 1909, in the shadow of Cardiff Castle, a most extraordinary event took place – an event which was designed to stir the souls of all passionate countrymen and women in a proud celebration of Welsh history and identity.
The National Pageant of Wales, staged during July and August in 1909, took on the challenge of re-enacting the early history of Wales: 27 episodes in total, over 13 days and over 5,000 local people took part, including a visiting Australian Cricket Team!
Even the aristocracy got in on the act, with the richest woman in Cardiff, the Marchioness of Bute, taking centre stage as Dame Wales, wearing an Edwardian forerunner of Dame Shirley Bassey’s most famous Welsh dragon frock.
Cardiff Castle staff plan to mark this auspicious anniversary with two special events:
On Thursday 7 May 6pm, Prof Hywel Teifi Edwards will look at the life and work of Owen Rhoscomyl, the driving force behind the 1909 pageant. Rhoscomyl was a remarkable man - an adventurer, historian and impresario. The lecture will draw on meticulous research undertaken by Prof Hywel Teifi Edwards for his book, The National Pageant of Wales, published in February 2009 to coincide with the centenary. The Education Centre at Cardiff Castle is the venue for this event with tickets: £6.50. Please book in advance on 029 2087 8100
Over 150 local school children will then take to the stage on Saturday 16 May from 11am – 5pm in a Historical Pageant. Taking favourite scenes from the original script, the children have adapted the work and put a 21st century spin to the pageant. From the arrival of the Romans, to the laws of Hywel Dda, through to Henry Tudor and an impromptu battle re-enactment, plus depictions of more recent episodes in local history, the day promises to be a far-reaching romp through Welsh history. Watching this chronicle unfold in the creative hands of these young re-enactors promises to be an enthralling and enlightening experience.
On site activities begin at 11am with the main performance starting at 2pm. This event is free to Cardiff Castle passholders and a special event ticket is available to anyone wishing to see the pageant.
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