New Year's Day Walk
Participants carry burning torches through town, following a leader carrying the Mari, a decorated horse's skull on a pole. The procession stops at various spots to witness re-enactments of the Welsh tradition, where challenges and witty verse are exchanged in Welsh to gain entry and refreshments. Crowds also enjoy live entertainment from a Samba Band processing down the main road and drumming on the square.
What to Expect
Torchlit procession following a decorated horse's skull for ancient Welsh tradition.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Green Events Ltd.
Food & Drink
The procession pauses for refreshments and swift sustenance at its stops.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
People who enjoy welsh traditions and a short outdoor evening walk
Vibe
Traditional, torchlit, lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Walk leaves at 10:30pm; torches available to purchase from 9pm onwards; Samba Band procession at 10pm, followed by drumming before and after the walk.
Tips & Advice
- Dress for the weather, because the walk heads around town in the dark on New Year's Eve, and you can just turn up.
- Get to the square early to buy a burning torch, because they go on sale well before the walk leaves.
- Arrive in time to see the Samba Band process down the main road to the Square before the walk sets off.
- Stay with the procession at each stop to hear the Mari Lwyd verse exchange in Welsh between the bearer of the Mari and the occupants.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up in advance?
No. There's no pre-entry, so just turn up dressed for the weather.
What happens on the walk?
Carrying burning torches, the procession follows the Mari, a decorated horse's skull on a pole, around town. At each stop the bearer and the occupants trade challenges and banter in Welsh verse to win entry and refreshment. The procession pauses briefly at each place for something to eat and drink.
Do I need my own torch?
No. Torches are on sale on the night, well before the walk sets off.
Is there anything else going on?
Yes. A Samba Band processes down the main road to the Square, and there's more drumming on the Square before and after the walk.
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