Thousands of people lined the streets of the capital earlier today as the National St David’s Day Parade returned to the heart of Cardiff for a colourful celebration of Welsh culture.
Held on Sunday, 1 March, the non military parade once again brought together people of all ages and backgrounds for a shared show of pride in Wales, its history and its language.
Participants began gathering outside Cardiff City Hall from 11am, with groups assembling in front of the landmark building ahead of the midday start. Parade flags and community groups had registered in advance, ready to take their place in the procession.
At 12pm sharp, the parade set off through the city centre, creating a sea of red, green and white as it moved along Queen Street and into the Hayes, passing St David’s Hall before continuing along Caroline Street and St Mary Street.
Families waved flags, children wore traditional Welsh dress and performers added music and dance along the route, giving the city a real festival feel. Spectators lined the pavements, many joining in with songs and cheers as the procession made its way through the capital.
The parade arrived at Cardiff Castle at around 1pm, where celebrations reached their peak. Inside the castle grounds, crowds gathered for a rousing rendition of the Welsh National Anthem, sung loud and proud in the historic setting.
As in previous years, the celebrations did not stop there. Traditional music sessions continued in pubs and venues across the city centre, with some dancers and performers heading to Owain Glyndŵr for an afterparty packed with further performances and entertainment.
Organisers have long described the National St David’s Day Parade as a dignified and imaginative way to celebrate Welsh heritage, and once again Cardiff proved why it is the place to be on 1 March.
Whether people chose to watch from the sidelines or take part in the procession itself, the message was clear. On St David’s Day, the capital comes together to celebrate Wales.
