Penarth's Winter Carnival to Return in 2021

By The Editor 24th Feb 2020

Local News by The Editor 24th Feb 2020

At the beginning of February 2019, Richard Parry declared a four day festival of joy in the town of Penarth. Tonight, a one-day celebration will take place as well as planning for a 2021 reprise.

Last year Penarth held a winter carnival in the days before Pancake Tuesday. The idea was the brainchild of Penarth singer Richard Parry who has previously produced the carnival celebration "Carnifal Y Mor" that opened the 2018 National Eisteddfod in Cardiff.

The result was a colourful, funny festival that included costumed processions, special carnival sausages made by the town's butchers, parties, a tug-of-war, concerts, laughing workshops, a cycle ride, readings, a choir festival, pancakes and a special Penarth Carnival beer that was served in the town's pubs, brewed by Tomos & Lilford.

Now an announcement is being made that another four-day winter carnival will be held next year in 2021 from Saturday 13th February to Tuesday 16th February (Pancake night).

This year, to celebrate the success of last year's carnival and begin planning for next year there will be a one night Winter Carnival in Penarth tonight.

At 6 pm, in the St Fagans pub in the town centre, there will be an opportunity for anyone wanting to get involved in next year's celebrations to chat about plans and ideas and meet some of the team who pulled last year's winter carnival together.

Then at 7.30 pm there will be a party in The Albion Pub in Glebe Street where there'll be more conversation, a 1960's disco, and music/singing.

All are welcome to attend and both happenings are free admission.

Richard Parry said: "There was a lovely festival spirit in the town last year over the carnival season.

We declared a four-day festival of winter joy, and it was wonderful to see so many people from the town taking part, and enjoying themselves.

''Traders, community groups and people who took part have all said they'd like to do it again, so there is a one-night party/planning session this year and we'll have a full four days of Welsh carnival next year in 2021.

''Everyone is welcome to get involved in any way that suits them. Join the party."