A proud tradition

On the last Saturday in April, the streets of Cardigan, south Wales, come alive with horses and vintage vehicles. Known as Sadwrn Barlys, or Barley Saturday, this celebration of rural life was first held in 1871. Then it saw farmers gather to show off the stallions they were offering at stud. It was also used as a half-yearly hiring fair for farm staff. The name comes from its other purpose as a celebration of the end of the spring sowing season, when barley was the last crop to be sown. It was originally held on the outskirts of the town at Pensarnau Pool, around which the horses would parade. Then, in 1877, the pool was filled in and it moved to the streets of the town. Suspended during the Second World War, Sadwrn Barlys was resurrected in 1961. After the judging of the stallion and heavy horse classes, the horse judged Supreme Champion leads the parade through Cardigan’s streets. The 2017 event takes place on 29 April.

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