Hundreds of people joined the Ancient Connections project to watch A Pilgrims Welcome at the weekend in St Davids. Produced by Cardigan-based Small World Theatre, the celebratory event included a very large puppet of Wales’ patron saint, local dignitaries, artists, pilgrims, puppeteers and performers.

The procession marked the end of a journey for the ‘Creative Camino’ artists, who spent 8 days walking a new 130km pilgrim route linking Ferns, Co. Wexford with St Davids Cathedral. During the event, the pioneer pilgrims were able to share their experiences with the public in short performances in the grounds of the cathedral.

Ancient Connections partnered The British Pilgrimage Trust, Pilgrim Paths Ireland, Journeying and Guided Pilgrimage to manage the new pilgrim route between Pembrokeshire and Co. Wexford. It is hoped the route will be the legacy of the project run by Pembrokeshire County Council, Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford.

Project manager Rowan Matthiessen expressed her thanks to all involved in the events surrounding the launch in Ireland and Wales saying “It’s been an amazing week following the pilgrims’ journey and joining them some of the way. Well done to the Creative Camino artists; Ailsa Richardson, Suzi McGregor, Bonnie Boux and Kate Powell for completing the experience. Thank you to everyone who’s got behind the project and helped this year. We’re looking forward to sharing other event details, artists’ work and information on how you can walk the pilgrim route over the coming months.”

Over the years Small World Theatre has created many memorable events with giant puppets and large-scale lanterns, including Cardigan’s Giant Lantern Parades. “We are thrilled to be working with partners in St Davids” said director Ann Shrosbree “We were met by a lovely audience today and blown away by the generosity and enthusiasm of the community. We’re looking forward to returning next year with the big puppet of St David and other exciting ideas for a project finale”.

‘You can join the British Pilgrimage Trust on a pilgrimage taster day, Saturday 4/6/22, starting and ending in Goodwick 9.30am – 4pm. For details on how to book, please visit the British Pilgrimage Trust’s website.

This project is supported by EU funding as part of the Ireland Wales collaboration programme.