The Span Arts Cheerful Project in collaboration with Narberth Civic Week is sending out their huntsmen in search of The Great Queen, Rhiannon, who will be called upon to lead the Beastly Procession at the head of Narberth Carnival on July 30.

With a twist on the traditional Carnival Queen idea, the usual competition will be replaced by the ‘The Trials of Rhiannon’, inspired by the great Rhiannon, a mythical queen from the epic Welsh legend, The Mabinogion, they will test strength, creativity, passion and determination… not forgetting the willingness to have a go. This is definitely not a beauty pageant!

The panel of judges, made up of local town officials, is asking the people of Pembrokeshire to search far and wide to help them in their search for Rhiannon. ‘The Trials’ are open to all, whether you are man, woman or anything else, and you don’t have to be from Narberth. You will not be judged on your beauty, but on your skills, ability and Rhiannon-like qualities.

All are welcome to come and watch ‘The Trials’, but there’s no guaranteeing that you will not get roped in!

Span Arts has planned a whole host of workshops and activities leading up to the big event at Narberth Carnival on July 30 and also inspired by the tales of The Mabinogion. These include: a mask-making workshop on July 9; drop-in sessions to make a Mabinogion creature to join the procession on July 17, 25 and 26; and targeted sessions with local groups making giant procession puppets.

This year’s Civic Week, July 24-30, promises to be the best yet, with all the usual events and activities, as well as many new ones. The week of fun and fundraising helps raise much-needed money for local charitable organisations, so come along and be part of it.

If you would like to get involved, either as a volunteer or participant, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling Span Arts on 01834 869323 and asking to speak with someone from the Cheerful Project team. To book onto workshops, visit span-arts.org.uk.