Llanwrtyd Wells is definitely the best place to be for seeing in the New Year!

With real ale and live music at the local hostelries and a samba band playing in the Square, there’s lots happening and a great atmosphere.

The ‘Mari Lwyd New Year Walk-In’ is a torch-lit procession around the town starting out from the Square at 10pm. It is a fun-walk of about a mile at an easy pace, suitable for all ages, with everyone welcome to join in.

Then with the burning torches lighting the way, the procession follows the ‘Mari’, a decorated horse’s skull carried on a pole by the leader, as far as the Abernant Adventure Centre on the outskirts of town. Here the ancient Welsh tradition of ‘Mari Lwyd ‘is re-enacted with an exchange of challenges and banter in Welsh verse between the bearer of the Mari and the occupants in an attempt to gain admission and receive refreshments. Eventually there’s an invitation for everyone to come inside and have something to eat and drink!

The procession then returns to the Town Square in time for the big midnight countdown - and yet more celebrations!

Wear boots/strong shoes for the walk as it may be muddy.