NEW Year’s Eve plans might have been thrown up in the air a bit this year due to tighter Covid-19 restrictions – but there’s still one place above all in Powys that’s hard to beat for the festivities.

A few years ago, Llanwrtyd Wells was voted as one of popular holiday destination and accommodation website Stay in Wales’ top four things to do for New Year’s Eve.

And this year will be no exception with all the usual fun and frolics going on, including live music and samba drum band in the town square. The traditional torch-lit 'Mari Lwyd New Year Walk-In' procession is also back; walkers leave the Square at 10.30pm, returning in time for the big midnight countdown and more celebrations.

For anyone needing to walk-off the after-effects of the night before or keen to get 2022 off to a fresh start, there's a New Year's Day guided walk starting from the Neuadd Arms Hotel at 11am.

The ‘Mari’ is a much-loved New Year's Eve tradition and one of the many quirky events that helps make Llanwrtyd – the UK’s smallest town – so unique. It involves a decorated horse's skull carried on a pole by a strangely-dressed person, who marches it from the middle of the town to the edge followed by a large crowd all carrying flaming torches.

At a nearby hotel, the ancient Welsh tradition of ‘Mari Lwyd' takes place, where there is an exchange of challenges and banter between the Mari and the hotel's occupants, which must be completed before admission to the bar is allowed. All before returning to the town square in time for the midnight celebrations.

There are refreshments along the way thanks to an exchange of words in Welsh between the horse-head-carrier and householder. Bring a torch or pay for a flaming torch; it's dark and muddy, so wear boots or wellies.

Then it's time for the exciting midnight countdown in the square with noisy celebrations, music and samba band.

The festivities are still going ahead but with some changes to meet the new Welsh Government regulations. Outdoor activities are unaffected, but with mask-wearing and social distancing in place.

For more information and updates, see the Neuadd Arms website, visit www.green-events.co.uk or phone 01591 610236/610333.