Illustration of visitors exploring a castle great hall with a yule log burning in a huge fireplace (New Year's Day Walk)

New Year's Day Walk

Participants carry burning torches through town, following a leader carrying the Mari, a decorated horse's skull on a pole. The procession stops at various spots to witness re-enactments of the Welsh tradition, where challenges and witty verse are exchanged in Welsh to gain entry and refreshments. Crowds also enjoy live entertainment from a Samba Band processing down the main road and drumming on the square.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Walk leaves at 10:30pm; torches available to purchase from 9pm onwards; Samba Band procession at 10pm, followed by drumming before and after the walk.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

The procession pauses for refreshments and swift sustenance at its stops.

Going?

Location

Town Square · Llanwrtyd Wells LD5 4RB Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ ⚪ (3/5)

Best For

People who enjoy welsh traditions and a short outdoor evening walk

Vibe

Traditional, torchlit, lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Dress for the weather, because the walk heads around town in the dark on New Year's Eve, and you can just turn up.
  • Get to the square early to buy a burning torch, because they go on sale well before the walk leaves.
  • Arrive in time to see the Samba Band process down the main road to the Square before the walk sets off.
  • Stay with the procession at each stop to hear the Mari Lwyd verse exchange in Welsh between the bearer of the Mari and the occupants.

Links & Contact

Run by Green Events Ltd.

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign up in advance?

No. There's no pre-entry, so just turn up dressed for the weather.

What happens on the walk?

Carrying burning torches, the procession follows the Mari, a decorated horse's skull on a pole, around town. At each stop the bearer and the occupants trade challenges and banter in Welsh verse to win entry and refreshment. The procession pauses briefly at each place for something to eat and drink.

Do I need my own torch?

No. Torches are on sale on the night, well before the walk sets off.

Is there anything else going on?

Yes. A Samba Band processes down the main road to the Square, and there's more drumming on the Square before and after the walk.

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