Carnifal Llandysul & Pontweli Carnival 2026 proved a huge success, bringing a full week of community events, competition, and celebration to Llandysul and Pontweli. With strong attendance, a packed programme, and a joyful Carnival Day, the 2026 festivities showcased the dedication of local volunteers and the enduring strength of the community spirit that underpins the Carnifal.
This year’s Carnival was led by President Karen Jones, with Vice Presidents Rhodri James and Sarah Currado supporting a busy schedule of events and organising teams. The ceremonial heart of the week was led by Carnival Queen Mary Ann Luniewska, accompanied by her attendants Florentina Currado-James, Elen Contreras-Jenkins, and Luna Mitchell. Mabel-Jo Jenkins took the role of Flower Girl, while Leo Mitchell proudly served as Page Boy, adding to the tradition and pageantry that makes the Carnival such a highlight of the local calendar.
The celebrations began on 28th June 2026 with the much-loved Community Singing evening, “Hymns & Pimms,” setting the tone for a week built around togetherness and local participation. Throughout the week, residents took part in a lively mix of events including a Darts & Cricket competition, a Car Treasure Hunt, Bingo, a Family Evening and BBQ, and a competitive Pub Quiz—all of which helped build momentum towards the main day.
Carnival Day itself delivered the spectacle the town had been waiting for. The procession left the Paddlers and was led by the Pathfinders Group, Carmarthen, alongside the Llandysul Fire Brigade, drawing crowds as it moved through the route. Following them came the Queen’s Float, trailed by six additional floats and a range of walking floats, ensuring a colourful and vibrant parade with strong representation across community groups.
The Carnival was formally opened by Karen Jones and Ben Lake MP, marking the official start of the main celebrations on the field. Entertainment across the day was provided by a varied and popular line-up, including Stormus, “The Singing Canon” Gareth Reid, Richard Lee, and the Tenovus Choir, creating a programme that appealed across ages and tastes. Visitors also enjoyed a wide range of food vendors and stalls, helping to create a lively festival atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
As the daytime celebrations concluded, the evening shifted into party mode with the Carnival After Party, where Just Marie and Backtrax headlined a well-attended night of music and celebration. The after-party also served as a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time across the week—supporting events, stewarding the procession, helping with logistics, and ensuring the Carnival ran smoothly from start to finish.
With a strong programme, memorable performances, and a community effort evident at every stage, Carnifal Llandysul & Pontweli Carnival 2026 will be remembered as a standout year—both for the celebrations themselves and for the people behind them who made it happen.
