Step back in time with Llanelli Retrofest

OYEZ OYEZ OYEZ Llanelli is stepping back in time with a new event this weekend called Llanelli Retrofest. (Sept 26-27th)

Church bells will be ringing, buskers will be singing and a town crier and court jester will be touring the streets filled with retro stalls displaying everything from ancient prams to Victorian make up.

The event running from 10am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday in the town’s main streets of Vaughan Street and Stepney Street plans to bring the town centre and market alive with a great bustle of fun and frolics.

Llanelli model engineers will be running steam engines through the town on Friday, there will be open to buses running round the town offering free rides offering occasion commentary of Llanelli’s great history, myth and magic.

A selection of vintage cars will fill Bridge Street an there will be magic shows and re-enactment performances with exhibits and performances about the town’s main streets and in Spring Gardens.

The famous Edwardian restored Llanelly House has a ‘sew back in time’ experience and house tours. A Communities First team there in conjunction with Llanelli theatrical gown supplying company, Costumestogo, have been creating period costumes and scores of mop caps for street traders.

Parking charges have been abolished in all car parks for both days of the festival to encourage as many people in to the town as possible to witness a Llanelli from yesteryear.

The court jester will be undertaking walking tours off the town and market accompanied by the town crier and they will also ride some of the bus tours to talk about the many Blue Plaques about the town.

Buskers will be playing in the streets and entrance to Llanelli market and all are invited to turn up to compete to be crowned the first busking King or Queen o Llanelli Retrofest.

Carmarthenshire executive board member for regenration and leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said the festival had been put together in a few short weeks as part of the Welsh Government’s High Street campaign.

She said: “Llanelli Retrofest has legs for the future that will grow to become an important diary marker in Carmarthenshire’s rich calendar of annual events.

“It will be a great family experience and I would invite as many as possible to come along and if they fee inclined to dress up and become part of the magical days.”