Lord Mayor's Show

Kidwelly at the Lord Mayor's Show 2009 - London 14th November 2009

“London certainly knew Wales was here”
After the show, these words were uttered by the Lord Mayor’s Official Marshall who had accompanied the Kidwelly float on the parade. He had been delighted by the level of participation of the spectators on the route responding to the “Oggy Oggy Oggy” shouts from the float. “Oi, Oi, Oi” had resounded through the streets of the city as the crowds warmed to the cheerfully waving medieval people on the float.

But why was Kidwelly in London, in a procession of 6,000 people, watched by over 200,000 spectators on the streets and millions more worldwide on the television?

The purpose of the venture was to raise the profile of Kidwelly and its hinterland, both as a tourist destination and as a means of attracting inward investment.

Thanks to the following:
The lorry was provided by Owens Road Services Ltd who were extremely helpful. We are very grateful for their assistance.

The castle was constructed by John our carpenter, with his apprentice. It was built inside the hangar at Pembrey Airport where we had plenty of room for manouver as the castle is 42ft long by 8ft wide. Thanks to Mr Winston Thomas owner of the airport for the use of his facility.

Many materials and accessories for the costumes were donated by town residents. The monk was wearing brown velvet curtains donated by a former mayor. Many thanks to Ruth Griffiths of Trimsaran who provided ideas and a vast amount of material from her stores. She used to make costumes for events at Caldicot Castle and also theatrical and operatic performances before she retired.

West Coast Sign and Print provided the signage and the reproduction photograph of the castle (7ft x 7ft) which clearly showed how wonderful a castle we have. We had to remember to get the cats “looking forwards” not walking backwards. Thanks to Alan and Eleri Lenandeer.

Cadw for help in funding the castle photograph on the rear of the float and for allowing a photo shoot in the castle grounds.

Brian Rees, a member of Kidwelly Camera Club arranged a photo shoot of “medieval people” in the grounds of Kidwelly Castle before going to London and also provided photographic coverage of the event during the visit to London. After the trip he set up a slideshow in the community hall during the Christmas Fayre.

The Doll’s House Club have made a scale model of the float with small dolls dressed in replica outfits. This has been displayed in the town centre for residents to see.
Carmarthenshire County Council for a community grant which covered the Show fee.

Kidwelly Town Council. Amongst other things we borrowed the Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s Chairs for the King and Queen to sit on. The Mayor, deputy and several councillors were on the float, the Town Clerk was the Town Crier. Thanks for allowing the Council offices to be used as a base for operations.

Last but not least we would like to thank the residents of the town who have helped with funding and their best wishes for the success of the venture.