Merlin Festival hailed a success

The Merlin Festival in Carmarthen has been hailed as a great success.
The Festival in the centre of Carmarthen celebrated the legend and lore of Carmarthen’s ancient links with possibly the world’s most famous wizard, Merlin. Jolly jousters, juggling jesters and live performances transformed the town’s streets into colourful seas of bunting and costume with the day’s festivities including a Wizards Academy, Arthurian-themed stilt walkers, storytelling and mix 'n' mingle with puppet dragons, Welsh folk music and arts and craft workshops. There was also a Merlin / myth / legend rap competition on stage and a treasure hunt.
Carmarthen is reputedly Wales’s oldest town, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years and is linked to Merlin through its name. The town celebrates its links with the legendary wizard each year.
Merlin is best known as the magician of Arthurian legend but Carmarthen lays its own claim to the man of mystery from the past.
The name Myrddin may have arisen from the Roman period Celtic name for a place in Wales, Mori-dunon meaning “sea fort.” The name became Carmarthen/Caerfyrddin, which can be loosely translated as Fort of Moridunum, since a caer is a fortified royal residence. It seems that the name was taken to mean ‘Caer of some man called Myrddin’.
Council executive board member for regeneration and leisure Clive Scourfield said: “The Merlin Festival was great fun and a wonderful way to celebrate the history and mythology of Carmarthen.”

Merlin makes his way around Carmarthen at the Merlin Festival.

Visitors to the Merlin Festival enjoy the show.

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