BARLEY Saturday – Cardigan town’s biggest day of the year – returns on Saturday to maintain a proud tradition dating all the way back to 1871.

The famous horse show, most notable for the running of a parade of stallions through the town centre, kicks off with a stallion show on Cardigan Secondary School field at 11am.

Horse-drawn vehicles entering the driving classes should also assemble on the school field where judging will take place from 11 am.

The main parade through town, showcasing all the animals that have entered the show, is scheduled for 2pm.

The procession will be led by show president Dylan Thomas, of Crane and Plant Hire Boncath, in a horse-drawn carriage. He will be followed by the supreme champion heading the horse parade.

A stream of vintage vehicles including cars and tractors – always a popular part of Barley Saturday – will follow the horse parade.

The winners of the supreme stallion and supreme heavy horse awards will subsequently receive their trophies on the steps of the Guildhall.

The winners of all other classes will be awarded their trophies on the school field.

Having returned to Cardigan in 2022, following a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic, the Barley Saturday parade drew around 3,500 spectators last year.

With weather conditions looking favourable for the weekend, it is thought that figure could be exceeded on Saturday.

“We are delighted to once again stage what is a unique event,” show secretary Tudor Harries told the Tivyside. “Nowadays, so many people are far removed from the countryside and rural life.

“Barley Saturday helps restore that lost link and takes a lot of people back to their upbringings.

“As always, we depend hugely on our team of volunteers to help marshal such an event.

“Bucket collections will be taking place around the streets – and every penny that is contributed will go to charities.

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and supporters who we can count on giving us their backing year in, year out – it is very much appreciated.”