Thousands brave heat, queues and disappointment as Tafwyl returns to Cardiff Castle

Tafwyl 2026 returned to the beautiful surrounds of Cardiff Castle for the first time since 2022 as thousands came from around Wales to enjoy a free celebration of Welsh culture, music, kids entertainment, arts and crafts and more.

From experienced Welsh music acts like Carwyn Ellis, Al Lewis to newer acts like Candelas and Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog the music stage meant that crowds could party all afternoon into the evening. Sunday will see Parti Tafwyl, Tafwyl's 20th Anniversary Celebration Party, a special concert curated by Mei Gwynedd that will bring together some of the biggest names in Welsh music to mark a significant milestone in the festival’s history.

Schools from across Cardiff also performed at the event, while kids lucky enough to be fans of S4C's Cyw could see the show's character's and presenters in real life.

For the first time ever, Tafwyl has also appointed two official ambassadors to help promote the festival. The ambassadors are Rose Datta and Catrin Feelings, two artists with close ties to the festival who have appeared on Tafwyl stages and events over the years.

The role aims to inspire young people in Cardiff and beyond to take pride in their language, culture and creativity, building on Tafwyl’s success in nurturing the next generation of Welsh-language artists.

Rose Datta said: “Tafwyl has been a huge part of my journey as an artist. From performing on the festival’s stages to seeing how it creates opportunities for young people to develop and build confidence, it has played a really important role in the Welsh-language scene. It is an honour to be one of the festival’s first ambassadors as it celebrates 20 years.”

However, some hoping to attend the 20th anniversary celebrations struggled to get in and the event saw huge queues of people waiting to get in, some didn't at all. The doors had to be shut early on Saturday evening as the event was too full.

One visitor to the festival wrote on the festival's Instagram: "Have attended Tafwyl the last nine years and found this year’s by far the most disappointing, the queuing system was shambolic. The venue was not fit for purpose. Music was excellent but was not the lovely relaxed Tafwyl we have experienced in the past."

A second struggled to access the venue with their disabled child and said: "Accessibility was NOWHERE to be seen."

Tafwyl's organisers have stated on Sunday, June 21, that there are extra security checks in place at the event due to heightened national security risk. They said: "Due to the heightened national security risk, all visitors will be subject to bag searches and security screening upon entry to the festival. These measures apply to everyone and are being implemented to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all attendees.

"To help speed up entry, we have dedicated lanes for visitors with bags and separate lanes for those without bags."

They also apologised after a person was not let in after reportedly wearing a a Palestine item of clothing. Tafwyl organisers said: "Following comments made on social media yesterday suggesting that Tafwyl organisers would not allow Palestinian flags on the festival site, we would like to confirm that this is not Tafwyl’s policy. However, in accordance with relevant UK Government legislation and guidance, any flags, banners or signs that promote or represent proscribed organisations or groups banned under the law will not be permitted.

"We are aware that an individual did not gain access to the site even though the item of clothing was not proscribed and the dress policy has been reinforced with the relevant agencies. We are sorry about the situation."

WalesOnline has gone to Tafwyl for further comment. The festival continues into Sunday evening, June 21, until 10pm.

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