A Coracle Demonstration and Coracle Race was held during Carmarthen’s annual River Tywi Festival on the 9th & 10th July. On Sunday, Malcolm Rees and David Siggery, both members of the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association, demonstrated the art of coracle fishing to the huge crowd that had gathered to watch on the Quayside. The Coracle Race saw several members of the CCNA race against each other. The race was won by Malcolm Rees.

Selwyn Thomas, Carmarthen Town Clerk stated, “The Carmarthen River Festival has allowed the residents of Carmarthen to have a rare insight into the traditional river craft of this historic town, and also to experience new ways of accessing the famous River Tywi.”

“It has been wonderful to see all river users working together, the River Tywi has been the reason for Carmarthen prospering through the centuries and it is wonderful to see it brought back to life again,” explained Jenny Fox, Events Organiser for Carmarthen Town Council. “This year it was amazing to see the coracles racing on the river, and the public on the river bank were treated to a demonstration of the traditional art of coracle fishing.” 

​Article and photo: Julie Rees