Oh What’s Occurin’ – Three Famous Faces Join the St David’s Day Parade

Sir Tom Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Nessa will join  Dame Shirley Bassey and Owain Glyndwr at the St David’s Day parade this year in Cardiff.

But before autograph hunters get too carried away, they will be giant model versions of some of Wales’s most famous faces and characters.

Launched last year the ’Giants of Wales’ are made by local school children and are large figures of well known Welsh faces. Last year, pupils from All Saints Church in Wales Primary and Mount Stuart Primary created giant figures of Dame Shirley Bassey and Owain Glyndwr.

The three new giants, Welsh singing legend Sir Tom Jones, Barry’s most famous resident Nessa from hit TV series Gavin and Stacey and Cardiff Blues player Gethin Jenkins will be created by school children from Llanederyn Primary, Glyncoed Primary and St Michael’s with the help of artists Sarah Pimento, Joseph Koppell and Anna Ferrie.

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council Neil McEvoy, said:” The giants were a popular introduction last year and really added a new fun element to the parade. The giant Dame Shirley and Owain were definitely a talking point amongst those who were walking as well as those watching the parade.

“The three new legends capture some of Wales’ most iconic faces and characters, helping to showcase our top sporting, singing and acting talent and those who have helped to put Wales on the map. I particularly can’t wait to see the giant Nessa!”

Blues and Wales International Gethin Jenkins, said: “I’m delighted that the school children have chosen me as the Giant they would like to make. It’s a real honor and a very unique story to tell the rest of the squad!”

A festival of events are planned to celebrate St David’s Day in Cardiff this year, including the National St David’s Day Parade which will take place on St David’s Day, March 1. Departing from City Hall at 12.30pm the parade will feature a colourful array of traditional costumes, musicians, carnival dancers and banners.

For more information about St David’s Day visit www.visitcardiff.com or follow us on twitter @stdavidsdayCdf  #cdfdaff

Photograph: The Giants in progress courtesy of Cloth of Gold
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