The inspiration for the Wild West theme to the Edwardian picnic on Sunday 18 May comes from historical fact.
Not many people know that Sophia Gardens was the setting for a number of spectacular Wild West shows staged by Buffalo Bill back in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Cardiff was a favourite venue of William Cody (also known as Buffalo Bill) and his spectacular show was attended by thousands of awestruck Cardiff residents.
In homage to Buffalo Bill, Cardiff Castle will be adding a Wild West twist to the entertainment at the Castle’s forthcoming Edwardian picnic. Visitors are invited to come along, spread out a rug, bring along their picnic and re-capture childhood memories with brilliant games of cowboys and Indians. ‘Shoot out’ shows, story-telling, whip-cracking, a bed of nails demonstration and a heart-stopping knife-throwing display are promised as re-enactors take on the characters of the time. And for anyone who wants a taste of the rodeo, there will be child and adult sized rodeo bulls to try and ride against the clock!
Cabinet Member for Community Development, Co-operatives and Social Enterprise, Cllr Peter Bradbury said, “This is the first time the Castle has ever staged such an event in its busy programme and it promises to be hugely entertaining.”
Everyone is encouraged to get into the spirit of the time and come along dressed in costume with a prize for the best.
