Where do myths come from? And how do they bind people together?

This festival celebrates the friendship, folklore, and ancient stories that connect Pembrokeshire and Wexford across the Irish Sea.

For three nights, we'll be sharing myths, legends, and ancient tales involving saints, sea monsters, and intrepid journeys to rescue friends across the Irish Sea.

Each night, our storyteller will be joined by an archaeologist who has been unearthing real evidence from the places these stories are about.

Separated by storm-whipped seas, you'll discover that these two places are joined not only by shared stories, but by real cultural connections which are being uncovered by archaeologists today.

Together, we'll discover the ‘real stories’ behind each tale, and look at the clues that suggest these myths and legends are rooted in events that took place over 1,000 years ago.

Everyone is encouraged to join the fun, as we listen to old tales, discover new archaeological evidence, and start weaving new stories from these ancient threads of evidence.

----------

[Tue 1st March / 18:30 GMT] Story 1 – Ancient Connections, with DigVentures

Journeys, connections, and lives well-lived. Listen to the enchanting story of how two saints, David and Aidan, became friends. Following this an archaeologist from DigVentures will unpick a series of clues from early medieval church sites in Pembrokeshire and Wexford to reveal a new understanding of Waycross pilgrims’ routes and ports.

----------

[Wed 2nd March / 18:30 GMT] Story 2 – Stormy Seas, with Dyfed Archaeological Trust

Angels, friendship, and sea monsters. Listen to the epic tale of how St Aidan rode to the rescue of his old friend St David across the Irish Sea, before an archaeologist from Dyfed Archaeological Trust explores new evidence from the site where his journey is said to have begun. A place where storm-whipped seas and recent rescue excavations have revealed 1,000 year-old graves touchingly decorated with sea shells and shiny quartz pebble.

----------

[Thu 3rd March / 18:30 GMT] Story 3 – Aidan Sets Sail, with IAFS

Bees, beer and Becc. Hear how St Aidan settled into his new monastery and dazzled his followers with a series of miracles, before an archaeologist from IAFS unveils new discoveries from Ferns Abbey and what these new clues can reveal about its foundation.

----------

Additional info

----------

Is this event family friendly?

Yes, these stories are family friendly, and the events will be suitable for all ages.

----------

Will the events be recorded?

Yes, recordings will be available for up to 7 days after the event.

----------

How do I register?

Once you've purchased a ticket, you'll have access to all Zoom sessions and a copy of each recording. All access and recording links will be emailed to the address you provide when signing up.

----------

Who is DigVentures?

DigVentures is a team of archaeologists who organise digs and events that enable everyday people to get involved in archaeology.

We're working with Ancient Connections to unearth archaeology, and share the stories behind their discovery through this storytelling festival in partnership with Abarta Heritage, Dyfed Archaeological Trust, and IAFS.

----------

What is Ancient Connections?

Ancient Connections is an exciting heritage and arts programme led by Pembrokeshire County Council linking communities across the Irish Sea and generating new works of art, community projects, events and activities inspired by the stories that connect these two regions of north Pembrokeshire and north Wexford.

Rhaglen dreftadaeth a chelfyddyd gyffrous a arweinir gan Gyngor Sir Penfro yw Cysylltiadau Hynafol. Mae'n cysylltu cymunedau ar draws Môr Iwerddon ac yn cynhyrchu gweithiau celf, prosiectau cymunedol, digwyddiadau a gweithgareddau newydd, wedi'u hysbrydoli gan y straeon sy'n cysylltu'r ddau ranbarth hyn yng ngogledd Sir Benfro a gogledd Wexford.

Is clár iontach oidhreachta agus ealaíon é Ancient Connections atá faoi stiúir Chomhairle Contae Sir Benfro. Nascann sé pobail ar dhá thaobh Mhuir Éireann agus cruthaíonn sé saothair nua ealaíne, tionscadail phobail, imeachtaí agus gníomhaíochtaí a spreagann ó na scéalta a nascann an dá réigiún seo, tuaisceart Sir Benfro agus tuaisceart Loch Garman.

----------