AMMANFORD is once again preparing to step back into the mists of time for the fifth annual Gwyl y Twrch Trwyth Festival.

Visitors and residents will be able to soak up the medieval atmosphere as the town celebrates the town’s connection with one of the most famous stories from The Mabinogion this weekend.

The Twrch Trwyth, a legendary wild boar, was hunted through Ammanford and the Amman Valley by King Arthur and his knights.

In the tale of Culhwch and Olwen, the Trwch Trwyth was chased from St David’s and through Ammanford.

The amazing Twrch will play a leading role in the free festival which will take place on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7.

Visitors to the event will see Ammanford Park transformed to an exciting medieval village filled with reenactors, family friendly activities, music and medieval characters.

Excitement has been building all year since last year’s event and this year you can expect more medieval fun.

The weekend starts with a procession through the high street at 11am on Saturday, where residents are asked to dress up in their best medieval outfits to walk from the Pensioner’s Hall to Ammanford Park.

Once in the park, visitors will be able to walk around the location while stories are performed and told of different parts of the legend that follow the story of Culhwch and his exciting adventures through the Amman Valley to win Olwen’s hand.

The Birds of Prey Flying Display will be on hand to entertain the crowds and BOARS re-enactment members will be wandering around to help inform residents about the tale of The Mabinogion.

The Lotus Sisters Belly Dance company has been involved with the Twrch Trwyth festival for the past few years and are set to make a return to this weekend’s event.

Carmarthenshire Beekeepers Association will also be at the festival to give an informative chat and local honey will be available to purchase.

There will also be a Mabigion Challenge taking place on the day where teams of five will take on the bucking sheep, an inflatable assault course and archery.

It is £25 for a team for five and if you would like more information please contact clerk@ammanfordtowncouncil.co.uk.

Ammanford Town Council Mayor Jonathan Davies told The Guardian: “This year we are focusing on the arts, culture, interaction and family.

“We will have a selection of different stalls and activities hoping to educate and reinforce our Welsh culture.

“We have our fantastic youth group Mess Up The Mess dressing up as characters from the Mabinogion tale and will stay in character throughout the day interacting with residents.”

The first day will come to an end at around 6pm following a closing knight fight from around 5pm where children are encouraged to bring their own cardboard box to make their armour ahead of the main event.

There will be help on hand on the day to help the children create their battle armour.

For the big kids, don’t forget to visit the Crimson Moon which will keep visitors refreshed.

Sunday will be a free medieval-themed day at Ammanford Park where residents are encouraged to pitch up a blanket and bring along a picnic and reminisce about the history of the town.

BOARS re-enactment will return for the second day to provide entertainment for visitors.

“Look out for our new medieval furniture,” added Cllr Davies.

“We hope to see you all there.”