Wales’ heritage and culture ‘must be protected’ from the Brexit catastrophe, the leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price has said.

The newly elected Plaid Cymru leader will be visiting Cardigan Castle in Cardigan with Ceredigion AM Elin Jones ahead of the second day of the party’s annual autumn conference in the town.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price AM said,

“Here in very heart of Ceredigion the first ever Eisteddfod was held at Cardigan Castle by Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth in 1176. Today, the castle stands as a proud reminder of Wales’ rich and long history and heritage and cultural contribution to Europe and the wider world.

But this is all now at risk as it becomes increasingly clear that leaving the EU without a deal or with a weak deal would be a catastrophe that could cause great harm to Wales’ people and their livelihoods, industry and culture.

We must look to protect our Welsh culture and heritage projects from becoming collateral damage in this long running civil war in the Tory party over Europe.

Creativity and innovation is critical to the success of any economy in the 21st century and that is why a Plaid Cymru government under my leadership will place heritage, language and culture together with national museums and cultural institutions at the heart of all our policies as we create a bold New Wales beyond Brexit.

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones added,

“Wales is a land of rich cultural legacy and vibrant expression, with two languages, a long history in poetry and music - we want to promote Wales as a top quality, sustainable tourism destination on this very basis.

Following a £12m restoration project commissioned by Cadwgan Trust, Cardigan Castle, like many cultural projects in Ceredigion, saw £4.3m in grant from the European Regional Development Fund. Brexit will see the loss of support for cultural and heritage projects such as these.

Plaid Cymru will do everything within our power to ensure that, in the wake of Brexit, our heritage and culture is not only protected but is given space to thrive.”