3:47pm Monday 25th June 2012
S4C will follow in the footsteps of Wales’ Romany gypsies when it takes to the roads of north Pembrokeshire this week.
In a special series entitled Y Sipsiwn, presenters Ifan Jones Evans and Shân Cothi will travel from Llangrannog to Fishguard in a gypsy caravan – a ‘varda’ – from June 25th to 30th.
The series coincides with a month-long celebration in Wales of Romany gypsy traditions, and will discover how the Romany gypsies have left a lasting legacy on Welsh life and history.
Each live programme following the caravan’s journey will coincide with a local community event, including people who have Romany heritage.
The trip will also uncover more about gypsy beliefs and customs.
Ifan Jones Evans will step back to the early years of the 20th century – circa 1900 – as he travels in a gypsy caravan built from scratch by a Cardigan craftsmen and using horses from stables near Lampeter.
Dyfrig Davies, executive producer of the series, said: “The project has opened my eyes to the extent of the prejudice towards the gypsy community in the past.
“I hope to reignite the audiences’ memories of the Romany gypsies and howthey have enriched our cultures.”
The journey begins today Monday, leaving Llangrannog and visiting Cardigan for a preview of the town’s up-andcoming festival.
On Tuesday the varda travels to Newcastle Emlyn for a celebration of Romany culture at Emlyn Hall and the castle.
It’s Crymych on Wednesday for an ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition and Newport will be the venue on Thursday, June 28th. On Parrog Beach, the Boat Club will host an evening of live music with Lowri Evans and folk band Radwm.
On Friday, June 29th, an evening of folk dancing will be held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Fishguard.
On Saturday, June 30th, journey’s end will be at Tafarn Sinc, Rosebush, for an evening with Gypsy Jazz, the triple harp and traditional dancing.
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