Cardiff BANNED from celebrating St David's Day with road parade for 10th year in a row as council fails to fund national celebration

However, organisers say budget cuts mean the parade will once again be confined to the pavements, with insufficient funding to secure the necessary street closures.

A post to the event's Facebook page read: "Once again due to budget cuts from the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff City Council and the Arts Council of Wales this year same as the past number of years as the National St David's Day Parade Committee can't afford to fork out on the road closures so we can't even do the parade on the road.

"We're going to be doing the parade on the pavement once again this year as we march from Cardiff City Hall into the city centre and then eventually ending at the Hayes outside St David's Hall same as before.

"The more we get in attendance either partaking in the parade or by simply watching it the better."

The funding cuts were first introduced in 2016 when the event went ahead despite the council withdrawing its £35,000 contribution, The Cardiffian reported at the time.

It meant organisers were forced to create a different route for the parade as they were left unable to afford road closures themselves.

At the time, those taking part in the event described a noticeable drop in attendance, according to The Cardiffian.

Some groups were also said to be unable to make their usual trip to the city as a result of the reduced financial support.

Organisers of Sunday's parade say the event serves as a chance to "join a dignified and imaginative celebration of Welsh heritage and culture".

Participants will gather outside Cardiff City Hall from 11am before starting out at midday.

The procession will travel through the city centre before ending at about 1.30pm when the National Anthem will be sung.

Traditional music sessions are then expected to continue in venues across the city centre.

A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: “Once again this year, the St David’s Day parade will be a part of Cardiff’s celebration of Welsh history, language, and culture.

“Cardiff Council is providing the same level of support for the parade this year as it has in previous years, facilitating the parade from its starting point outside our Edwardian City Hall in the Civic Centre, through our bustling city centre streets, before finishing in our iconic Cardiff Castle.

“Our support for the event includes providing staff on the day - working closely with the organisers to ensure that everyone can enjoy the parade and the Cardiff Castle celebration at its conclusion safely - and providing Cardiff Castle for the organisers to use free of charge.

“In addition to facilitating and supporting the parade, Cardiff Council is once again proud to stage several events to mark St David’s Day.

“This year these include, full days of Welsh language music across the city centre from February 27 to March 1, with our Cardiff Music City partners.

“Central Library Hub hosting a special St David’s Day celebration on Saturday 28th February, and our Hubs across the city organising St David’s Day activities.

“Child Friendly Cardiff created story trails in Cardiff parks, bringing Welsh legends to life for children and families. And much, much more."