Ceredigion County Council website

Aberystwyth Town Council strongly believe in providing opportunities for local creators to contribute to a sustainable, regenerative cultural tourism offer here in west Wales. The current regeneration of the town’s seafront promenade by Ceredigion County Council provided an ideal opportunity to collaborate to include new literary works within the physical fabric of the promenade and support the bid to become an UNESCO City of Literature. We aim to use such projects as exemplars to illustrate how literature can be woven into capital projects throughout Ceredigion and beyond.

Commissioned by Aberystwyth Town Council, the short poems are part of a wider initiative to enhance the promenade as a space of beauty, culture, and heritage. Alongside the couplets, a series of slate inserts bearing inscriptions of ‘Cardi’ phrases, used during the 2022 Eisteddfod in Tregaron, have also been added, reinforcing the region’s linguistic and cultural identity.

Mayor of Aberystwyth, Maldwyn Pryse, welcomed the new addition, saying: "These poems are a tribute to Aberystwyth’s rich history, its people, and its enduring connection to the sea. Seeing the words embedded in the promenade is a powerful reminder of how culture and community shape our surroundings."

The couplets’ installation marks a significant step forward in the promenade’s revitalisation, which aims to create a welcoming and resilient seafront.

Reflecting on their work, poets Dr Eurig Salisbury and Dr Hywel Griffiths shared their thoughts on the inspiration behind the poems: "Aberystwyth is a place where land, sea, and people meet in a constant, yet ever-changing dialogue. We wanted to capture the essence of this connection—the resilience of the promenade, the beauty of its setting, and the deep sense of belonging it offers to those who walk its length, whether for the first time or a lifetime."

Over the coming weeks, further enhancements will continue, with the overall revitalisation project anticipated to conclude by winter 2025.

Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader of Ceredigion County Council, highlighted the importance of the poetry within the wider project: "The promenade has always been a focal point for both residents and visitors. This creative addition not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures that our heritage and language are visible and celebrated in our everyday spaces."

The revitalisation of Aberystwyth Promenade forms part of a wider programme of investment which seek to enhance the South Prom area of Aberystwyth, ensuring it remains an attractive and resilient space for residents and visitors alike. The overall work funded by the UK Government is supporting local regeneration and strengthening economic opportunities in Ceredigion.

With this latest milestone, Aberystwyth continues to blend history, art, and regeneration—ensuring that the promenade remains a place of reflection, community, and inspiration for generations to come. 

A full project update will follow once details are finalised, including plans for a special celebration in partnership with the Town Council, Local Member, and Aberystwyth Bards to mark the unveiling of the Promenade Poems. We'll also shine a spotlight on the community benefits delivered by TTS – who teamed up with the Town Council to brighten the promenade with fresh planters and vibrant greenery.

The latest phase of the revitalisation works is fast approaching completion, with major strides already made. Looking ahead, the next chapter – focused on paving and surfacing around the iconic Old College – is set to roll out between October and February.

Keep up to date with the overall project by visiting: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/aberprom