The ceremonial opening of the Senedd is an event held after a Senedd election, when the current Head of State visits the Welsh Parliament. It includes addresses by the Llywydd (the Senedd’s Presiding Officer), the First Minister, and the monarch.
During the ceremony the mace is carried into the Siambr, and the formal opening of a new Senedd term is celebrated with cultural performances from across Wales.
The 2026 ceremonial opening of the Senedd will be held on Thursday 15 October 2026.
This year also marks an important milestone in the evolution of Welsh democracy. The Senedd now has 96 Members, including many new Members who have been elected for the first time.
The ceremonial opening is not only a celebration of the Senedd, but also of the people and communities of Wales whose voices, experiences and aspirations are represented within its walls.
Who attends the ceremonial opening?
Members of the Senedd, the Head of State, currently His Majesty King Charles III, and invited guests.
What happens during the ceremonial opening of the Senedd?
Proceedings start when the mace is carried into the Senedd by the mace-bearer, usually a member of Senedd Commission staff. This year the mace-bearer will be accompanied by Ffiôn-Hâf Scott and Aryan Gupta, Members of the Welsh Youth Parliament.
The mace-bearer is followed into the building by Members of the Senedd and key guests.
Once everyone is seated, the ceremonial opening ceremony will begin in the Siambr, the Senedd’s debating chamber. His Majesty The King will make a speech, as will the Llywydd (Presiding Officer) of the Senedd, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, and the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS.
The mace will then be placed in its sconce to signify the official opening of the seventh Senedd.
Why does the Senedd hold a ceremonial opening?
The ceremonial opening of the Senedd is traditionally an occasion to mark the beginning of a new parliamentary term following a Senedd election. It is attended by The Head of State, currently His Majesty King Charles III, in recognition of their support for the institution and its important role in the life of the people of Wales.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the first National Assembly for Wales in 1999 and opened every session following an election in Wales until her death in 2022. This will be the first time His Majesty has attended a ceremonial opening in his role as King.
What is the mace?
Like many parliaments, the Senedd has a ceremonial mace. A highly decorated staff made of wood or metal, a mace is used during formal events such as the official opening of the Senedd.
The Senedd’s mace was a gift from the Parliament of New South Wales, presented to commemorate the opening of the Senedd building in 2006. It was designed and made by Melbourne goldsmith Fortunato Rocca, and was hand crafted from gold, silver and brass.
During the ceremonial opening the mace is placed in its sconce to signify the official opening of the seventh session of the Welsh Parliament – the Senedd.
Who will be performing?
The event will include creative performances by musicians, dancers, singers and artists from all over Wales.
There will be performances from Mared Emry Pugh-Evans, Official Harpist to His Majesty The King; Côr Merched Plastaf; Arpe Dolce; and the Wales YFC Choir.
Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales, has written a new poem to mark the occasion.
How can I watch the ceremonial opening of the Senedd?
Wherever you are in the world, you can join us live for the official opening of the Seventh Senedd.
You can watch the ceremonial opening ceremony from the Senedd Siambr live on 15 October 2026 from 11:00 GMT.
What happened last time?
For a taste of what will happen on 15 October, you can view photos from the opening of the Sixth Senedd and Fifth Assembly on Flickr.
You can watch the full opening of the Sixth Senedd on Senedd.tv