News

Chaotic scuffle erupts at Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2023

‘PEMBROKE town centre bore witness to a tumultuous scene on Thursday evening when a dispute between a group of local youths escalated into a major fracas during the annual Michaelmas Fair.

Tensions flared and spiraled into what can only be described as a full-blown brawl, leaving onlookers stunned by the mayhem that unfolded.

Eyewitnesses recounted the ordeal, with one stating, “The fair attendees were attempting to defuse the situation, but the local youths were unrelenting. It quickly devolved into a mass brawl.”

The incident has ignited fervent calls for an immediate review of the security and oversight measures enforced by the Dyfed-Powys Police and the private security team responsible for managing the three-day extravaganza known as Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair.

Expressing his concerns, Pembroke town and county councillor, Jonathan Grimes, commented, “I’m afraid the police presence in this vicinity leaves much to be desired. The Pembroke Fair has long been a contentious issue in the town. However, it is an event steeped in history and tradition, spanning centuries.”

Councillor Grimes further noted, “Efforts have been made to engage with the showmen and local businesses before they set up, but these attempts often fall through, and they simply materialize.”

He went on to highlight that nearly two-thirds of Pembroke’s town center is commandeered by rides and stalls, leading to a significant number of local merchants opting to keep their doors closed throughout the event.

“This event kicks off on Thursday evening and continues into Friday evening and all through Saturday, causing substantial disruption,” added Councillor Grimes. “Local shops don’t benefit, and the sole beneficiaries are the showmen.”

Concerns have also been raised regarding the fair’s social impact, particularly on the town’s younger residents. Councillor Grimes stated, “I’m aware that a considerable amount of underage drinking occurs in and around the fair, and naturally, we grapple with a significant drug problem here in Pembroke, as is the case throughout Pembrokeshire.”

Highlighting the role of street pastors, he continued, “Last year, the street pastors were present throughout, often responding to incidents long before the police or PCSOs could arrive. In light of the events on Thursday evening, it is imperative that the entire fair is thoroughly evaluated to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

In the meantime, the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Neighbouring Police Team confirmed that they responded to the street fight incident on Thursday. They also disclosed plans to conduct a post-fair debriefing session with Councillor Grimes to assess this year’s event alongside previous editions.

The origins of the Michaelmas Fair can be traced back to Pembroke’s medieval charters, granting the town the privilege to host markets and fairs during specific times of the year. Traditionally held on the second Thursday in October, it was originally a hiring fair where farm workers sought servants and laborers for the upcoming year.

Community

Final chance to invest in historic Boncath community cottage

Published

2 minutes ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in North Pembrokeshire have just days left to invest in a unique community project to purchase a historic Victorian corrugated cottage in Boncath for £12,000.

After a month of gathering support, volunteers behind the initiative are holding a final public meeting at the cottage on Saturday (Apr 4) from 11:00am to 12:00 noon. The event offers a last opportunity for new investors to join the cooperative and for existing supporters to view the building they now collectively own.

The cottage has served the community for more than 130 years. Since the 1930s it has been home to the Boncath WI, while earlier uses included a sawmill office and a rent collection point for the local estate.

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of Narberth-based community development organisation PLANED, who will explain how the scheme works and the financial incentives available. Investors contributing £500 may qualify for 50% tax relief through the UK Government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).

A similar model was successfully used in nearby Crymych, where community investors raised £210,000 to purchase and reopen the Crymych Arms pub.

Supporters can invest by contacting [email protected]
or downloading forms via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page. Printed forms are also available from Boncath Village Shop and Post Office.

Following the purchase, organisers plan to launch a wider community share offer at £50 per share to encourage broader local ownership.

The long-term vision is to transform the building into a small heritage centre, celebrating Boncath’s history and collecting local stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

For further information, contact Cris Tomos on 07974 099738 or email [email protected]
.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.