A NEW public art trail is turning heads in North Pembrokeshire as sculptures, kinetic installations, and augmented reality artworks transform the coastal towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.

The initiative, called Art Afoot, links the twin towns through a trio of scenic walking routes, using existing paths such as the Goodwick Moor boardwalk, the Marine Walk overlooking Fishguard Harbour and Lower Town, and a community orchard route.

All trails are free, family-friendly and open daily, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the area’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage in an interactive way.

Each of the artworks—many of which were inspired by drawings and ideas gathered through community engagement sessions—tells a story about the area’s unique biodiversity, wildlife, and local history. Highlights include a dramatic steel seahorse sculpture, a kinetic shoal of fish that moves in the wind, and a finely detailed dragonfly installation located within the wetlands.

One of the more playful features is a cut-out board showing traditional Welsh costume, allowing walkers to pose for photos as part of the living artwork. QR codes placed along the trails unlock augmented reality experiences via smartphone, adding another layer of interaction to the journey.

The trail map, which includes both new and existing works—such as the well-known Last Invasion Tapestry displayed at Fishguard Library—is available online and in print from local venues.

Organisers say Art Afoot offers not only a creative boost to the area but also a new way to appreciate Pembrokeshire’s coastal paths and community spaces.

A ONCE-DULL underpass in Haverfordwest has been transformed into a vibrant, eye-catching mural thanks to the creativity and hard work of five young people from the Haverfordwest High VC King’s Trust group, led by Youth Worker Ell Lewis.

Supported by a Youth Bank Grant, GD Harries & Sons and funds raised through raffles, cake sales, and bingo events at their school, the group collaborated with local businesses and the community to bring their vision to life. The result is a stunning public artwork that not only adds a splash of colour to the town but also represents Haverfordwest heritage and the voices, experiences and pride of Haverfordwest’s young people.

“This project is our legacy,” said one participant. “We’ve created something lasting that represents who we are and where we come from, it’s pretty amazing what a cup of tea and a conversation can result in.”

To bring their vision to life, the group collaborated with professional graffiti artist Lloyd, who led workshops involving young people, local businesses and community groups.

“This has been a project I’ve loved being part of from start to finish; the young people involved are a credit to the town and were great to work with,” explained Lloyd. “To not only come up with the idea, but to raise the funds and then take part in the painting as well, I was seriously impressed. Too often people are keen to talk down Haverfordwest, but these young people are certainly bucking the trend. Ardderchog pawb!”

“This mural is more than just art – it’s a statement,” said Ell Lewis, Youth Worker at HHVCS. “It reflects the young people’s connection to their community, their appreciation for Youth Work, and the impact youth services have on their lives.”

Incorporated into the design is personal elements significant to the artists, including a visual tribute to the daily check-in system used in their Youth Work sessions highlighting the essential role of emotional support and connection in their development. “This is exactly what we need to see on our way to school in the morning” one participant shared. “It’s put a smile on our faces, and this is important for our wellbeing”. 

Passersby have praised the mural, with many commenting on how it has transformed an overlooked area into a bright and inspiring space; “We hope this is just the start,” one resident commented. “The group has poured colour into their community. It would be great to see the project continue down the rest of the tunnels.”

Heidi Lewis from County Sports remarked: “The project is really beneficial for the town and I love how inclusive it is. It is great to see the young people taking ownership and it has equipped the participants with valuable skills in planning, design, teamwork, and community engagement. It is inspiring”

One participant said “my friends and I got to take part in the workshop because we go to The Edge Youth Centre, the centre is really important to us and I really enjoyed being able to take part. I’ve shown it to all my family!”

The group would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the local independent businesses and community members who supported the project through donations and collaborative efforts. Their contributions have helped turn a vision into a meaningful and lasting piece of community art.

Young People: Carly Sharief, Ayden Jones, Isaac Roach, Ffion Price, Lateesha Boyd, Youth Worker Ell Lewis with Lloyd Roberts.

Pics: Richard Hankinson

Stations to benefit from expanded grants, training, and support under new funding package

COMMUNITY radio stations across the UK are set to benefit from a significant uplift in government support, with an extra £600,000 allocated this year—bringing total funding for 2025/26 to £1 million.

The additional funding will be distributed primarily through the Community Radio Fund, administered by Ofcom, with £900,000 in grants available to help local stations create jobs, train volunteers, and build sustainable business models. A further £100,000 will be used to support sector-wide development projects, such as audience research and potential new services in underserved communities.

There are currently more than 300 community radio stations in the UK, providing a lifeline of hyper-local news, information, and entertainment to listeners—often in areas no longer served by commercial radio. Unlike commercial broadcasters, community stations are run on a not-for-profit basis, with a focus on public benefit and inclusivity.

The Government says the increased funding forms part of its wider Plan for Change, aimed at boosting economic growth through job creation and skills development.

Media Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Community radio plays an important role in the lives of many people across the UK, helping to keep them informed, entertained and connected to the world around them.

“We are committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the sector, which is why we have boosted funding to help stations create more jobs, build their businesses and reach even more listeners.”

Mark Jones, Chair of the Community Radio Fund, welcomed the announcement. He said: “With the fund more than doubling for this year, we’ll be able to support new roles at even more stations. This will help community radio stations operate sustainably and continue to serve their local areas with creative and distinctive programming.”

Since its creation in 2005, the Community Radio Fund has awarded grants to more than 150 stations. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000 and are awarded by an independent panel.

Further guidance on how to apply for the 2025/26 round of funding will be published by Ofcom ahead of the application window opening in September.

Vijay Umrao, Chair of the Community Media Association, said: “The increase in funding will help the Community Radio Fund achieve its primary role of supporting the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed stations, enabling them to continue their pivotal work.”

Martin Steers, Director of the UK Community Radio Network, added: “Community radio is often the only local voice in many areas. While we welcome this one-off boost, we urge the government to look at long-term funding solutions to ensure the sector’s continued impact.”