ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.

Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.

Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.

A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.

With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.

(Images: St Davids Cathedral)

THE STREETS of Haverfordwest sparkled with festive cheer today as the annual Riverside Winter Fair brought the community together in celebration and holiday spirit. The event, which culminated in the highly anticipated Christmas lights switch-on, transformed the town into a dazzling winter wonderland.

Festivities began early at the bustling Riverside Shopping Centre, where families enjoyed a variety of activities. Live performances by local talents, including Vision Arts, Purely Pink!, and Tin Man Revolution, filled the air with music, setting a joyful tone for the day.

At 6:00pm, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Roy Thomas, joined by the winner of the annual Schools’ Christmas Card Competition, officially switched on the Christmas lights. The magical moment delighted onlookers, with children and adults alike cheering as the town was illuminated. The appearance of Father Christmas and Rudolph added an extra sprinkle of holiday magic.

Activities for all ages
The fair featured attractions for everyone. A family fun fair kept children entertained with thrilling rides, while unique experiences such as a giant snow globe and a snow castle captivated visitors. Adding to the festivities, a banner procession led by the South Wales Police Brass Band showcased creative contributions from local schools, highlighting community spirit.

Fireworks and festive music
As evening fell, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the skies above Foley House, leaving spectators in awe. Throughout the day, local choirs and musicians performed, culminating in a moving cantata titled The Children of St Saviours. Composed by Alex McGee, the piece was performed by students from Haverfordwest High alongside local choirs and the County Orchestra.

Crafts, food, and family fun
The Riverside Winter Fair also featured a vibrant winter craft market, where local vendors showcased their creations. Food lovers flocked to the street food market in Castle Square to sample seasonal treats, while the pop-up board game café offered families a cozy space for friendly competition.

The Mayor, Cllr Martin Lewis, praised the event’s success, saying: “The Riverside Winter Fair exemplifies the spirit of Haverfordwest. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate this wonderful time of year.”

As the twinkling lights illuminated Haverfordwest, it was clear that this year’s Riverside Winter Fair had created cherished memories for all who attended. With smiles on their faces and hearts full of holiday joy, residents departed, looking forward to next year’s festivities.

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm barn attraction, which gained a 3,500-strong petition of support to keep it running after previously being refused by planning officers, is now recommended to be turned down by councillors next week.

Late last year, Stuart Williams of Home Farm, Leweston, near Camrose, was refused retrospective permission by planning officers to retain the Willhome Farm Barn farm park – and ancillary buildings – built in June 2022.

The site – whose facilities were used by the council’s own educational providers and parents of children with learning difficulties – is home to rabbits, llamas, donkeys, poultry, owls, goats, ponies and pigs, along with a café building, public conveniences, a children’s play area, and parking.

It was refused due to highway safety concerns and fears it would generate additional foul water flows which are likely to result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River.

Since the refusal by planners, a change.org petition, Grant Planning Permission for Willhome Farm Barn in Pembrokeshire, was set up by Hook-based Jessica Austin, which has attracted more than 3,500 signatures to date.

Jessica’s petition said: “This decision not only affects this resilient family but also impacts schools attended with over 6,000 pupils, by adults from local wellbeing centres and families with children who have autism or learning difficulties like mine.

“It’s important to note that there are no apparent issues with existing amenities. Roads or waterways. The refusal of planning permission seems unjustified and is causing unnecessary distress within our community.”

Earlier this year, the applicant submitted a fresh call – supported by local community council Camrose – for permission to be granted, which was again due to be decided by planning officers.

At the request of local county councillor, and former council leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, a special meeting was held in July to discuss whether a decision could be made by councillors rather than officers, which was unanimously supported.

The application was due to be heard at the October meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, with a recommendation of refusal, reasons including those given for the previous application.

At the start of the October meeting, members heard the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn to allow the applicant’s agent more time to address concerns, with the plans now returning to the December 3 planning committee.

The application is recommended to be refused on the basis officers say it is in an unsustainable location and would have a negative environmental impact through additional traffic movements, highways issues, and “it has not been established that the proposed development would not generate additional foul water flows which would result in an increase in phosphate levels in the Cleddau River catchment adversely affecting the Cleddau Rivers Special Area of Conservation”.