Community

St David’s Day celebrated in Wales’ smallest city

Published

10 months ago

March 1, 2025

ST DAVIDS, Pembrokeshire, marked St David’s Day on Saturday (Mar 1) with a day of celebrations, including the annual Dragon Parade, a special exhibition honouring the city’s residents, and a message from the Prince of Wales delivered partly in Welsh.

First Minister Eluned Morgan led the Dragon Parade, organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which saw local schoolchildren and community members marching through the historic city. Many dressed as dragons and daffodils to honour Wales’ patron saint, who is believed to have been born near St Davids at St Non’s. The parade was one of several held across the country, but the one in Pembrokeshire was particularly significant, taking place in the heart of St David’s heritage.

Meanwhile, at St Davids Cathedral, a special concert by The Band of the Prince of Wales featured traditional Welsh marches, hymns, and anthems. Visitors also attended a Eucharist by the Shrine of St David and a blessing at St Non’s Holy Well, an important religious site associated with the saint’s mother. A pilgrimage then led participants to Oriel y Parc before a final blessing at the Old Cross.

Adding to the significance of the day, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, delivered his first-ever public message in Welsh, celebrating the country’s history, culture, and people. His message, recorded for social media, marked a personal step in his efforts to connect with Wales. While he has been learning some conversational Welsh, he has not undertaken formal lessons like his father, King Charles, who studied Welsh at Aberystwyth University before his investiture in 1969.

“Today, on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people,” the prince said in his video. “From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything that is magical about Wales.”

In addition to the festivities, the City of Portraits exhibition by Grahame Hurd-Wood opened, displaying portraits of more than 1,000 residents of St Davids. The artist has spent a decade working on the project, aiming to paint every one of the city’s 1,800 residents. The exhibition, held at the Pierhead Futures Gallery in Cardiff, runs until April 12.

Local businesses, including The Bishops pub, also joined in the celebrations, offering traditional Welsh food and drinks. Visitors and locals alike embraced the opportunity to enjoy cawl, bara brith, and Welsh cakes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

St Davids, despite being the UK’s smallest city, continues to play a central role in celebrating Wales’ patron saint, with its annual events drawing visitors from across the country.

(Pictures from Church in Wales and Eluned Morgan)

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

15 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)