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Tenby gears up for spectacular return of Steampunk Festival

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A QUIRKY festival that brought a wave of eccentricity and invention to the streets of Tenby last year is returning in style next weekend.

The Tenby Steampunk Festival, which blends Victorian fantasy with retro-futuristic flair, will take place from March 28 to 30 – and promises to be even bigger and bolder in 2025.

Following the success of its inaugural event, which drew visitors from across the UK and as far afield as Belgium, the festival has gained national recognition. Travel publisher Rough Guides described it as “a fabulous new festival that offers a window into British eccentricity in one of the UK’s best seaside towns.”

This year’s highlights include the chance to enjoy tea with the Time Traveller, inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic The Time Machine, as well as the return of fan favourites like teapot racing and Tea Duelling – a light-hearted but fiercely contested biscuit-dipping duel.

Organised by Tenby’s community engagement officer Anne Draper and a team of dedicated volunteers, the festival is designed to celebrate creativity, costume, and community.

“The reaction last year was amazing,” said Anne. “We had people coming from all over. One person even came from Belgium! We’ve learned a lot and realised that steampunk folk are the entertainment – the streets come alive with them.”

This year’s additions include airship racing from the iconic St Catherine’s Island, which will once again be one of the festival’s most eye-catching venues.

Two spectacular Peacock Parades will take place through the town on both Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm, beginning at the De Valence Pavilion and winding their way through Upper Frog Street, Tudor Square, the Harbour, and Crackwell Street.

The De Valence Pavilion will serve as the heart of the festival, housing a bustling Steampunk Emporium, a community art exhibition, and on-stage antics including Tea Duelling. A screening of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea will also take place, complete with a specially-written introduction to place it firmly in the steampunk world.

Church House will host live music acts including the ever-popular steampunk performer Madam Misfit, while those seeking something a little darker can take part in Victorian ghost walks, Scary Games and a Paranormal Experiment.

Visitors can also capture their own timeless moment in the Victorian photographic parlour, open throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit Tenby Steampunk Festival on Facebook.

Community

Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner

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SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.

The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.

During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”

He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”

The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.

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Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

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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.)

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Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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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.

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