Entertainment
Golden age of steam returns to Pembrokeshire for one day only
STEAM enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see a legendary locomotive in Pembrokeshire this weekend as the iconic LMS Black Five 45212 arrives as part of The Railway Touring Company’s “The Great Britain XVII” rail tour.
Pembrokeshire is one of the highlights of the nine-day steam adventure, which sees passengers travel across Britain aboard some of the country’s most celebrated surviving locomotives. Tickets for the full experience, including seating, onboard dining, and hotel accommodation, cost up to £4,500.
The LMS Black Five – fully titled LMS Stanier Class Black 5 45212 – was built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle. Designed by Sir William Stanier, the Black Fives were known as the “maid of all work” class, thanks to their versatility handling both passenger and freight duties.
Only 18 of the original 842 Black Five locomotives survive today, and 45212 remains one of the few certified for mainline operation. It even appeared in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, starring Kenneth Branagh.
The steam engine will travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Pembrokeshire on Sunday, April 27. Part of the journey will be diesel-hauled, but the stretch from Pembroke Dock to Whitland will be pure steam, departing Pembroke Dock at 2:06pm, stopping at Tenby at 2:33pm, and reaching Whitland by 3:00pm.
After a diesel leg to Fishguard Harbour, where it arrives at 4:01pm, the locomotive takes over again for a fully steam-powered run back towards Cardiff Central, passing Clarbeston Road at 4:31pm, Haverfordwest at 4:42pm, and arriving at Milford Haven around 6:04pm.
The tour, which departs London Victoria on Saturday, April 26, is The Railway Touring Company’s flagship event. Now in its 17th year, “The Great Britain” tour is regarded as one of the most ambitious steam journeys in the UK, covering over 2,000 miles of scenic railway.
Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said: “The highlight of day two will be the spectacular scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park as we travel to Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and Milford Haven. Leaving Fishguard Harbour, our historic engine will face a 1 in 50 gradient – meaning passengers are guaranteed a memorable climb!”
More information about the tour and other steam-hauled adventures can be found at www.railwaytouring.net.
Entertainment
Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park
NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS
LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.
The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.
Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.
The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.
James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.
“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.
“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”
Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.
The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.
Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.
Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.
A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.
The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.
Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.
Charity
Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return
Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront
MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.
The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.
Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.
Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.
The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.
Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.
Community support
Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.
“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”
Ticket information
Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.
Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.
The event is strictly over-18s only.
Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.
Entertainment
Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront
PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN
DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.
The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.
Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.
The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.
Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.
“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”
Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.
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