Community

Crowds flock to St Davids Carnival as sunshine and community spirit light up city

Published

3 months ago

August 25, 2025

ST DAVIDS Carnival brought Pembrokeshire’s summer festivities to a colourful climax on Monday (Aug 25), as hundreds lined the streets to cheer on a dazzling parade of floats, costumes and community groups.

The annual celebration, one of the highlights of the city’s calendar, was blessed with glorious sunshine. Families, visitors and locals turned out in force to enjoy a spectacle that showcased the best of West Wales creativity and community pride.

Floats, costumes and fun

The parade featured a vibrant array of floats, each brimming with imagination and hard work from local groups. From tractors pulling themed trailers to decorated vehicles bursting with colour, every entry brought a smile to the crowd.

Children and adults alike donned elaborate costumes – from straw hats and sports kits to giant insects and bustling market scenes. One standout was the mischievous “Maui” character, complete with grass skirt, garland and fisherman’s hook, who had spectators laughing and cheering throughout.

Judges faced a tough task with so much creativity on display. Floats celebrating Pembrokeshire’s farming heritage, local produce and environmental themes were singled out for particular praise.

Best dressed male contest brings laughter

Away from the parade, the Carnival field was a hub of fun and laughter on Sunday (Aug 24), when the “Best Dressed Male” contest took centre stage.

The competition saw a brave line-up of entrants don outrageous costumes, from flamboyant frocks to eccentric characters, leaving the crowd in stitches. The winners were announced by this year’s MC, Carwyn James, who appeared in a leaf skirt with a squeaky megaphone – a moment that had the audience doubled over with laughter.

“It was absolutely hilarious, one of the best parts of the Carnival,” one spectator told The Herald.

The contest has long been a favourite feature of St Davids Carnival, and this year’s edition proved why it remains such a crowd-puller.

A city united

Beyond the parade and contests, the Carnival atmosphere spread through the city. Stalls, fairground rides, games and live music kept people entertained long after the last float passed, while local businesses and volunteers worked tirelessly to make the day a success.

“It’s such a special day for St Davids,” one organiser said. “The Carnival brings everyone together – young and old – and shows how strong our community spirit is. Without the volunteers and the support of local shops and groups, this simply couldn’t happen.”

Part of a Pembrokeshire tradition

The St Davids event rounded off a fantastic summer of carnivals across the county, with celebrations in Neyland, Milford Haven, Clarbeston Road, Saundersfoot, Narberth and many other towns and villages.

Each carnival had its own unique character, but all shared the same sense of fun, togetherness and pride of place. With the 2025 season now at an end, communities are already looking ahead to next year, with ideas for floats and costumes already being whispered among neighbours.

Sunshine, laughter and lasting memories

As the sun set on St Davids Carnival 2025, it was clear the event had once again delivered what it does best – bringing people together in joy and celebration.

From children in fancy dress to seasoned volunteers working behind the scenes, the Carnival was a true triumph of community spirit.

And as Pembrokeshire heads into autumn, many will carry with them the happy memories of a day when Wales’s smallest city shone brighter than ever.

📸 St Davids Carnival 2025: Colourful costumes, creative floats and community spirit on show (Pics: The Pembrokeshire Herald).

Community

St Davids lights up for annual Christmas tree and wreath contest

Published

3 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Menevia WI, Girl Guides and local groups among the winners at a packed Cross Square event

CHARITIES, schools and community groups lit up St Davids on 29 November 2025, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and festive spirit as hundreds gathered in Cross Square for the annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Competition.

The winners were chosen by public vote. Taking first place in the adults’ category was Menevia WI, whose extraordinary tree, nativity scene and decorations were ingeniously created from a clothes airer and wooden pegs.

Second place went to the City Council Coffee and Chat Group with a thoughtful Christmas-and-Remembrance design, featuring hand-knitted red, white and blue decorations. St Davids RNLI secured third with a lifeboat-themed tree celebrating their lifesaving work.

In the children’s category, St Davids Girl Guides took the top spot with a charming design featuring “Girl-Guide-ified” Santas, tents and the iconic Guide logo. Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) came second with a colourful puzzle-themed tree carrying the message: “In this school you are a special piece of the puzzle.” Close behind in third place was Brawdy Hayscastle YFC with an inventive cow-themed Christmas tree.

The wreath category also highlighted the community’s talent. The Drifters claimed first place with a striking star-shaped wreath, while Lego Church secured second with a brilliantly crafted Lego design. Third place went to Rebecca Thornton for her beautifully knitted wreath featuring Santa and his reindeer.

As the Christmas lights were switched on and Cross Square filled with families, the event once again showcased the creativity and community spirit that make Wales’s smallest city shine at Christmas.

Community

Haverfordwest’s first memory tree brings community together this Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Spud Box is delighted to launch a brand-new festive initiative for the people of Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest’s first Memory Tree, now open to the public at our premises.

The idea, inspired by Drew from The Big Pembs Panto, invites members of the community to write and hang personal messages on the tree. These can be tributes to loved ones, cherished memories, or simple Christmas wishes.

The project has been created to give people a meaningful way to connect during the festive season. All materials – including paper, plastic pockets and ribbon – are provided free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, kindly supplied by Connect: Pembrokeshire, along with mince pies donated by Brakes.

Anyone who prefers to create their message at home can bring it in, and the team will be happy to help attach it to the tree.

Donations are being encouraged in support of Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity, making the Memory Tree both a reflective and charitable community event.

The tree itself looks spectacular thanks to Sion from DSR Batteries, who supplied the lighting. The project has also received generous support from Marty at Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity and Pure West Radio. Spud Box welcomes other community groups or organisations who wish to get involved.

Community

Pembrokeshire Lottery makes Superdraw winner’s Christmas extra special

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONE lucky Pembrokeshire Lottery player has scooped a festive windfall after winning the £10,000 Christmas Superdraw held on Wednesday 3 December.

The winner, Mr Damon McGarvie, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Llangwm, was selected with lucky number 41475. He plays through a salary-deduction scheme run by his employer, Pembrokeshire County Council.

Mr McGarvie’s name was announced live on Radio Pembrokeshire, after which the Pembrokeshire Lottery team made contact and presented him with his cheque later that day.

Speaking after the win, Mr McGarvie said he and his wife will be jetting off on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday over the festive period, thanks to the surprise Christmas windfall.

Pembrokeshire Lottery Manager Abigail Owens said:
“I am so pleased for Mr McGarvie. He has contributed to the Pembrokeshire Lottery for many years, and it is only by the continued support of our players that we are able to assist so many local businesses with interest-free funding from the loan fund.”

The regular weekly £2,000 draws continue in the run-up to the January Superdraw, which will offer a £4,000 prize.

To sign up or order Pembrokeshire Lottery gift subscriptions for Christmas, call 01646 690800.

Photo caption: Damon McGarvie with his winner’s cheque.