Community
Craft Festival Wales opens in Cardigan with record crowds
National event returns with special guests and top awards
CRAFT FESTIVAL WALES opened its doors at Cardigan Castle on Friday (Sept 5), drawing record visitor numbers and setting the tone for a busy weekend of craft, creativity and celebration.
The event was officially opened by broadcaster and author Kate Humble, with more than 1,000 people passing through the gates on the first day alone. Organisers say the festival, which launched last year, is now confirmed as an annual fixture in Cardigan thanks to support from Event Wales, Arts Council of Wales, the Ceredigion County Council Shared Prosperity Fund and local businesses.

Among the special guests on Friday was First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, who presented two of the festival’s key awards. Textile designer and weaver Llio James, originally from Talybont and now based in Cardiff, was named ‘Best Maker in Wales’. The ‘Best Stand’ award went to Justyna Medon of Addicted to Patterns, a surface decoration and printmaking specialist from Pontyrhyl near Bridgend.
Craft Festival Wales features 100 professional makers from across the UK, each chosen by an independent panel for the quality and originality of their work. Exhibitors include jewellery makers, ceramicists, glass artists, wood and metalworkers, furniture makers, and textile designers.

The festival continues over the weekend, running from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available online or at the gate, priced at £8 for adults, with children entering free when accompanied by an adult. A three-day weekend ticket is also available for £15.
The event is curated by Sarah James MBE, who has been creating award-winning craft festivals across the UK since 2003. She was recognised with an MBE for services to craft in King Charles’ Birthday Honours in 2023.
Craft Festival Wales was awarded ‘Event of the Year’ at the Caru Ceredigion Awards in 2024, and organisers are confident this year’s strong start will help cement its reputation as one of Wales’ leading cultural events.
For full details of exhibitors, workshops and activities, visit craftfestival.co.uk/wales
COVER PHOTO:
Broadcaster and author Kate Humble cuts the ribbon to open Craft Festival Wales at Cardigan Castle, joined by Sarah James MBE and Councillor Olwen Davies, Mayor of Cardigan
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Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
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
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)
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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