Community
Pembroke prepares for return of St. Michaelmas Fair, a 700-year-old tradition
The event takes place on Main Street this October
PEMBROKE is getting ready to welcome the return of one of Wales’s oldest street fairs, as the St. Michaelmas Fair takes over Main Street from Thursday, October 9 to Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The event, which dates back more than seven centuries, is steeped in history and remains a highlight of the autumn calendar for Pembrokeshire families.
Medieval origins
The fair traces its roots back to the medieval era, when Pembroke was granted the right to hold markets and fairs by royal charter. Traditionally timed around the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, or Michaelmas, the fair was once a vital gathering for trade and community life. Farmers brought livestock, craftsmen sold their wares, and traders from across the region descended on the town.
As Pembroke grew, so too did the fair. By the Victorian period, travelling showmen were a regular feature, bringing amusements and sideshows that drew crowds in their thousands. Over time, the livestock pens gave way to fairground rides, music and food stalls — but the spirit of gathering, celebration and community has endured.
Road closures announced
To allow the fair to be set up and run safely, Main Street will be closed to vehicles during the following times:
- Wednesday, October 8: 1:00pm–10:00pm (for fair construction)
- Thursday, October 9: 6:00pm–11:45pm
- Friday, October 10: 6:00pm–11:45pm
- Saturday, October 11: 2:00pm–Midnight
If required, Main Street will also be closed from 6:00am to 10:30am on Sunday, October 12 for dismantling. During the closures, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Westgate Hill to allow two-way traffic.
A living tradition
Today, the St. Michaelmas Fair is a vibrant blend of tradition and entertainment. Main Street is transformed into a blaze of lights, colour and sound, with rides, stalls and sideshows filling every corner. For many Pembrokeshire residents, the fair is a cherished tradition, with generations of families returning year after year.
Local historian accounts point out that while the fair no longer serves its original trading purpose, it continues to fulfil the same role it always has — bringing people together.
Looking ahead
Organisers expect thousands to flock to the town over the three days, creating a festival atmosphere that has made the fair one of the longest-running events in Pembrokeshire.
With origins stretching back to medieval Pembroke and an atmosphere that continues to capture the imagination of young and old alike, the St. Michaelmas Fair remains a proud part of the county’s living heritage.

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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