Community

Pembroke prepares for return of St. Michaelmas Fair, a 700-year-old tradition

Published

9 months ago

September 25, 2025

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

Man found dead near Carmarthen railway line died from hypothermia

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 32-YEAR-OLD man found dead near Carmarthen Train Station died after taking shelter on a bitterly cold night, an inquest has heard.

Edward Mark Owen, originally from Birmingham but living in Ystradgynlais, was discovered in a field beside the railway line on the approach to Carmarthen station on Saturday, January 10.

A Transport for Wales train driver had spotted what appeared to be a body lying face down near the track shortly after 8:30am.

Police and railway staff attended and found Mr Owen lying face down and topless in the field. His coat, T-shirt, phone and cigarettes were found nearby.

Police initially treated the death as unexplained.

Movements traced

The inquest heard that officers later traced Mr Owen’s movements from his home in Ystradgynlais to Carmarthen.

He had nowhere to stay in the town and had taken shelter under a bridge near the railway station during a particularly cold night.

The coroner said Mr Owen had “sadly succumbed to the effects of hypothermia”.

The fact that he had removed his T-shirt and coat was said to be consistent with a confused state brought on by hypothermia.

A conclusion of misadventure was recorded.

The coroner found that Mr Owen died sometime on January 10, 2026.

Community

Milford Haven firefighters prepare for key assessments

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ON-CALL firefighters at Milford Haven Fire Station have been put through their paces as part of their weekly drill night.

The crew’s development firefighters were pictured carrying out a “drill by numbers” squad exercise ahead of upcoming assessments.

New firefighters spend their first 24 months in a development period, which is split into four stages and focuses on different operational skills and competencies.

At the end of each stage, firefighters attend a divisional training centre where their progress is assessed against the standards required by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two weeks, members of the Milford Haven crew will take part in a Stage 2 interim assessment and a Stage 4 final assessment.

One firefighter is hoping to complete the final stage and qualify as a fully competent firefighter.

The station said Wednesday nights remain an important part of training for the on-call crew, helping firefighters maintain the skills needed to respond to emergencies across the Milford Haven area.

Community

Armed Forces Day exhibition opens at VC Gallery’s new Riverside home

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A UNIQUE exhibition bringing together military history, art and veterans’ stories will open to the public in Haverfordwest as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations later this month.

The VC Gallery will host a special open day at its new Riverside Gallery on Saturday, June 27, inviting the community to explore an exhibition featuring works from the Imperial War Museum alongside historic wartime artefacts, trench art and pieces connected to celebrated Welsh artist Augustus John.

The event will also showcase contemporary artwork created by Armed Forces veterans who served in conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights not only military history and remembrance, but also the role creativity can play in supporting mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet members of the VC Gallery team and learn more about an ambitious new project aimed at supporting veterans, families and the wider community.

The exhibition combines nationally significant historical works with personal stories of service and resilience, offering a rare opportunity to view military history through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Families are particularly welcome, with guided family art tours available by advance booking.

The event begins at 10:00am and takes place at the VC Riverside Gallery in Haverfordwest.

Anyone wishing to reserve a place on a guided family tour should email [email protected].

The VC Gallery said it is looking forward to welcoming visitors as it commemorates Armed Forces Day while celebrating the power of art, heritage and community to bring people together.