Entertainment

Festive magic returns to Oriel y Parc

Published

7 months ago

November 23, 2025

ORIEL Y PARCO, the St Davids-based National Park Discovery Centre, is preparing to welcome visitors this winter with a sparkling programme of festive events, creative exhibitions and seasonal surprises for all ages.

The North Pole Post Box returns from Friday 22 November to Thursday 19 December, giving children the chance to send their Christmas wishes to Santa. Letters can be posted at the Centre, and families will be able to return three days later to collect a personalised reply from the elves’ workshop. The post box will be open daily throughout the season.

The celebrations continue on Saturday 29 November with the return of the Christmas Craft Market, running from 10am to 3pm. Visitors will be able to browse handmade gifts and seasonal food from local makers, enjoy live music throughout the day, and tuck into festive treats from The Brunch House café. With free entry and parking, the market will be a lively and welcoming start to the Christmas season.

Inside the Centre, three exhibitions will be on display throughout the winter months, offering creativity, reflection and inspiration.

A Pool of Rocks by Rachel Allen (8 November to 6 January) presents a striking collection of handmade silver jewellery, inspired by the textures and treasures of the Pembrokeshire Coast. Rachel’s designs draw on kelp, pebbles and ammonites, using eco-conscious and recycled silver, with sparkling gemstones that reflect the colours of sea and shore.

In The Tower, Judith Leyland’s Twrch Trwyth (7 November to 21 December) brings the mythical boar of the Mabinogion to life. Though ultimately defeated, the creature is never destroyed – a symbol of defiance and strength captured in bold, imaginative form.

Mark Stanmore’s exhibition in the St Davids Room (14 November to 11 January) features a series of paintings of the Pembrokeshire coast, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. The work reflects the beauty of imperfection and change, offering a quiet space to connect with nature through art.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, said: “This year’s Christmas programme brings together everything that makes Oriel y Parc special – local talent, creative exhibitions, and festive traditions that families return for every winter. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces through the doors.”

For more details on festive events and café opening hours throughout November and December, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

17 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Entertainment

The Big Retreat confirms first details for 2027 Pembrokeshire festival

Published

18 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Soul Space sessions, new relaxation areas and Abba Revival among early announcements

THE BIG RETREAT FESTIVAL has revealed the first details of its 2027 event in Pembrokeshire, with organisers promising new spaces, more inclusive activities and the return of a popular Main Stage act.

The festival will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2027, at Newton Farm, Lawrenny.

Organisers said they had been reflecting on feedback from this year’s event, with visitors most often describing the festival as “fun, relaxing and friendly.”

Among the changes already planned for 2027 is the inclusion of all sessions within The Soul Space as part of the standard festival ticket.

New areas dedicated to rest, relaxation and connection are also being introduced, giving visitors more opportunities to step away from busier parts of the site during the weekend.

The Talk Tent will move to the Village Green, while a new Gathering Place will also be created there. Hosted by the festival’s Solo Traveller Manager and Accessibility Manager, the space will be open to everyone as somewhere to meet others, ask questions, relax or take a moment out.

Other changes include new glamping accommodation with electric hook-ups and the return of the football pitch in Family Camping.

Organisers have also confirmed that Abba Revival will return to The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire in 2027 as the first announced Main Stage act.

The tribute act proved popular at this year’s event, with organisers saying the request to bring them back came up repeatedly in visitor feedback.

The festival team said: “One of the things we love most about The Big Retreat is that no two people experience it in the same way.

“Some come for the music. Some for the yoga. Some for the wild swimming. Some for the talks. Some for the food. Some for the adventure.

“However you choose to spend your weekend, our goal remains the same: Feel Good Your Way.”

First wave tickets are now on sale, with organisers also offering a ten-month payment plan.

Glamping accommodation for 2027, including the new electric hook-up options, is due to go on sale on Wednesday, June 17.

Entertainment

Bring your dancing shoes as Lipstick on Your Collar comes to Torch Theatre

Published

22 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hit-packed celebration of the 1950s and 60s promises a night of nostalgia, live music and dancing

MUSIC lovers are being invited to step back in time for an evening of nostalgia as Lipstick on Your Collar arrives at the Torch Theatre later this month.

Packed with more than forty classic hits from the 1950s and 60s, the show celebrates the golden age of music, from the birth of rock ’n’ roll to the beat group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond.

Audiences can expect favourites made famous by stars including Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard and Cilla Black.

Performed by a full live band featuring some of the country’s top musicians, the production promises excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun.

Organisers say dancing in the aisles is “strictly compulsory”, with audiences encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of feel-good entertainment.

Lipstick on Your Collar comes to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Sunday (June 28) at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £27 and are available from the Torch Theatre box office on 01646 695267 or online at torchtheatre.co.uk.