SAUNDERSFOOT’S Christmas lights were officially switched on Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday evening (Friday, 5 December), with hundreds turning out in wet and windy conditions to welcome Santa, enjoy live music and celebrate the start of the village’s festive season.

The annual event began with performances from local singers and community choirs, who brought warmth to the cold evening with carols outside businesses in the heart of the village. Singers dressed in bright pink hats drew a large crowd as they performed under the twinkling canopy of lights.

The parade followed shortly after, led by a tractor decorated with illuminated antlers and towing Santa in his sleigh. Elves in festive costumes accompanied the convoy along the high street, waving to families who lined the pavements despite the rain.

Santa was joined by popular mascots including the RNLI lifeboat crewman, a giant crab character, and a familiar rugby mascot, stopping for photos with excited children throughout the evening. Many queued to meet Father Christmas at a glowing, bauble-shaped light installation — one of the most popular photo spots of the night.

As the countdown reached zero, the village’s towering Christmas tree burst into light, followed by the illuminated “Welcome to Saundersfoot” sign that frames the entrance to the village centre. Cheers rang out as the decorations lit up the night sky, marking the official start of Saundersfoot’s Christmas period.

Local businesses remained open late, and Harbwr Bar & Kitchen provided a bright backdrop as families gathered to watch Santa depart on his sleigh.

Despite the conditions, organisers said the turnout was “fantastic” and thanked volunteers, the Saundersfoot community groups, and emergency services for helping the evening run smoothly.

Photos: Gareth Davies/Herald

PEMBROKE Town Hall was packed on Friday afternoon (Dec 5) as the Pembroke Young at Heart group held its annual Christmas service and dinner.

The well-attended event brought together members from across the community for an afternoon of music, food and festive celebration.

A freshly prepared Christmas meal was served, with organisers giving special thanks to Dai Powell, who cooked the dinner, and to the team of volunteers who helped run the event. The helpers included Liz, Ann, Anne, Kaylee, Jayne, Dennis, Jo, Gareth, Jenny, Rob, Mo, Heidi and Will.

Pembroke Town Council said the afternoon would not have been possible without the support of its volunteers, who ensured the hall was decorated, guests were welcomed, and everyone left in the Christmas spirit.

The event forms part of the council’s programme of activities for older residents during the festive season.

LARGE crowds gathered in Milford Haven on Saturday afternoon (Dec 6) as the town’s Christmas lights were switched on – with Santa making a dramatic entrance by RNLI lifeboat.

The popular annual event began at 4.30pm with a festive parade setting off from Charles Street, outside the old police station, before making its way down through the town to Hamilton Terrace and on to the Town Hall. Families lined the route despite the cold, with children waving lanterns and cheering as Santa and his helpers joined the procession.

RNLI crew members from Milford Haven gave Santa a very Pembrokeshire-style arrival earlier in the day, escorting him into the marina aboard their all-weather lifeboat. Volunteers posed with Santa for photos before he headed off to meet waiting families.

After entertainment and stalls outside the Town Hall, the countdown began — and the Christmas tree lights were officially switched on to cheers from the crowd.

One notable absence this year was the traditional lighting along Hamilton Terrace. Milford Haven Town Council confirmed that new lamp posts installed earlier in the year were not yet ready for Christmas light fittings, meaning the usual display could not be installed in time for the switch-on.

Despite this, the area around the Town Hall was brightly illuminated, with the building covered in colourful lights and a Christmas tree standing at the entrance, creating a festive atmosphere as the town marked the start of the holiday season.

(Photos: Pure West Radio/Visit Milford Haven/Herald)