Danger on T-Rex Mountain promises prehistoric thrills, interactive fun and a spectacular T-Rex finale

DINOSAURS will take over the Torch Theatre this July as Dinosaur Adventure Live returns with its latest family production, Danger on T-Rex Mountain.

Now in its fifth year, the show combines storytelling, impressive puppetry and fascinating science to bring the prehistoric world crashing back to life on stage.

Audiences can expect a shadowy raptor on the loose, baby dinosaurs that need feeding and plenty of opportunities for younger visitors to stomp, roar and swish their tails along with the action.

Created by Mike Newman, the imaginative mind behind Exciting Science, the production blends humour, suspense and hands-on learning in an energetic and interactive theatrical experience.

Children are encouraged to become part of the adventure, helping the performers as the story unfolds and preparing themselves for the arrival of the show’s biggest and most fearsome attraction.

When the T-Rex finally bursts onto the stage, audiences can expect a heart-pounding finale filled with excitement, surprises and plenty of prehistoric noise.

Alongside the action, the hour-long production includes a series of entertaining “Dino-Facts”, helping younger audience members learn about dinosaurs and palaeontology without the show ever feeling like a classroom lesson.

With its combination of comedy, audience participation and just the right amount of suspense, Danger on T-Rex Mountain is suitable for committed young dinosaur experts and families looking for an entertaining summer adventure.

Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain will be staged at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, July 30, with performances at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £15.95 and a post-show meet-and-greet will also take place.

The production is recommended for children aged four and over.

Tickets can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

A CALL for a formal seasonal Pembrokeshire campsite with motorhomes camping on the site of a former scrapyard has been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

In an application recommended for approval at the July meeting of Pembrokeshire coast National Park’s development management committee, Mr A Stoddart, through agent Addison Design & Development, sought permission for a change of use of land for the formation of 11 ‘touring caravan’ pitches, tent pitches and the siting of three shepherd’s huts, partly retrospective, on land to the east of Talbenny Hall Farm, Talbenny, near Haverfordwest.

The retrospective element related to the retention of an existing storage shed and facilities building.

The application was for committee consideration as officers had recommended approval despite objections from local community council The Havens.

An officer report for members said a change of use was sought for a a former scrapyard site, “which has been remediated and more recently operated as a seasonal campsite, to provide a seasonal formal camping and glamping site”.

It added: “During the determination of the application, a significant amount of additional information has been submitted in response to consultee comments. In particular, the Local Highway Authority initially objected to the proposal on highway safety grounds pending the submission of further technical information.”

It said those concerns had been withdrawn after further information was received, the scheme before committee as it “relates to a new tourism development in the countryside, and because The Havens Community Council has maintained an objection on highway safety grounds”.

It went on to say: “The site will operate as a medium sized seasonal tourism development between March 31 and September 30 each year. The applicant has confirmed that the three shepherd’s huts will be removed from the site outside the operating season and stored within the existing onsite storage building.

“Officers consider that the previously developed nature of the site, its enclosed landscape setting, seasonal operation and the resolution of technical matters relating to highway safety, ecology and drainage demonstrate overall policy compliance with the requirements [of planning policy] and the proposal is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

At the meeting, members heard the 2023 submitted scheme had been delayed due to the applicant facing “exceptional personal circumstances”.

Concerns were raised at the meeting by objector Alison Gibbey on highways grounds, while agent Zac Addison told members the former scrapyard had been transformed into “a beautiful little haven,” the applicant not wanting to be “a nuisance to anybody”.

He said the ‘touring pitches’ would be solely used for motorhomes, with a maximum of 20 tents in the tent pitch area.

Moving approval, Cllr Di Clements reflected it was positive tourism in the county was spreading inland away from “honey pot” coastal areas, suggesting a ‘quiet time’ evening condition be included in any approval.

Members unanimously backed the recommendation of approval, Cllr Mike James commenting: “to have something like this in the rural areas, it’s really good to see this.”

Solva Edge Festival will return from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, bringing three days of live music, literature, crafts and community activities to the Pembrokeshire coast.

Held at Solva Football Club’s Maes y Môr ground, the volunteer-run festival will feature performances across two stages, alongside poetry readings, storytelling, wellbeing sessions, creative workshops and outdoor activities.

The weekend will open on Friday with a performance by Gelliswick Community Choir, setting the tone for a festival rooted in Pembrokeshire talent and community spirit.

Main stage acts

This year’s main-stage headliners are The Stickmen Project on Friday, Electric Kicks on Saturday and UK Foo Fighters, who will close the festival on Sunday.

They will be joined by local favourites Twpsyn and Cardinal Sin, while Sunday’s Legends Slot will feature ABBA tribute act Bjorn to Be.

Stowaway, a young band from Ysgol Bro Gwaun and winners of the Pembrokeshire Battle of the Bands, will also make their Solva Edge debut.

Acoustic performances

The Shipwreck Stage will host a weekend of acoustic and intimate performances, including sets from Robyn Benge and Bryony Sier, alongside a line-up of emerging artists.

Literature at the Edge

The festival’s literature programme will include poet Ifor Thomas, reading from his new collection, The Undertaker’s Invoice.

Matthew Raggett will discuss his latest book, Crab Salad with Books and Bards, while Simon Alderwick will share work from his collections published by Broken Sleep Books, much of it inspired by the local landscape.

Storyteller John Roach will explore the origins of the Welsh Red Dragon through a mixture of history, writing and hands-on craft activities.

Pilates and dance sessions led by Viktoriia will also take place during the weekend.

Crafts and outdoor activities

Visitors will be able to take part in a range of creative workshops, including flower crown making with The Floral Goat, pottery design with Mary George and mosaics and printing with Penny Dafforn.

Outdoor activities will include coastal foraging with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Get Outdoors co-ordinator Ben Macare, a Smugglers and Pirates session with long-standing park volunteer Gordon Lewis and a Solva beach clean organised by EcoDewi.

Food, drink and family activities

The Green Scar Bar will return, serving local ciders, craft beers and traditional favourites.

Food stalls, makers, artists and family activities will operate throughout the weekend.

Solva Edge Festival is organised entirely by volunteers from the village, with surplus funds used to support youth and community organisations across the area.

Previous beneficiaries have included Solva AFC, St Davids Guides, Strength Academy Wales, Simpson Cross Activities Group and Roch’s Victoria Hall Association.

The festival will be held at Solva Football Club, Maes y Môr, Solva, SA62 6XW, with parking available.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Further information is available at www.edgefestival.co.uk.