Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.

Charities, volunteers and cadets honoured as Mayor’s Charity Fund donations are handed out

COMMUNITY groups, charities and volunteers from across Milford Haven were recognised at a special Mayor’s Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The event was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, as an opportunity to bring together many of the individuals, groups and organisations who support the town.

Afternoon tea was provided by Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, with several cadets achieving their Catering badge as a result.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL MStJ presented certificates, badges and thank-you gifts to the cadets. Gifts were also presented to those who provided stewarding support, and to the adults who helped with instruction and support over the weekend.

The Mayor and Consort also presented donations from the Mayor’s Charity Fund following fundraising carried out during their term of office.

A raffle held during the afternoon raised £300 for The Wallich, to support its homeless outreach work.

The Mayor also presented Civic Awards in recognition of community service and support to the town.

Recipients included NCI Wooltack Point, Pembrokeshire Pride, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Callum Goodland RNR, Gelliswick Community Choir, Frank Hart, Anthony Williams of Milford Haven Royal British Legion, Jackie Davies, and Mayor’s Cadet Leading Cadet Connor.

The Freedom of the Town was also presented to Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and Milford Haven Town Band.

Cllr Elliott and Mr Jones said: “Thank you for all of your support for our two years as the Mayor and Consort of Milford Haven.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed it once again, meeting and supporting many of the wonderful groups, charities and individuals in our town.

“For those that received an award or a donation, thank you for all you do to support and make our community great — making Milford Haven the safe and welcoming haven it is.”

A CENTURIES-old fishing tradition on the River Towy could be under threat after coracle fishermen reported suspected sewage pollution entering the water near Carmarthen.

The Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association said members discovered foul-smelling waste when they went to the river on Friday night, just as the traditional coracle fishing season was getting under way.

The season begins on May 1 and runs until late July. Coracle fishing, once widespread in Wales, is now largely limited to the Towy, Teifi and Taf.

Suspected burst main

The association shared images and video on Facebook on Saturday (May 2), saying members had traced the pollution to a suspected burst rising main on a stretch of the river running through Carmarthen, parallel to the A40.

They said fields leading to the valve were coated with remnants of toilet paper and faeces, with waste “pouring directly into the river”.

The group said members of the public had told them the problem may have been ongoing since the previous weekend.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water later said it was responding to an incident affecting the River Towy at Pensarn, Carmarthen, caused by a burst rising main.

River monitoring

The company said the affected pipe had been isolated and tankers were in place to manage flows while repairs were carried out.

A spokesperson said teams were on site and working as quickly as possible, adding that water quality testing was being carried out upstream and downstream of the location.

The company apologised for the incident and said it understood the concern caused to the local community.

Tradition under pressure

The coracle association said the pollution could have a serious impact on wildlife and on a tradition which has existed for more than a thousand years.

They said: “Our reports are falling on deaf ears and repeated pollution is killing not only the river, but a tradition that has been here for over a thousand years.”

Members also reported seeing further pollution entering the river near the Mekatek outlet close to Towy Bridge.

Natural Resources Wales encouraged the incident to be reported, with the association saying it had already contacted NRW and requested confirmation on whether officers had visited the site to take samples or check wildlife.

Public anger

The post prompted anger from members of the public, with some claiming sewage smells had been present in the area for weeks.

Others called for politicians and regulators to take stronger action, saying water companies should not be allowed to pollute rivers while bills continue to rise.

Figures released by Natural Resources Wales last year showed Dŵr Cymru was responsible for 155 pollution incidents in 2024, with most linked to sewerage assets.

The company has also faced wider scrutiny over pollution incidents affecting Welsh rivers, including the River Wye and River Usk catchments.