HUNDREDS of local families are expected to flock to Withybush Showground this July as a huge free inflatable fun day promises bouncy castles, food, music and entertainment for children of all ages.

Organised by Pure West Radio in association with Haverfordwest Town Council, the “Free Family Inflatable Fun Day” will take place on Sunday, July 19, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

The event will feature a wide range of inflatables, an under-fives play park, street food vendors, music and family entertainment throughout the day.

Organisers say the event is expected to be one of the biggest family attractions of the summer, but spaces for children will be limited.

Tickets released this week

Tickets will be released on Thursday, June 11 at 7:00pm and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Only 600 child spaces will be available, with families being encouraged to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

While entry to the event is free, organisers say a compulsory £1 donation per ticket will go towards supporting Milford Youth Matters, Pure West Radio’s Charity of the Year.

Supporting local young people

Milford Youth Matters provides support, activities and opportunities for young people in Pembrokeshire, and organisers hope the event will help raise both awareness and funds for the charity.

A spokesperson for Pure West Radio said the event aims to offer a fun, affordable day out for local families during the summer holidays, bringing the community together for a day of entertainment.

Families interested in attending are being urged to keep an eye on Pure West Radio’s social media channels for ticket release details.

Photo caption: Summer fun: Families are being invited to a free inflatable fun day at Withybush Showground this July (Pic: Pure West Radio).

TRACTORS will go head to head in Martletwy this summer as Martletwy YFC stages its popular tractor pulling and dyno weekend.

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, with gates opening at 10:30am at Martletwy, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8AJ.

Farm tractors will race up a hill climb while pulling loaded trailers, with highly modified machines also taking on the bank.

There will also be a dyno on site to test the power of the machines, along with tractor pulling sledges for demonstration pulls. Three sledges will be available, covering everything from garden tractors and vintage tractors to purpose-built pulling tractors.

The South Pembrokeshire Ploughing Association will also hold its annual ploughing match in conjunction with the weekend.

Organisers say there will be plenty for all the family, including trade stands, a funfair, food, refreshments and a bar.

On Saturday evening the pulling will continue, with live bands, DJs, a bar and tug-of-war competitions.

Camping is available on site, making it possible for visitors to enjoy the full weekend.

Advance booking for tractors is preferred.

For more information, call 07824 633256 or 07787 988263.

FRIENDSHIPS new and old were made and renewed as Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir enjoyed a hugely successful tour of Ireland over the long May weekend.

Led by Musical Director Juliet Rossiter and accompanied by the Rev William Lambert, the choir performed two concerts, at Drogheda and Clontarf.

A warm welcome in Drogheda

At St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, the choir was hosted by the Tredagh Singers, who visited Pembrokeshire last year for a joint concert in Tenby.

The link between the two choirs began after a chance meeting at a bowls competition in Ireland between Pembroke baritone Ed Morris and a member of the Tredagh Singers.

The Welsh visitors performed alongside the host choir, which was supported by an orchestra, and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Choir.

Introduced by choir MC Matthew John, Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir performed a programme including favourites from Les Misérables and World in Union, as well as joint items with Tredagh Singers.

The concert was warmly received by a packed audience of more than 300 people, who gave the choir a standing ovation.

Old friends reunited

At St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Clontarf, choir members were greeted by renowned singer Bryan Hoey, a long-standing vice-president of the choir, who helped arrange the concert.

They were also welcomed by the parish priest, Fr Larry White.

The choir’s 14-piece programme included a first performance of the Irish folk ballad The Fields of Athenry, along with Working Man, featuring solo parts by accompanist William Lambert.

The concert also saw the long-awaited debut of the Cheeky Boys, a group of nine choristers who performed Tell My Father and The Wonder of You to prolonged applause.

Gifts and fellowship

Gifts were presented at both concerts, including a choir plaque and a traditional Welsh love spoon.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter presented the gifts to Vincent Moore, chairman of the Tredagh Singers, while choir chairman David Halsted presented a plaque to Fr White.

Geraint Morgan, who co-ordinated the tour arrangements, presented a love spoon to Bryan Hoey in recognition of his help and musical fellowship.

Bryan also met chorister Martin Harries, whose late father, Frank, was the choir’s senior member and a long-time friend and contact.

There was a further surprise for Bryan when the choir led the singing of Happy Birthday to mark a special milestone.

In keeping with choir tradition, MC Matthew John invited audience members to join the choir for American Trilogy. Bryan Hoey was among those who accepted, along with three others including coach driver and tour guide Jim Shannon, who was described as an “honorary Welshman” by the end of the tour.

The choir also acknowledged a generous donation made on behalf of the church by Fr White.

There was time for an impromptu mini-concert at the Guinness Storehouse, where the choir performed at the entrance, and the group also visited Johnstown Castle near Wexford before returning by ferry.

Choir members thanked Geraint Morgan and Ed Morris for their work in organising the tour.

Cover photo: Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, accompanist William Lambert and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir members at St Anthony’s Church, Clontarf, with Bryan Hoey and Fr Larry White.