HUNDREDS of visitors are expected to descend on Fishguard later this month as the town marks the anniversary of the Last Invasion of Britain with a spectacular free historical re-enactment.

The two-day event, taking place on July 18 and 19, recreates the dramatic events of 1797, when French troops landed near Fishguard in what remains the last invasion of mainland Britain.

Running from 10:00am to 5:00pm on both days, the event will feature living history camps, military displays, horse demonstrations, battle re-enactments and the recreation of the historic French surrender outside the Royal Oak Pub.

Visitors will be able to meet costumed re-enactors portraying British and French soldiers, explore authentic military encampments and discover what life was like for troops more than 225 years ago through interactive displays.

The day’s programme begins at 10:00am with the living history camps opening to the public. Horse displays will take place on Goodwick Beach Foreshore from 1:00pm, before the main beach battle gets underway at 2:45pm.

The event concludes with a parade of the surrendered French forces through Fishguard before the symbolic signing of the surrender treaty outside the Royal Oak Pub, where the original surrender negotiations took place following the failed invasion.

The Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment has become one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved heritage events, attracting history enthusiasts and families from across Wales and beyond.

Visitors making a weekend of it can also explore the new Fishguard and Goodwick Heritage Trail, launched this summer. The free self-guided trail links 46 sites across the twin towns and tells the story of more than 2,000 years of local history, from Iron Age settlements and the Women’s Suffrage movement to the filming of Moby Dick.

The Last Invasion of Britain re-enactment is free to attend.

For the full programme of events, visit visitfishguard.co.uk.

More information about the Fishguard and Goodwick Heritage Trail is available at northpembrokeshiretours.co.uk/fishguard-heritage-trail. 

Immersive Sue Dewhurst show at Oriel Cardi Bach brings 1970s working-class memories vividly back to life

A UNIQUE exhibition at Oriel Cardi Bach in Cardigan is bringing back memories, laughter and unexpected emotion, as visitors are invited to step inside the aftermath of a typical 1970s working-class party.

Narrative artist and storyteller Sue Dewhurst has transformed part of the gallery into an immersive experience where people are encouraged to do far more than simply look at paintings.

Visitors can scan QR codes to hear playlists inspired by each character, smell the perfumes and aftershaves of the era, browse shopping lists and handwritten notes, discover favourite recipes, and even add their own memories to Menna’s Teapot.

Sue said: “It’s lovely watching people realise they’re allowed to interact. Once they start exploring the boxes and reading the stories, conversations begin.

“Suddenly they’re telling me about their auntie, their neighbour, or someone they’d completely forgotten until that moment.”

The exhibition celebrates the humour, resilience and quiet dignity of ordinary working-class lives, drawing inspiration from people and memories from Northern Britain and rural West Wales.

What begins as a smile at the characters often becomes something deeper, as visitors recognise fragments of their own families, streets and childhoods in the stories.

One visitor described the exhibition as so moving that she joked she “needed therapy” afterwards. Many others have already left their own memories in Menna’s Teapot, creating a growing collection of local stories alongside the artwork.

From the Outside Looking In brings together several connected bodies of work.

A Bit of a Do revisits the colourful characters Sue observed at family weddings and parties as a child, complete with a ceramic buffet featuring sad sausage rolls and a half-eaten cheese and pineapple hedgehog.

The Chapel Girls explores how modern rituals have replaced traditional worship, as glamorous women hurry past chapels on their way to bottomless brunches, bingo, shopping trips and pamper sessions.

Ghost Town reflects on the bittersweet experience of returning to your hometown, only to discover that it has moved on without you.

The exhibition is completed by Sue’s new Cardigan Bay series, in which she explores the area’s rich maritime heritage through the eyes of an affectionate outsider.

Sue hopes visitors will leave having laughed first, then remembered someone they thought had been forgotten.

From the Outside Looking In continues at Oriel Cardi Bach on Cardigan High Street, next to The Hive Ice Cream Parlour, until July 30.

Visitors are invited to slow down, explore the stories and perhaps leave one of their own.

FINAL preparations are underway for one of the biggest celebrations of transport heritage in Wales, as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to its Classic Transport Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

The event, taking place on July 4 and 5, will bring together close to 400 classic vehicles, three heritage train services, vintage shuttle buses, live music, family entertainment and a packed programme of attractions across the Dee Valley.

Glyndyfrdwy Station will once again form the centrepiece of the weekend, opening to visitors from 9.15am. Displays will include classic cars, motorcycles, vintage buses, military vehicles, tractors, commercial vehicles and rare fire engines, including the famous Green Goddess.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy unlimited travel on the railway throughout the weekend, with services operated by GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754, a Class 47 diesel locomotive and a classic four-car heritage DMU.

Trains will link all five stations on the line at Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen, giving visitors the chance to explore the full railway.

Vintage shuttle buses will run approximately every 30 minutes between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy, helping visitors move easily between different parts of the event.

New for this year is the exclusive Class 507 Driving Simulator, which will be based in the historic waiting room at Llangollen Station.

Created by the Class 507 Preservation Society using genuine controls rescued from withdrawn Merseyrail trains, the simulator gives visitors the chance to experience what it is like to drive one of Britain’s best-known electric trains.

Food and drink will also be available throughout the weekend. The Hungry Shunter will be serving freshly prepared food, while two fully licensed bars will offer Welsh ales from Hafod Brewery and Purple Moose Brewery, along with wines selected by Pip Gale of Blas Wine School.

Visitors can also relax at Glyndyfrdwy Station Tearoom and Porter’s Bar.

Saturday’s programme will continue into the evening with the popular Party in the Park, where the internationally acclaimed Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir will perform from 7.00pm in marquees beside the railway.

The concert is free for all Classic Transport Weekend ticket holders. Evening-only tickets are also available for £5.

Visitors will also be able to travel on the special Pavarotti Special heritage bus from Corwen before returning on a complimentary heritage railcar after the performance.

Classic Transport Weekend organiser Tim Hines said: “Everything is now in place and we’re ready to welcome visitors for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.

“Wherever you look there will be something happening, from steam trains and heritage diesels to vintage railcars, hundreds of classic vehicles, vintage buses, great food, live music and a wonderful atmosphere across the whole railway.

“One ticket gives visitors unlimited train travel and access to everything that’s happening at Glyndyfrdwy. Whether you’re a lifelong transport enthusiast or simply looking for a great family day out, there really is something for everyone.”

Co-organiser George Walker added: “The response from vehicle owners has been incredible.

“To have close to 400 exhibits travelling to Glyndyfrdwy is a wonderful achievement and we’re immensely grateful to everyone who has chosen to be part of this year’s event.

“You’ll see everything from beautifully restored classic cars and vintage buses to historic tractors, military vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and some wonderful surprises.

“There really is nowhere else where you’ll find this combination of road and rail heritage brought together in such a spectacular setting, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome everyone to Glyndyfrdwy this weekend.”

Free parking is available at Glyndyfrdwy, although spaces are limited.

Visitors are being encouraged to travel by train from Llangollen, Berwyn, Carrog or Corwen wherever possible, and make the journey part of the experience.

Classic Transport Weekend tickets include unlimited train travel, access to the vehicle displays, vintage shuttle buses and free admission to Saturday evening’s Party in the Park.

For more information and to book tickets, visit llangollen-railway.co.uk/classic-transport-weekend