News
Pembroke Dock: Lantern parade brings town together
PEMBROKE DOCK was the place to be on Friday (Dec 1) when the community organised Lanterns in the Park parade kickstarted a weekend of events in the town.
Over 600 people packed into the Memorial Park to enjoy the spectacular parade led by Samba Doc ,who set the pace in front of 200 lantern paraders snaking around the park’s paths.
The lanterns were made by Sand Palace Arts at community workshops funded by Pembroke Dock Festival Group.
Groups who made lanterns included, Pennar Hall Art Club, Messy Church, Pembroke Dock Scouts and Girl Guides as well as community members at open weekend workshops.
Large lanterns included an owl, fox badger and Sunderland the flying pig of Pennar. An Air Ambulance lantern with a rotating rotor blade took park.
After the parade the huge crowd was treated to a spectacular 20 minute fire show which included fireworks and pyrotechnics. Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners show dazzled the crowd with their fire juggling and spinning skills, sending sparks which lit up the park and night sky.
Pyro artist Lee Berridge set his 18 foot structure of an owl in a tree alight which drew a huge gasp from the audience and fireworks donated by West Coast Fireworks lit up the structure which was a fantastic spectacle.
Father Christmas appeared and mingled in the crown greeting excited children and handing out sweets.
Samba doc then led the crowds to the park gates with another performance and after getting the crowd warmed up the fun continued at the Pater Hall where the Festival Group provided free hot dogs and hot chocolate for over 300 people who were entertained by Fusion Community Choir with Father Christmas again mingling and collecting letters from the little ones.
Summing up the event Liz Cook, Community Activist, said: “Lanterns in the Park showed what the Dock can make possible when it pulls together.
“Three weeks ago the parade was not happening but over 30 people from the local community got the job done free of charge. and by working together with the Festival Group and Town Council a fabulous event took place. I’ve never seen the Pater Hall and park so packed out, the atmosphere and community spirit was amazing.
“As an informal group we will be working together in the New Year to organise the Midsummer and Winter festivals for the community. A huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way we all did our town proud.
“We couldn’t have done it with local businesses who also donated goods and time including B&M, Pembroke Dock Hire Centre, Rembrandt’s Jewellers and Parfitt’s Carpets.”
Hundreds of photos from the night can be viewed on the Lanterns in the Park Facebook page. If you would like to help out next year contact Liz Cook on 01646 621811.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
Top News6 days ago
Caws Cenarth ‘matriarch’, Thelma Adams, dies aged 86