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The Big Retreat Festival returns in 2022

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THE ultimate feel good festival in the heart of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will return in 2022 with a line-up of excitement, adventure, music and magic in the shape of headliners Toploader, Reef, comedy from the likes of Scummy Mummies, plus wellbeing experts such as Richie Norton and the legendary Mr Motivator.
Set in the Pembrokeshire village of Lawrenny, the music and wellbeing adventure began in 2017 and returns to this scenic area of Wales to offer a complete escape from the challenges we’re currently living through.
Organiser Amber Lort-Phillips said: “I’m so excited to make our first announcement on next year’s festival. We’re working with Orchard Live to enhance our offering with some amazing musical headliners, along with the fantastic activities that focus on people’s mental and physical health. We just can’t wait to welcome the Big Retreaters back next summer to laugh, sing, dance, share their stories and look after each other as they create memories for life.”

What’s the line up?
Toploader have sold over two million albums in a 20 year career, and they’ll get us dancing in the moonlight on the Friday; festival favourites Reef will headline the Saturday, joined on the bill by Rusty Shackle, Climbing Trees, comedians Scummy Mummies & Dr Ahmed and loads more outstanding entertainment. The Big Retreat 2022 will also feature over 200 free activities covered under the entry fee, from main stage music to cookery demonstrations, yoga classes and all kinds of workshops you can take part in, as much or as little as you like.
The fitness, breathwork and yoga workshops include classes with the legendary Mr Motivator, Richie Norton, Kim Ingleby, Natalie Garry and the Nordic Sisters.
The Adventure Stage will include tales of daring feats from the likes of best-selling author Jordan Wylie, Anna Mcnuff, Alistair Humphreys, Laura Bingham and big wave surfer Al Mennie.
The Cookery Tent will be headlined by the founder of Life Kitchen, Ryan Riley, and This Morning Chef Juliet Sear, plus forager Matt Powell.
Speakers and presenters include Matt Johnson and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher, Toni Jones, Sharoo Izadi and Ayo Akinwolere.

New features
New to The Big Retreat in 2022 are Darwin’s Den and The Roaring Fire Pit. Darwin has deep rooted links with Pembrokeshire and scientific discovery, so the festival gives you the opportunity to explore mind boggling and magical mud, snorkelling for science, how to capture carbon in your own backyard, and learning why plastic is not so fantastic. This new feature is curated by Dr Christian Dunn who will be serving up explosions, experiments and explanations; and the power of plants will be demonstrated by Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, Ellen Mary Gardening, and landscape architect Marian Boswell
Guests will gather around The Roaring Fire Pit under the stars to hear tales of daring adventures from some of the UK’s leading adventurers, including, Jordan Wylie, Laura Bingham, Alistair Humphreys, Anna McNuff, Ayo Akinwolere, and Big Wave surfer Al Mennie. There’ll be telescopes and tales of astrology to take you on a stargazing journey to another galaxy, torch light swims and tales of sustainability and the environment.
The festival works equally for couples, friends or families looking to strengthen bonds. Together they can relax, reflect and recharge in the great outdoors.
To discover the full programme, go to: www.thebigretreatfestival.com
How can I get tickets?
Due to rolling over tickets from 2019, and a limited capacity of 3,000 to maintain the unique appeal of the festival, there are a limited number of tickets available. To find your feel good and snap up your tickets, please go to www.thebigretreatfestival.com

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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