THE GERMAN cruise ship AIDAsol returned to Fishguard today, bringing hundreds of passengers to north Pembrokeshire.

The large vessel was clearly visible from homes overlooking Fishguard Bay after arriving for what is understood to be her second visit to the town.

Passengers were expected to travel ashore by tender before exploring Fishguard, Goodwick and tourist destinations across Pembrokeshire.

Cruise ship visits provide a welcome boost for local shops, cafés, transport providers and visitor attractions, with organised excursions often taking passengers to locations including St Davids and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

AIDAsol is operated by German cruise company AIDA Cruises and is instantly recognisable because of the distinctive eye and red lips painted across her bow.

The ship measures more than 250 metres in length and can accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, as well as hundreds of crew members.

Her arrival attracted attention from residents, with the impressive vessel photographed from several vantage points around Fishguard and Goodwick.

The visit comes during the busy summer tourism season and offers businesses another opportunity to showcase the area to overseas visitors.

AIDAsol was due to remain off the coast while passengers enjoyed their time in Pembrokeshire before continuing to the next destination on her itinerary.

Impressive arrival: AIDAsol pictured in Fishguard Bay today (Pic: Herald reader)

Ysgol Caer Elen could receive more than £1,000 to help pupils perform as Pembrokeshire hosts Wales’ biggest cultural festival

PUPILS from Ysgol Caer Elen are preparing to perform on one of Wales’ biggest cultural stages after Haverfordwest Town Council backed financial support for their visit to this summer’s National Eisteddfod.

The council’s Personnel, Policy and Finance Committee has recommended awarding the Haverfordwest school £1,065 towards transport and participation costs.

The National Eisteddfod, known this year as Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held at Llantood, near Crymych, from August 1 to 8.

Councillors said the event would provide pupils with an exceptional opportunity to perform at a major national festival while it is being hosted in their home county.

Members also praised the school’s enthusiasm and its efforts to support local fundraising, including a concert and disco held on behalf of the Haverfordwest Eisteddfod Appeals Committee.

The proposed grant was considered to support several of the town council’s priorities, including the promotion of the Welsh language, culture and the arts, as well as creating educational opportunities for young people.

Ysgol Caer Elen provides Welsh-medium education for pupils aged from three to 16 and has played a significant role in the growth of Welsh-language education in Pembrokeshire.

This year’s festival also carries added historical significance, marking 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod was held at Cardigan Castle in 1176.

Councillors said the chance for local pupils to participate in such an important event was unlikely to come around again in the foreseeable future.

However, the committee stressed that its recommendation had been made because of the exceptional circumstances surrounding the Eisteddfod’s return to Pembrokeshire.

Members said the award should not be treated as setting a precedent for future applications, which will continue to be considered under the council’s usual grant criteria.

The recommendation must now be approved by the full town council before the funding is formally awarded.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Pembrokeshire during the week-long festival, which will feature music, literature, theatre, visual arts, competitions and activities for families.

The National Eisteddfod is regarded as Europe’s largest travelling festival celebrating the Welsh language and culture.

WOMEN across the Dyfed-Powys area are set to benefit from improved access to specialist support following the opening of a new Women’s Centre Hub at Parc Dewi Sant.

Operated by The Nelson Trust, the hub forms part of the continued development of trauma-informed services for women experiencing multiple disadvantage.

It provides a safe and supportive environment where women can access practical advice, guidance and specialist help to address the challenges they face.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has worked alongside The Nelson Trust and partners from the Local Criminal Justice Board to support the development of the facility.

The project forms part of the board’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for women throughout the Dyfed-Powys area.

The hub was officially opened on Friday, July 3, bringing together organisations involved in delivering support and recognising the partnership work that helped establish the new service.

Peer support will also play an important role, with volunteers drawing on their own lived experiences to help women facing similar circumstances.

Referrals to the Dyfed-Powys service are currently made through the Community Rehabilitation Service via probation. The hub is not presently accepting self-referrals.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Women experiencing multiple disadvantage deserve access to the right support at the right time.

“By working closely with our partners, we can help ensure that women across our communities are able to access the specialist services they need to address the challenges they face and build safer, more positive futures.

“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable members of our communities.”