FISHGUARD and Goodwick are ringing with the sound of folk music once again as the Fishguard Folk Festival returns for its 24th year, running from Friday (May 23) to Bank Holiday Monday (May 26).

The four-day celebration of music, song, and dance sees venues across the twin towns come alive with performances, workshops, storytelling, and informal sessions, attracting visitors and artists from across Wales and beyond.

Firmly established on the folk calendar, the festival highlights both traditional and contemporary expressions of folk culture, with a programme that includes bilingual performances, open mic slots, children’s activities, and walking tours — many of them free to attend.

Festival Development Manager Claire Quinn said the event offers something for everyone: “What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture — whether you’re enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.”

Headline concerts this year include a sold-out Sunday performance from acclaimed Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin. On Friday evening, BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year Ríoghnach Connolly performs at Bethel Chapel with John Ellis, known for his work with Tom Jones and Lily Allen, supported by the lively London Irish SGH Trio. Saturday night sees festival favourites 3 Daft Monkeys take the stage at Theatr Gwaun.

Beyond the ticketed concerts, visitors can explore the Barti session trail — 11 venues across the towns hosting informal music sessions — as well as an art exhibition at Trove Gallery and quayside festivities in Lower Town, which include local food stalls, live music, and a visit from Celtic Sail and Trade’s sailing ship.

Workshops range from Welsh singing and storytelling to Tiny Twmpaths for younger children, and there are opportunities to learn and participate throughout the weekend.

The festival is supported by local sponsors including The Royal Oak, Barti Rum, and Stena Line, along with backing from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, the Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council.

More details, including how to book for remaining ticketed events and workshops, are available at www.fishfolkfest.co.uk.

700 ducks to race the River Alun in fun-filled fundraiser

ST DAVIDS RNLI is preparing to welcome crowds once again for its much-loved duck race, which takes place on bank holiday Monday, 26 May, on the River Alun outside St Davids Cathedral.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s race will see 700 plastic ducks released into the river, all competing for cash prizes. The race begins at 1:00pm, with festivities kicking off from 11:00am.

Visitors can enjoy a pop-up shop, home-made cakes, and the chance to name a duck for just £2 – with all proceeds supporting the vital, lifesaving work of the RNLI in St Davids.

“The duck race is always a fantastic day out for all ages and a brilliant way to support the lifeboat station,” said Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer. “Every duck sold helps us continue our mission of saving lives at sea.”

Torch Theatre to host acclaimed production exploring fatherhood with humour and heart

WHAT makes a great dad? Martin thinks he might know — and he’s determined to share his answer with audiences this June at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

DAD is a darkly funny and heartfelt theatrical journey through the father figures who shaped Martin’s life — from Darth Vader to Indiana Jones, from the ever-elusive ‘Cool Dad’ to the all-too-familiar ‘Dad Dancer’. Through live movie re-enactments, questionable Harrison Ford impressions, and surprise appearances on screen, Martin invites audiences to reflect on what it means to be a father, and whether any dad ever truly feels like they’re enough.

But for Martin, the question cuts deeper — is he trying to save his son, or himself?

Created by acclaimed writers Keiron Self and Kevin Jones, this moving production promises a unique blend of cinematic nostalgia and personal storytelling. Self is best known for his role as hapless dentist Roger Bailey in the hit BBC sitcom My Family, and has a rich background in TV (Still Open All Hours, Casualty), film (Bittersweet Symphony, Black Mountain Poets), and theatre (Copenhagen, Love and Money). His writing credits include Sadie J (CBBC) and A Christmas Number One (Sky Cinema).

Kevin Jones, who stars as Martin, is a BAFTA Cymru-winning drama editor and accomplished playwright. His work has been staged at the Edinburgh and Camden Fringe festivals, and his award-winning short plays have reached audiences around the world, including Off-Broadway. As an editor, he has worked on acclaimed Welsh productions such as Hinterland, Keeping Faith, and The Feast.

Supported by the Arts Council of Wales and praised by critics as “a smart, funny, and deeply affecting piece of work” (Get the Chance), Martin Decker: DAD is an unmissable night of theatre for fathers, sons, daughters — and anyone who’s ever questioned what it means to be a parent.

The show comes to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, 25 June at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at £18, or £16 for concessions. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.