Coastal groups, artists and charities unite at Sybil House to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s marine life and community spirit

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a splash of colour, music and marine discovery next month as the Festival of the Sea returns with a full day of free activities for families.

Organised by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the event will take place at Sybil House on Sunday, March 1, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, bringing together conservation groups, artists, performers and community organisations to celebrate the county’s coastline and the people whose lives are tied to it.

The Herald understands the festival proved popular last year and has been expanded for 2026, with organisers moving into the larger indoor venue to allow more stalls, workshops and performances.

Visitors can expect a packed programme of hands-on activities and entertainment aimed at all ages. Highlights include a marine wildlife touch tank hosted by the Field Studies Council, children’s art and clay workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, live music and sea shanties, and walkabout pirate performers bringing a bit of theatre to the waterfront.

Throughout the day, local choirs and musicians will perform, creating what organisers hope will feel like a relaxed, community celebration rather than a formal exhibition.

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, said: “The Festival of the Sea was really popular last year, and I’m really pleased it’s coming back in the bigger venue of Sybil House.

“The marine environment of Pembrokeshire is internationally important for wildlife as well as for employment and energy. The festival is a fun way to celebrate all the great work being done for our seas, and it’s a great opportunity to engage young people through art workshops, face painting and street theatre.”

A wide range of organisations will host information stands and activities, including the RNLI, Sea Trust, Project Seagrass, The Crown Estate, Car-y-Môr, Marine Conservation Society, Marine Energy Wales and the Port of Milford Haven.

Together, they will showcase projects ranging from marine wildlife protection and habitat restoration to renewable energy and sustainable seafood, highlighting the economic and environmental importance of the Haven and surrounding coastline.

Food and refreshments will also be available, including local produce from Pembrokeshire Beach Food, giving visitors a taste of Pembrokeshire’s growing reputation for coastal cuisine.

Entry is free, and organisers say people are welcome to drop in for a single activity or spend the whole day exploring what is on offer. A full schedule of talks and workshops will be released closer to the date.

For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/festival-of-the-sea.

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, stories and traditional festivities when a colourful half-term celebration of Welsh culture comes to Narberth next week.

The community-focused event, taking place on Wednesday (Feb 18), promises a relaxed and welcoming day out, with hands-on workshops, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for people to drop in and take part at their own pace.

Organisers say the aim is to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where all ages can explore Welsh heritage through creativity, craft and food.

At the heart of the programme is the Dewi Sant Promenade Parade, a lively procession through the town featuring traditional music and some of Wales’ best-loved folklore characters, including a dragon and the Mari Lwyd. The parade will be accompanied by music from Reel Rebels, encouraging families to join the celebration as it winds through the streets.

Elsewhere, adults can try their hand at a calming weaving workshop with artist Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts, while younger visitors can enjoy storytelling and craft activities led by Hedydd Hughes and Luci Saunders at the Narberth Scout Hut.

The day will finish with a traditional family Twmpath, complete with live music, dancing, cawl and Welsh cakes, offering a sociable close to the festivities and a taste of classic Welsh hospitality.

Organisers say the event has been designed to be accessible and affordable, welcoming both local residents and visitors looking for a low-cost half-term activity.

Event highlights include:

• Adults’ weaving workshop with Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts
• Children’s storytelling and craft session at Narberth Scout Hut
• Dewi Sant promenade parade with music, dragon and Mari Lwyd
• Family Twmpath with cawl and Welsh cakes

Event details:

Date: Wednesday (Feb 18)
Locations: Narberth Scout Hut and SPAN Arts, Narberth
Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Pricing: Pay what you can, from £3
Booking: span-arts.org.uk
Accessibility enquiries: [email protected]

FAMILIES across Wales are being encouraged to rediscover history on their doorstep this February half term, with more than 130 historic sites offering affordable days out.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, says its castles, abbeys and ancient monuments provide low-cost options for families looking to get out of the house without breaking the bank.

From dramatic medieval fortresses to Roman remains and peaceful abbey ruins, many locations are within easy reach of local communities, making them ideal for a short day trip.

Nearby highlights include Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Raglan Castle, and the Caerleon Roman Baths, each offering a mix of history, open space and hands-on activities.

Good value days out

New visitor research carried out by Cadw shows strong satisfaction among guests. More than 85 per cent rated their visit as good, while nearly two in five said their experience was better than expected.

Families are being encouraged to bring picnics, book tickets online in advance and consider membership options to keep costs down, particularly for repeat visits over school holidays.

History brought to life

Several sites now include improved interpretation and interactive elements aimed at younger visitors.

At Caerphilly Castle, recent restoration work has recreated parts of the medieval interior, allowing visitors to step inside spaces such as the Great Hall and gatehouse to see how the fortress would have looked in the thirteenth century.

Meanwhile, children visiting Caerleon can take part in a daily Roman Baths trail where they can touch, smell and explore objects linked to life in Roman Britain.

Quieter winter exploring

Cadw says winter can be one of the best times to visit, with fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal scenery.

Places such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, Criccieth Castle, and Valle Crucis Abbey offer peaceful walks alongside striking historic backdrops.

Something close to home

With sites spread across the country, most families will have a Cadw monument within a short drive.

Membership options provide unlimited entry throughout the year, with children admitted free with adult members, alongside shop discounts and reciprocal offers at other UK attractions.

Further details on opening times, events and tickets are available at the Cadw website.