Free weekend-long event promises marine-themed celebrations on March 8-9

MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up to make waves with the first-ever Festival of the Sea, a two-day celebration dedicated to the rich marine life, heritage, and conservation efforts surrounding Pembrokeshire’s coastline. Set to take place on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, the festival will offer a diverse programme of activities, exhibitions, and interactive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The event, organised by Y Môr a Ni, aims to highlight the importance of the ocean in everyday life and promote greater understanding of marine conservation. With a mix of artistic, educational, and adventurous activities, the festival will provide a platform for local creatives, marine experts, and environmental advocates to share their passion for the sea.

A weekend of ocean exploration

The festival’s activities will be spread across multiple venues, including Milford Waterfront, Mackerel Quay, and the Torch Theatre, ensuring a variety of engaging experiences throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, March 8, Milford Waterfront will be transformed into an ocean-inspired hub of creativity from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Attendees can enjoy marine-themed art workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, hosted by local artists Dawn Steward and Janet Taylor, offering hands-on sessions for visitors to explore their creativity through sea-inspired artworks.

Meanwhile, the Link Building will house a fascinating exhibition space featuring displays on ocean literacy, renewable energy, marine biodiversity, and seagrass conservation. Marine specialists from organisations such as Câr y Môr will provide insight into the benefits of seaweed and its role in sustainable industries.

Outdoor activities on Mackerel Quay will showcase the practical side of marine conservation and exploration, with organisations including the Royal Navy, RNLI, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offering interactive displays. Visitors will have the chance to see real-life diving gear up close, learn about marine safety, and even try out specially adapted beach wheelchairs designed for accessibility.

To make the event more accessible, organisers have arranged free parking throughout the festival, with no need for advance booking to participate in any of the activities.

Talks, exhibitions, and marine conservation at the Torch Theatre

On Sunday, March 9, the festival will continue at the Torch Theatre, where a series of engaging talks, interactive exhibits, and workshops will take place, focusing on nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.

A highlight of the day will be Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s ‘Living Coast’ event, which will bring together local marine conservationists and community champions to discuss initiatives aimed at preserving Pembrokeshire’s coastal habitats. From panel discussions to hands-on workshops, attendees will have the chance to deepen their understanding of marine sustainability and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Exclusive accommodation offer for festival visitors

To encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience, the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is offering a special accommodation package for festival-goers. Guests can enjoy a bed-and-breakfast stay from £110 per room per night (based on two sharing), while family rooms for four people are available at £153 per night, including breakfast.

For further details or to book accommodation, visitors can check Tŷ Hotels.

A celebration of the sea for all

With an exciting mix of educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and inspiring discussions, the Festival of the Sea promises to be an unmissable event for anyone with a love for the ocean. Whether it’s learning about marine conservation, exploring artistic interpretations of the sea, or engaging with experts in marine science and sustainability, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information about the festival, including full schedules and updates, visit Milford Waterfront’s official event page.

BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru are joining forces to celebrate Wales’ community heroes with the launch of the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025.

Led by BBC Radio Cymru’s Shân Cothi and Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen, BBC Cymru Wales is calling on listeners to nominate their local heroes.

The Make a Difference Awards, which launch for the first time in Wales this year, will celebrate and recognise people who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, shining a light on these everyday, unsung heroes.

There are eight categories, including the Community Group Award for a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community; the Young Hero Award, which will honour an individual under the age of 16 who has made a significant positive impact in their community; and the Active Award, which will recognise individuals or groups who have used physical activity or sport to improve the lives of those in their community.

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges and awards will be given in each category.

Winners will be announced at the Make a Difference Awards ceremony on 20 September 2025.

Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Cymru Wales, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing the Make a Difference Awards to Wales this year with the support of BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, led by our fantastic team of presenters. We know there will be lots of people out there who deserve to be recognised for the positive impact they’ve had in their local community, no matter how big or how small. So now is the time to help them shine!”

Nominations are now open and will close on Monday 31 March 2025 at 5:00pm. For a full list of categories – and details of how to nominate someone, go to bbc.co.uk/makeadifference, where you can also see full Terms and our Privacy Notice.

Categories 2025:

• The Volunteer Award – awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others.
• The Young Hero Award – awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
• The Great Neighbour Award – awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness.
• The Active Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community.
• The Animal Award – awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people’s lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.
• The Green Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment.
• The Fundraiser Award – awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause.
• The Community Group Award – awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community.

FAMILIES seeking adventure this February half-term can enjoy a variety of activities at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, and Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre. From treasure hunts to dragon-themed events, there is something for everyone.

A ROBIN HOOD ADVENTURE

Carew Castle invites visitors to step into the world of outlaws with the Robin Hood Treasure Trail, running from Saturday, February 15 to Sunday, March 2. Armed with a smartphone, young explorers must locate hidden keys before the Sheriff of Nottingham finds them. Successful participants will earn a reward.

Maid Marian’s Crew will also be enlisting brave souls to test their skills in sword fighting, archery, and wilderness survival. Free sessions take place on February 16, 19, 23, and 26 at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm.

For an interactive storytelling experience, the Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure, led by best-selling immersive author Oliver McNeil and featuring the voice of Tom Baker, will run on February 24, 25, 27, and 28 at 1:00pm. Tickets cost £6 per person and booking is advised.

A JOURNEY TO THE IRON AGE

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, visitors can travel back over 2,000 years during the Experience the Iron Age sessions from February 19 to March 2. Skilled craftspeople will demonstrate ancient techniques, and guests can try traditional crafts and Iron Age skills. Adventurers can also test their aim with a slingshot, while daily guided tours at noon will offer deeper insight into the Celtic way of life.

DRAGONS AT ORIEL Y PARC

As St David’s Day approaches, Oriel y Parc will host a range of dragon-themed activities. Visitors can follow a baby dragon’s journey around Britain’s smallest city, with updates posted on the Oriel y Parc Facebook page.

The Quest for the Lost Baby Dragon, running from February 22 to March 2, invites young sleuths to solve clues and reunite the dragon with its mother. Budding artists can participate in the Dragon Headdress Make & Take from February 22 to 28, while those with a spirit of adventure can design a personalized treasure map on February 26.

The St David’s Day Dragon Parade on March 1 at 2:00pm will feature schoolchildren, local groups, and a magical dragon procession through the streets.

ART, CRAFTS, AND MOTORBIKES

Visitors can also enjoy various art exhibitions and craft events, including the Handmade Craft Fair by Makers Bizarre on March 1 from 10:30am to 4:30pm, with free entry. The Pembrokeshire Bike Run on March 2 at 12:00pm will showcase an impressive display of motorbikes at the Oriel y Parc Courtyard.

For more information on events, site opening hours, and ticket bookings, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events, www.carewcastle.com, www.castellhenllys.com, and www.orielyparc.co.uk.

EXPLORE THE NATIONAL PARK

Beyond these exciting events, the National Park offers scenic walking trails at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/web-walks. Mobility support equipment, including beach wheelchairs, is available at various locations throughout the Park. For details, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.