• Paul Davies MS for Preseli Pembrokeshire hosts event to promote major programme of summer concerts.

THIS year’s Fishguard Festival of Music/Gwyl Gerdd Abergwaun was officially launched at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay this week (Wednesday) in an event hosted by Paul Davies MS Preseli Pembrokeshire.  Guests attending heard from the festival’s artistic director Gillian Green MBE about the 18 events extending over three weeks that will be staged at venues across Pembrokeshire from 18 to 31 July, including a concert by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at St David’s Cathedral.

Paul Davies MS, said: “I’m truly honoured once again to sponsor the launch of the Fishguard Festival of Music. Over the summer, Fishguard will host world-famous musicians like harpist Catrin Finch and fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhriain, and the festival also includes performances from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, the National Youth Choir of Wales and the Welsh National Opera Orchestra – so there really is something for everyone! Tickets to these performances sell out quickly and so make sure to head over to the Festival’s website and secure your tickets before it’s too late.”   

Gillian Green MBE, Artistic Director of the Fishguard Festival of Music, added: “The Fishguard Festival plays a significant role on the cultural map of Wales and our mission to bring world-class music to Pembrokeshire is as strong as ever. This year we will have a real feast of music awaiting audiences in West Wales.  The local community’s work in producing this fantastic festival is nothing short of a small miracle.”

Artists performing at this year’s festival include Peter Donohoe, Catrin Finch and the Marmen String Quartet.  The full programme is available to view on the festival’s website www.fishguardmusicfestival.com

NoFit State Circus is set to captivate Pembrokeshire once again this summer, as they bring back their thrilling big top show, Sabotage.

Returning to Haverfordwest from June 13th to 30th, NoFit State promises an experience unlike any other traditional circus. With no sad animals or tired tricks, Sabotage offers a fusion of circus and music, presented by a supremely talented troupe that leaves audiences in awe.

Described as “another full-on, boisterous, and audaciously fierce performance with the NoFit State signature style,” Sabotage introduces a darker, grittier, and more subversive edge to the troupe’s renowned contemporary circus.

“Back in the big top with incredible new acts, original music, new apparatus and a more theatrical feel, Sabotage challenges the status quo,” shares NoFit State. “This is an energising, uplifting, and socially relevant contemporary circus production.”

The show delves into themes of separation and belonging, with each scene narrating stories that range from poignant and heart-tugging to utterly joyful.

“We’ve had a hard time keeping this a secret, but we are finally ready to fill you in,” announced NoFit State yesterday. “Tickets for our big top show Sabotage are now on sale for Pembrokeshire, back in the place where we performed Sabotage for the first time ever back in 2022!”

Pembrokeshire holds a special significance for the troupe, and they invite audiences to witness how the show has evolved since its debut. This year, Pembrokeshire is the sole Welsh location where Sabotage will be performed, with an early bird offer granting spectators 20 per cent off their tickets until midnight on May 6th.

Sabotage will grace Pembrokeshire from June 13th to 30th, with ticket prices starting at £18. “More locations in the tour to be announced soon,” assures NoFit State. “Until then, enjoy your summer in Pembrokeshire in a shiny silver Big Top Tent with us.”

MORE than 230 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in exciting dance competitions at primary and secondary school levels.

Sport Pembrokeshire hosted the primary school dance competition on March 19th at Fishguard Leisure Centre.

Seven schools from across the county and more than 160 pupils took part, including both boys and girls from school years 3-6.

All style and street dance were the categories that teams, solos and duos could enter. There were 55 solo performers entering the street dance solo category.

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun performed a group dance and some performed brilliant solos for the primary pupils to watch.

Finola (FF Dancers), Kelly (Kelly Williams School of Dance) and Lowri (Lowri Jones School of Dance) judged the high standard of competitions with dance coaches Lucy Kerrison and Kelci Francis helping out during the day.

They are all thanked for their help and expertise as putting on an event of this nature would not be possible without their valuable input.

Forty eight medals, 22 trophies and numerous certificates were presented, including awards for stand-out performers.

The atmosphere was great and it was brilliant to see the pupils taking part, getting creative and showcasing their skills, all with a smile on their faces.

The secondary schools dance competition was hosted on Thursday, 29th February at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.

In total 77 girls from school years 7-11 competed in various categories such as teams, duos and solos. These included street, all style, freestyle, jazz and cheer.

Finola and Kelly judged the day with the help from Lucy and Kelci. Kelci, a former Ysgol Harri Tudur pupil, also gave showstopping performances.

It was a great day with a fantastic atmosphere and very rewarding to see so many girls taking part in sport and enjoying every minute.

Some of the schools who attended are now through to the UDOIT Dance Competition in Cardiff.

Hundreds of pupils have enjoyed school dance competitions over recent weeks.