Community

Pembrokeshire County Show promises to have something for everyone

Visitors to the show can enjoy listening to the all-day entertainment from the music stage, marvel at the livestock classes, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts area and shop until they drop.

Published

3 years ago

August 10, 2023

Olly Coe

WALES’ largest county agricultural show, Pembrokeshire County Show, promises it will have something for everyone. The event takes place on 16 and 17 August at Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society (PAS) are pulling out all the stops to make the two-day show an amazing experience with a larger Country Market shopping area than ever before with 60 stalls selling unique, local, artisan products. There will also be the return of the Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell, showcasing wonderful Welsh produce, producers and innovators, as well as cookery demonstrations.

Brian Jones, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society President said, “We are very excited about the prospect of seeing our wonderful members, competitors, trade stands, sponsors and community coming together once again for the show. Whether you’re a Pembrokeshire local or visiting we’re sure you’ll have a fantastic day out. This year’s show is jam-packed with great attractions and events. There really is something for everyone. Thousands of visitors are expected to see some of the best livestock, taste fabulous local food and drink, experience country life and enjoy a wealth of entertainment.”

Every day, there will be live entertainment from the Pure West Radio stage. Together with broadcasting live from the show both days there will be live music, choirs, special guests, competitions, workouts, arts, dance and performances.

There will be trade stands that hail from all corners of the UK and Ireland to explore. Vintage vehicles display, Andrew Holmes’ Funfair, Pembrokeshire Food Court, Craft & Horticulture, eggs and pigeon show, cattle on the Wednesday, Children’s calf showing, Children’s equine ring, sheep and pigs showing on the Thursday, horses both days including showjumping competition and the exciting final of the Arena Eventing and two Dog Agility arenas.

There’s always an emphasis on great Welsh produce, celebrating the show’s ethos of ‘field to fork’. Visitors will be able to visit the Food Hall, sponsored by Castell Howell, which will showcase wonderful Welsh produce and local food innovators and enjoy watching cookery demonstrations. There will also be a food court for visitors to enjoy a range of food on the go.

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s successful Food Story volunteers will be on hand with a fantastic display for children to visit to learn where their food comes from. Alongside the Food Story Zone we are delighted to welcome the return of the Panic Circus Big Top, with loads of FREE fun and games for all the family.

In the Countryside Park there will be BASC Wales displays by gun dogs and retrievers; Canine displays by specialist search and detection dogs; live talks and demonstrations timetabled throughout the day by Old Park Apiaries, beekeeping/honey production/pollinator support. There will also be a chance to try your hand in the BASC Air Rifle target shooting range, learn about the British Bird of Prey Centre, White tailed Eagle project and watch their exciting falconry displays. New to the arena at the Countryside Park will be internationally renowned sheepdog handler Meirion Owen to explain the inspiring role these intelligent iconic dogs play alongside the shepherds of Wales. Expert gardening advice will be available from the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s own community gardens project, run by the Parc Helyg team. Fruit tree information comes from Llanblathian Orchards, with more growing advice from Haygrove Garden Tunnels.

The Community Zone will bring together a number of voluntary and community groups. Coordinated by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) the marquee is an opportunity for organisations, who might not normally be able to have a presence at the show, to promote their activities in Pembrokeshire. From giving advice, supporting those in need or providing training and volunteering opportunities.

Community

Loose horse sparks police response in Pembroke

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Animal seen galloping through residential streets and towards main road

POLICE are reportedly tracking a loose horse which strayed into a residential area of Pembroke.

The animal was first spotted in Gatehouse View before making its way onto a nearby main road.

A post on the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Citizens’ Forum said the horse had left Gatehouse View and was seen heading towards the road by Pembroke Leisure Centre.

The resident wrote: “Anyone recognise it? Police following it.”

The horse was later reported to be galloping down Buttermilk Lane in the direction of Martha’s.

Stray horses are not uncommon in the area. In January, several animals were reported loose around Pembroke and along the A477, particularly near Buttermilk Close and the Cleddau Bridge.

Those incidents created a hazard for motorists, prompting Pembrokeshire County Council to step in and return the animals. Drivers were advised to take extra care and avoid startling them.

Community

Charlie the ventriloquist doll returns to Pembroke Dock after 100 years

Published

11 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Beloved character to greet visitors as Heritage Centre reopens for new season

CHARLIE the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll is coming out of retirement — and back to where it all began.

Visitors to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will be greeted by the much-loved character when the attraction reopens for the new season on Monday (March 30).

It marks a nostalgic return for Charlie, who once performed in the very same building — then the Royal Dockyard Chapel — alongside his original owner, Ernie James, a Pembroke Dock bus company proprietor. Over the years, the duo became a familiar and popular act on the Pembrokeshire variety circuit.

Today, Charlie is cared for by Paul Elliott, of Llanreath, who inherited the doll from his father, Fred Elliott — better known locally as magician ‘Mr E’, whose shows delighted audiences for decades.

Charlie has also recently enjoyed a brush with national attention, appearing alongside Paul at a BBC Antiques Roadshow event in Swansea.

The Heritage Centre will offer free entry on opening day, with Charlie and Paul on hand to meet visitors and share stories from a century of entertainment.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

20 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”