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.

Grant from Ffilm Cymru Wales helps bring affordable independent cinema to Pembrokeshire

A SEASON of independent films chosen by local audiences is coming to Milford Haven this spring, as the Torch Theatre hosts a special programme designed to celebrate bold storytelling and community cinema.

Running from February through to mid-April, the Community Choices season has been made possible thanks to Wales-wide grant funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales. The scheme supports independent exhibitors to bring diverse and inspiring films to screens across the country.

At the Torch, audiences were invited to take part in programming workshops to help select the titles themselves. The final line-up reflects a mix of Welsh-language work, environmentally themed films and stories that break down social and economic barriers, ensuring something for all tastes.

Chelsey Gillard, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We asked you, the people of Pembrokeshire, what films you wanted to see at the Torch – and we listened. There’s a terrific variety in this season, from family favourites to powerful dramas. We’re very grateful to Ffilm Cymru Wales for the funding that allows us to bring these wonderful films to the big screen, and we look forward to giving everyone a warm Torch welcome.”

The programme opens with Mr Burton on Sunday, February 8 at 4:15pm, followed by Flow on Tuesday, February 17 at 4:45pm. Fantastic Mr Fox screens on February 19 at 4:45pm, with Moonlight closing the month on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm.

March’s line-up includes Born Free on March 4 at 2:15pm, Earth on March 12 at 11:00am, Sinners on March 15 at 7:00pm, Booksmart on March 22 at 2:00pm, and Gwledd (The Feast) on March 27 at 8:00pm.

The season continues into April with I Swear on April 2 at 2:00pm, One Battle After Another on April 5 at 4:00pm, and This is Spinal Tap on April 12 at 4:00pm, bringing the Community Choices series to a close.

All tickets are priced at £4 and include a free tea or coffee, helping to keep the screenings affordable and accessible for everyone.

For tickets and full details, visit the Torch Theatre website or call the box office on 01646 695267.