700 ducks to race the River Alun in fun-filled fundraiser

ST DAVIDS RNLI is preparing to welcome crowds once again for its much-loved duck race, which takes place on bank holiday Monday, 26 May, on the River Alun outside St Davids Cathedral.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s race will see 700 plastic ducks released into the river, all competing for cash prizes. The race begins at 1:00pm, with festivities kicking off from 11:00am.

Visitors can enjoy a pop-up shop, home-made cakes, and the chance to name a duck for just £2 – with all proceeds supporting the vital, lifesaving work of the RNLI in St Davids.

“The duck race is always a fantastic day out for all ages and a brilliant way to support the lifeboat station,” said Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer. “Every duck sold helps us continue our mission of saving lives at sea.”

Torch Theatre to host acclaimed production exploring fatherhood with humour and heart

WHAT makes a great dad? Martin thinks he might know — and he’s determined to share his answer with audiences this June at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven.

DAD is a darkly funny and heartfelt theatrical journey through the father figures who shaped Martin’s life — from Darth Vader to Indiana Jones, from the ever-elusive ‘Cool Dad’ to the all-too-familiar ‘Dad Dancer’. Through live movie re-enactments, questionable Harrison Ford impressions, and surprise appearances on screen, Martin invites audiences to reflect on what it means to be a father, and whether any dad ever truly feels like they’re enough.

But for Martin, the question cuts deeper — is he trying to save his son, or himself?

Created by acclaimed writers Keiron Self and Kevin Jones, this moving production promises a unique blend of cinematic nostalgia and personal storytelling. Self is best known for his role as hapless dentist Roger Bailey in the hit BBC sitcom My Family, and has a rich background in TV (Still Open All Hours, Casualty), film (Bittersweet Symphony, Black Mountain Poets), and theatre (Copenhagen, Love and Money). His writing credits include Sadie J (CBBC) and A Christmas Number One (Sky Cinema).

Kevin Jones, who stars as Martin, is a BAFTA Cymru-winning drama editor and accomplished playwright. His work has been staged at the Edinburgh and Camden Fringe festivals, and his award-winning short plays have reached audiences around the world, including Off-Broadway. As an editor, he has worked on acclaimed Welsh productions such as Hinterland, Keeping Faith, and The Feast.

Supported by the Arts Council of Wales and praised by critics as “a smart, funny, and deeply affecting piece of work” (Get the Chance), Martin Decker: DAD is an unmissable night of theatre for fathers, sons, daughters — and anyone who’s ever questioned what it means to be a parent.

The show comes to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, 25 June at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at £18, or £16 for concessions. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

FAMILIES looking to make the most of the May half-term will find plenty to inspire them across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From wildlife walks and archaeological adventures to pirate trails and seaside crafts, the week promises a rich mix of exploration, creativity, and discovery.

Wildlife takes centre stage this half-term, with a series of guided walks offering the chance to explore the Park’s quieter corners and seasonal highlights. The week begins with a closer look at one of our smallest and busiest residents. What’s That Bee? on 27 May offers a gentle walk through the fields and hedgerows of Skrinkle Haven, with tips on how to spot and identify local pollinators.

As day turns to dusk, two evening walks offer a chance to experience the Park in a different light. On 28 May, Brilliant Bats in St Davids invites visitors on a twilight wander through the city, using detectors to hear the high-pitched calls echoing around the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. The following evening’s Bat Walk at Carew offers a rare opportunity to explore the Castle after dark and encounter the protected species that shelter within its ancient walls.

For those in search of daylight discoveries, the Wildflower Wander at Broadhaven South on 29 May offers a slower pace and a closer look at the flora that thrives along the coast. Led by an expert guide, this gentle morning stroll explores the medicinal and culinary uses of some of the Park’s most familiar wild plants.

The Park’s layered past also plays a part in this half-term’s programme. On 27 May, Porthmawr: A Walk Through Time brings together archaeology, history, wildlife and geology in a guided tour led by a Park Ranger and the Park Authority’s Community Archaeologist. This immersive walk offers a chance to explore the stories hidden in the landscape, and to see how time, tide and people have shaped this distinctive stretch of coastline.

Meanwhile, at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the half-term programme continues with a creative, coastal twist. From Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, families can follow the Pirate’s Treasure Trail around the grounds of Oriel y Parc to discover the surrounding headlands in search of washed-up clues and hidden rewards. Midweek brings a chance to craft seaside keepsakes at the Sea Trinkets Workshop on Wednesday 28 May, while the week ends with the return of the May Craft Market on Saturday 31 May, where every stall offers something different, made with skill, care, and their own creative flair.

For full event details and to plan your visit, go to www.orielyparc.co.uk or www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Those keen to explore further can choose from a wide range of scenic walking routes, available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/web-walks.

Mobility support, including beach wheelchairs, is available at several locations across the Park. For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.