Entertainment

Rolling Stones gig raised during talks over Haverfordwest castle plans

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to create a 500-seat multi-purpose entertainment area in the grounds of Haverfordwest’s castle raised both tales of the noise levels of Rolling Stones gigs and the biblical battle of Jericho.

An application before the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee recommended delegated conditional approval for the local authority application for the creation of a multi-purpose entertainment and events venue within the inner ward area of Haverfordwest Castle.

The application forms part of the Levelling-up-funded Heart of Pembrokeshire: Rediscovering Haverfordwest scheme.

The interior of the Grade-I-listed castle, a Scheduled Monument, is currently a grassy space next to the former Governor’s House (now used as a museum) and the adjacent former gâol building, a report for planners said.

It added: “The proposal comprises the creation of a multi-purpose entertainment and events venue to be used for a range of temporary events. The capacity would be a minimum of 500 seated (with possibly more for standing events).

“The scope includes the provision of a temporary stage area and audience seating for performance events. The same area would also be used as a ‘market street’ that would comprise temporary stalls.”

The works proposed consist of four elements: the re-contouring of the inner ward’s existing sloping topography, changes in levels to limited areas of ground around the internal perimeter of the castle’s north wall, the erection of permanent steel gates at the inner ward entrance, and the installation of a feeder pillar and below ground services run, committee members heard.

The applicant states that the proposal would “create a vibrant outdoor event space capable of supporting a range of activity as part of the normal castle visitor experience,” the report says, and “the space should be designed to be entirely removable (but in practice only removed on occasions when it is necessary to do so)”.

It added: “These proposals have been developed simultaneously with other schemes within the Scheduled Monument and Castle grounds such as the repairs to the castle and the refurbishment of the gâol. All three schemes are interlinked to deliver an improved visitor facility.”

At the July planning meeting, concerns about potential noise impact on the structure of the castle walls were raised by Cllr Iwan Ward, with Cllr Rhys Jordan, chairing the item as committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock had declared an interest, reflecting: “Rumour or truth, the Rolling Stones were [once] due to play Pembroke Castle until there were fears raised it would fall down.”

Cllr John Cole took a more biblical point of reference, reflecting: “Noise was supposed to have destroyed the walls of Jericho,” asking if there was a way of finding out about potential noise impact on the historic structure.

He was told that was a matter for CADW, which had approved Scheduled Monument consent, rather than the planning committee.

Moving delegated approval, Cllr Mark Carter said: “It’s another case of revitalising the town, it seems very sensible to me,” seconded by new committee member Cllr Andrew Edwards, who said it would “bring more footfall” into the town.

Delegated approval was overwhelmingly backed, with one abstention.

In 1973 promoters of the Stones, who were the biggest band in the world at the time, approached Pembroke Borough Council with the idea of staging a concert for 12,000 fans.

In the end the council decided that the event would be too risky and refused permission, but not before adverts had been placed in the national press and posters had been distributed.

The cancellation of the concert left a lot of people feeling very disappointed and it has been talked about in Pembroke ever since.

Entertainment

Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.

The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.

Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.

The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.

James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.

“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.

“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”

Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.

The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.

Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.

Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.

A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.

The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.

Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

5 days ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.