Entertainment
Milford Haven to host inaugural Festival of the Sea
Free weekend-long event promises marine-themed celebrations on March 8-9
MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up to make waves with the first-ever Festival of the Sea, a two-day celebration dedicated to the rich marine life, heritage, and conservation efforts surrounding Pembrokeshire’s coastline. Set to take place on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, the festival will offer a diverse programme of activities, exhibitions, and interactive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The event, organised by Y Môr a Ni, aims to highlight the importance of the ocean in everyday life and promote greater understanding of marine conservation. With a mix of artistic, educational, and adventurous activities, the festival will provide a platform for local creatives, marine experts, and environmental advocates to share their passion for the sea.

A weekend of ocean exploration
The festival’s activities will be spread across multiple venues, including Milford Waterfront, Mackerel Quay, and the Torch Theatre, ensuring a variety of engaging experiences throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, March 8, Milford Waterfront will be transformed into an ocean-inspired hub of creativity from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Attendees can enjoy marine-themed art workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, hosted by local artists Dawn Steward and Janet Taylor, offering hands-on sessions for visitors to explore their creativity through sea-inspired artworks.
Meanwhile, the Link Building will house a fascinating exhibition space featuring displays on ocean literacy, renewable energy, marine biodiversity, and seagrass conservation. Marine specialists from organisations such as Câr y Môr will provide insight into the benefits of seaweed and its role in sustainable industries.
Outdoor activities on Mackerel Quay will showcase the practical side of marine conservation and exploration, with organisations including the Royal Navy, RNLI, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offering interactive displays. Visitors will have the chance to see real-life diving gear up close, learn about marine safety, and even try out specially adapted beach wheelchairs designed for accessibility.
To make the event more accessible, organisers have arranged free parking throughout the festival, with no need for advance booking to participate in any of the activities.

Talks, exhibitions, and marine conservation at the Torch Theatre
On Sunday, March 9, the festival will continue at the Torch Theatre, where a series of engaging talks, interactive exhibits, and workshops will take place, focusing on nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.
A highlight of the day will be Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s ‘Living Coast’ event, which will bring together local marine conservationists and community champions to discuss initiatives aimed at preserving Pembrokeshire’s coastal habitats. From panel discussions to hands-on workshops, attendees will have the chance to deepen their understanding of marine sustainability and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.
Exclusive accommodation offer for festival visitors
To encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience, the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is offering a special accommodation package for festival-goers. Guests can enjoy a bed-and-breakfast stay from £110 per room per night (based on two sharing), while family rooms for four people are available at £153 per night, including breakfast.
For further details or to book accommodation, visitors can check Tŷ Hotels.
A celebration of the sea for all
With an exciting mix of educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and inspiring discussions, the Festival of the Sea promises to be an unmissable event for anyone with a love for the ocean. Whether it’s learning about marine conservation, exploring artistic interpretations of the sea, or engaging with experts in marine science and sustainability, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For more information about the festival, including full schedules and updates, visit Milford Waterfront’s official event page.

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