News
Fish Week’s £2.7m boost for local economy
THIS year’s Pembrokeshire Fish Week Festival pumped nearly £2,737,900 into the local economy, new figures have shown. The direct economic impact of the 2014 event was almost a quarter of a million pounds more than last year. Approximately 31,360 locals and visitors came together to enjoy the county-wide festival.
Packed with over 250 events for people of all tastes and ages, Fish Week aims to help increase shoulder season tourism within the county. It intends to promote, develop and sustain Pembrokeshire’s local food and fishing industries, culture, heritage and communities. Pembrokeshire County Council research has shown that a total of 42% of visitors questioned said that Fish Week influenced their decision to come to Pembrokeshire in some way.
A further 55% said that while visiting Pembrokeshire they had been influenced to join in with the festival events. Just under 60% of participating businesses questioned said that they saw an increase in customers during Fish Week, with 12% of businesses seeing an increase in sales of over 50%.
The festival was described by participating businesses as: ‘Great partnership working to create an event to capture a greater audience in Pembrokeshire, ‘the festival always has a positive impact upon the county’ and ‘good time to hold the event and it brings people to the county at a quieter time’.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “The Welsh Government has been proud to support this fantastic event which is going from strength to strength and is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Events taking place in the shoulder season give people a reason to visit or take a day trip and play an important part in making tourism and all yearround industry.Food is an intrinsic part of a holiday experience and the festival is an excellent way of highlighting the wealth and diversity of the high quality food on offer in Pembrokeshire.”
“The diversity of the participating businesses and communities right across Pembrokeshire creates a real county ownership of the festival, which is undoubtedly one of the main contributions for its success,” said Kate Morgan, Festival Organiser. The Pembrokeshire Fish Week team have already started planning the programme for the 2015 Festival, which will take place from Saturday June 27 to Sunday July 5.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News6 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News6 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News5 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News5 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours