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Busy start to Pembrokeshire County Show

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE County Show has got off to a busy start this morning (Wednesday, August 20), with car parks filling quickly and crowds already flocking to the showground.

Organisers confirmed that public parking at Gate 6 reached full capacity early in the day, with visitors now being directed to use Gate 5. A map of the showground is available on the official show website to help people plan their visit.

The show was officially opened earlier this morning by this year’s Presidents, Tim and Margaret Johns, alongside the County Show Ambassador, Alys Owens.

Thousands are expected to attend across the two days of the event, which showcases the very best of farming, food, crafts, and entertainment in Pembrokeshire.

This year’s show also features several new additions, including a live dinosaur experience from Rentadinosaur, offering meet-and-greets and interactive shows for younger visitors. A newly expanded Taste of Wellbeing Zone offers everything from reflexology and nutrition advice to mental health support and counselling. The Castell Howell-sponsored Food Hall has moved to a new location, while the Country Market returns with over 60 artisan stalls. Crowds have also been gathering to see the Gentle Giant Black Shire Horses from Moylegrove, and with GCSE results day falling on Thursday (Aug 21), a dedicated careers area will be available with representatives from emergency services, the military, Pembrokeshire College, and the Hywel Dda Health Board.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including over 40 artisan stalls in the Country Market area, a lively fairground, showjumping displays, dog agility demonstrations, vintage machinery, horticultural exhibitions, and countryside sports displays. There are also falconry shows, wood carving demonstrations, sheepdog trials, and a dedicated children’s activity zone featuring crafts, face painting and storytelling.

New for 2025 is the “Taste of Wellbeing” zone, where attendees can explore healthy food options, wellness advice, and self-care products. The Learning Pavilion is hosting talks and interactive sessions on sustainability, biodiversity, and farm safety.

The Milford Waterfront pop-up market is also on site in Zone A, opposite the Castell Howell Food Hall, showcasing Pembrokeshire businesses and local produce, including artisan cheeses, baked goods, handmade gifts, and local art. The Castell Howell Food Hall itself hosts chef demonstrations and food sampling throughout the day.

Live music will be performed throughout the day on the main entertainment stage, with performances from local bands, folk groups and school choirs. A Grand Parade of prize-winning animals and vehicles will take place as a show finale on Thursday afternoon.

Tickets are priced at £17 for adults and £8 for children aged five to sixteen, with under-fives and carers entering free of charge. Tickets are valid for either day but can only be used once. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Free onsite parking is available, and dogs on leads are welcome throughout the grounds.

Haverfordwest train station is just two miles from the showground, and shuttle services and bus connections are available. For those arriving by car, stewards are on hand to direct vehicles and ensure smooth entry. Disabled parking and accessible facilities are provided.

The show features hundreds of exhibitors and expects up to 10,000 visitors across both days. A wide range of competitions are taking place, including livestock showing, equine classes, pig and poultry judging, and homecraft, cookery, and produce contests.

The Craft & Horticulture section includes cut flowers, vegetables, preserves, baking, and children’s art. Prize-giving for these events will be held at 4:15pm on Thursday in the Parkhouse Exhibition Centre. All trophies and exhibits must be collected by 5:30pm.

Navigating the showground

The 2025 Pembrokeshire County Show is divided into several themed zones to help visitors make the most of their day:

  • Zone A includes the Agriculture & Machinery displaysDog Agility ArenaVintage Tractors, and the Livestock Arena. This is where you’ll find cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry competitions, alongside heavy machinery and trade stands.
  • Zone B covers the Crafts & HorticultureWest Wales WoolYoung Farmers area (YFC), and the Learning Pavilion. This area is close to main food courts, coffee stands, and information points.
  • Zone D is home to the Equine RingsShow Jumping RingHorse Walk, and the Milford Waterfront Pop-Up Market near the Country Market and Countryside Park. The Funfair and Public Catering Bar are also in this zone, with toilets and a water refill point nearby.

Entrances and access:

  • Main public access is through Gate 5 and Gate 6.
  • Gate 1 is used for livestock vehicles, Gate 3 for coach drop-offs, and Gate 4 for equine exhibitors.
  • There is free public parking near Gate 5 and additional parking for badge holders and disabled visitors.
  • First Aid stations are located near the Poultry section and near Gate 2.

Facilities:

  • Toilets, including disabled access, are clearly marked.
  • Barscoffee stalls, and food outlets are distributed throughout the grounds.
  • Mobility hire and information offices are near Gate 5 and the central shopping avenue.

A downloadable version of the map is available at pembsshow.org to help plan your visit.

Organisers say the show is a chance to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s farming heritage and community spirit, while also supporting local businesses and rural innovation. The event acts as a key gathering point for producers, tradespeople, educators and families alike.

Full competition schedules and downloadable maps are available on the official website. For more information and tickets, visit www.pembsshow.org

 

Community

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

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TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter Rally continues in the seaside town.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts have travelled to Pembrokeshire for the four-day event, which runs from Friday (May 1) to Monday (May 4), bringing a splash of colour, chrome and Mod culture to the resort.

The rally, organised by Scooter Collective South Wales, is taking place across several venues, including De Valence Pavilion, Tenby United Rugby Club and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

Entertainment includes live music, Northern Soul nights, club events and the traditional rally atmosphere which has made Tenby a popular stop on the national scooter calendar.

A ride-out was also planned from Tenby RFC’s ground at Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon, with scooters heading through the surrounding area. A Custom Show and Traders Fair were also due to be held at the rugby club.

Classic Vespas, Lambrettas and custom scooters have been seen around the town throughout the weekend, with visitors adding to the atmosphere in local streets, pubs, cafés and hotels.

This year’s event also marks 25 years since the first national scooter rally was held in Tenby in 2001 at Kiln Park, when soul legend Edwin Starr headlined.

Before that, smaller local rallies had taken place in 1999 and 2000, while Tenby had already become a regular weekend destination for South Wales scooterists during the 1990s.

The 2026 event is understood to be the 12th time a national rally has been held in Tenby, underlining the town’s long-standing connection with the scooter scene.

The rally continues until Monday, with organisers and visitors hoping the Bank Holiday atmosphere will provide another boost for the town.

Photo caption:

Scooter spectacle: Riders and enthusiasts gather in Tenby for the Welsh National Scooter Rally 2026 (Pic: Malcolm Richards)

 

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Community

New officer appointed as Pembrokeshire Pride expands year-round work

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PEMBROKESHIRE Pride has appointed Jamie Rees as its new Community Liaison Officer as the organisation looks to strengthen its year-round presence across the county.

The role, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, will focus on building closer links with LGBTQ+ people in Pembrokeshire, as well as wider community groups, local organisations and partner agencies.

Jamie, who is originally from Pembrokeshire, brings experience in marketing, communications and community engagement within the arts and cultural sector.

He will help expand Pride’s regular programme beyond its annual event, creating more opportunities for people to meet, feel supported and take part throughout the year.

Monthly events

Current events include Pride Brunch on the first Saturday of the month, Pride Book Club on the second Thursday, Pride Quiz on the last Wednesday, and Pride Friday Dinner Club on the last Friday of the month.

Pembrokeshire Pride said the appointment marks an important step in its ambition to become a more visible and active organisation across the county all year round.

Chair of Pembrokeshire Pride, Donna Humphrey said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jamie to the team as our new Community Liaison Officer.

“This role is a vital part of our vision to grow Pembrokeshire Pride into a visible, active and supportive presence throughout the year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this role possible. Their support allows us to invest in our community, strengthen connections, and ensure that Pembrokeshire Pride continues to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way.”

Main Pride weekend

Jamie Rees said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping into this role at such an important moment for Pembrokeshire Pride. This is about building something that lives and breathes all year round, not just at one event.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting people from across the county – both within the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community – and creating more opportunities for connection, visibility and understanding.

“Pembrokeshire has always been home for me, and I care deeply about helping to build a county that feels welcoming, inclusive and full of pride for everyone who lives here.”

Plans are already underway for this year’s main Pembrokeshire Pride event, which will take place at Dewslake Farm on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20.

The team is keen to hear from stallholders, food vendors and entertainers interested in taking part in the weekend.

Tickets are due to go on sale later this month.

Anyone wishing to find out more, attend an event, or contact Jamie directly can follow Pembrokeshire Pride on social media or email [email protected].

 

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Reduced hours at Hakin Post Office spark concern

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Councillor says the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community

RESIDENTS in Hakin and Hubberston have been left shocked after opening hours at Hakin Post Office were suddenly cut without warning.

The branch, based inside CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road, is now only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and on Saturday from 9:00am to 12:30pm.

It means the Post Office is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with only limited Saturday morning access.

Local councillor Vivien Stoddart has raised concerns that the sudden reduction represents a serious loss of a vital community service, particularly for elderly residents, people without access to transport, and those who rely on the branch for banking, parcels, pensions and other essential services.

Cllr Stoddart said the change appeared to have been made without proper consultation or adequate warning to the community.

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted the Post Office after being provided with evidence that opening hours at the CK’s-operated branch had been significantly reduced.

The Herald asked whether the Post Office was aware of reductions at CK’s-operated branches, whether the changes had been approved, what minimum opening hours were required, and what safeguards were in place to ensure communities retained reasonable access to Post Office services.

In its initial response, the Post Office referred to Milford Haven Post Office, but later issued a clarification confirming that the Milford Haven branch is fully open and not affected.

The reduced hours apply to Hakin Post Office, at CK’s Supermarket on Gellyswick Road.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by the short notice change and for the lack of communication informing them of this update for Hakin Post Office.

“We are currently working with the operator to review the opening hours for its branches. Alternative branches for Hakin is Milford Haven and The Mount.”

The statement confirms that the Post Office accepts there was a lack of communication with customers about the change.

For residents in Hakin and Hubberston, the practical impact is significant. The branch now operates for only three full weekdays and one Saturday morning each week.

The Herald understands there is concern locally that the reduced hours could hit vulnerable residents hardest, particularly those who depend on nearby services and cannot easily travel to alternative branches.

The Post Office has not yet provided detailed answers on minimum contractual opening hours, whether the changes were formally approved, or whether similar reductions have been made at other CK’s branches.

 

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