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Whitland street food festival draws thousands for biggest event yet

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Record crowds, live music and over 100 traders make bank holiday celebration a major success

THOUSANDS of visitors descended on Whitland on Sunday (May 3) as the Whitland Street Food Festival returned to Parc Dr Owen for what organisers described as its biggest and best event to date.

The annual festival, organised by Together Hendygwyn Gyda’n Gilydd CIC, brought together food traders, performers and community groups from across West Wales, with strong ticket sales suggesting attendance in the thousands.

Record scale and strong turnout

More than 30 street food vendors and over 80 market stalls filled the site, offering everything from Welsh produce and artisan goods to international cuisine, sweet treats and speciality drinks.

A large big-top tent provided covered seating for festivalgoers, while crowds gathered across the field to enjoy live music, entertainment and family attractions throughout the day.

Pre-event figures suggested over 1,300 tickets had already been sold, with some estimates rising closer to 1,800 — continuing the festival’s growth as a major regional attraction.

Hit attraction: The Queen Hall’s famous cheese stall was at the event

Music and entertainment headline the day

The event featured a full programme of live performances, culminating in a headline DJ set from BBC Radio 1 DJs Rickie and Melvin.

Local acts also played a central role, with performances from 4th Street, The Western Shires, P’tcheaow, The Home Shores and Just Dylan. Community groups including Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Whitland & District Male Choir also took to the stage.

Visitors were entertained beyond the music, with live circus shows and interactive activities from Big Top Mania, alongside a popular hot wing challenge.

Family focus and community spirit

The festival placed a strong emphasis on being family-friendly, with a free bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and dedicated toddler area attracting younger visitors.

Across the site, a mix of families, groups and visitors from neighbouring counties created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with many staying into the evening as entertainment continued.

Pure West Radio broadcast live from the event, interviewing traders, performers and attendees, capturing what many described as a “buzzing” and “fantastic” day.

The event had a carnival atmosphere (Pic: Pure West Radio)

Supporting local business and causes

Organisers said the festival was designed to celebrate local food, businesses and community spirit, while supporting independent traders and raising funds or awareness for local causes.

Charity presence on the day included Wales Air Ambulance, which hosted an awareness stand alongside the commercial stalls.

Whitland, a small Carmarthenshire town, has seen the festival grow into a key annual event, drawing visitors from across West Wales and providing a boost to the local economy.

Looking ahead

With strong attendance, a packed programme and widespread community involvement, the 2026 festival is expected to build further momentum for future events.

Organisers are likely to review this year’s success as they look ahead to an even bigger return in 2027.

 

Community

Milford Haven groups recognised at Mayor’s celebration tea

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Charities, volunteers and cadets honoured as Mayor’s Charity Fund donations are handed out

COMMUNITY groups, charities and volunteers from across Milford Haven were recognised at a special Mayor’s Celebration Afternoon Tea.

The event was hosted by the Mayor, Cllr William Elliott, and his Consort, Mr Lloyd Jones, as an opportunity to bring together many of the individuals, groups and organisations who support the town.

Afternoon tea was provided by Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, with several cadets achieving their Catering badge as a result.

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Chris Martin OBE DL MStJ presented certificates, badges and thank-you gifts to the cadets. Gifts were also presented to those who provided stewarding support, and to the adults who helped with instruction and support over the weekend.

The Mayor and Consort also presented donations from the Mayor’s Charity Fund following fundraising carried out during their term of office.

RecipientDonation
Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets£4,250
Milford Haven Town Band£4,250
Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru£4,250
Pill Social Centre£1,000
The Harrier Association£501.57
Gelliswick Community Choir£500
New Pembrokeshire Pride£500
2nd Milford Haven Sea Scouts£500
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society£400
Milford Haven Bowls Club£300
NCI Wooltack Point£300
St Katharine’s Stratford Players£300
Hubberston and Hakin Luncheon Club£300
Megan’s Starr Foundation£300
Milford Haven Chess Club£300
Hubberston and Hakin Stroke Survivors Short Mat Bowls Group£300

A raffle held during the afternoon raised £300 for The Wallich, to support its homeless outreach work.

The Mayor also presented Civic Awards in recognition of community service and support to the town.

Recipients included NCI Wooltack Point, Pembrokeshire Pride, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Callum Goodland RNR, Gelliswick Community Choir, Frank Hart, Anthony Williams of Milford Haven Royal British Legion, Jackie Davies, and Mayor’s Cadet Leading Cadet Connor.

The Freedom of the Town was also presented to Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, and Milford Haven Town Band.

Cllr Elliott and Mr Jones said: “Thank you for all of your support for our two years as the Mayor and Consort of Milford Haven.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed it once again, meeting and supporting many of the wonderful groups, charities and individuals in our town.

“For those that received an award or a donation, thank you for all you do to support and make our community great — making Milford Haven the safe and welcoming haven it is.”

 

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Haverfoodfest hailed a success after busy day in town centre

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HAVERFOODFEST has been hailed a success after bringing crowds, colour and community spirit to Haverfordwest town centre on Saturday (May 2).

The annual food and drink festival returned with artisan produce, street food stalls, entertainment and family-friendly attractions across the town.

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward, said it had been “brilliant” to help with the event, starting at 7:00am on traffic duties before assisting two of the festival’s popular characters, Mr Pizza Man and Mrs Strawberry, as they made their way around the town.

He said: “What an amazing day we all had, and thanks to everyone involved who made this event such a success, which is only getting bigger and better every year.”

The festival, promoted as “the big one” for 2026, ran from 10:00am to 4:00pm and attracted visitors into the centre of Haverfordwest throughout the day.

Organisers and volunteers helped support the event, which showcased local food, drink and produce while also providing a boost for town centre businesses.

Cllr Tudor thanked those involved, including Alison Tudor, Tim Evans, James Phillips and Cllr Bethan Price, for helping make the day a success.

The event has become one of Haverfordwest’s best-known annual attractions, bringing together traders, volunteers, performers and families for a celebration of local food and community life.

 

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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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