A CELEBRATION of the River Cleddau brought crowds into Haverfordwest on Saturday (June 13) as the town’s River Festival returned for a second year.

The event, centred around HaverHub and stretching along the quay towards the Bristol Trader, attracted families, visitors and local residents for a packed day of riverside activities.

Organised by The Cleddau Project, the festival showcased the beauty, wildlife and heritage of the Cleddau, with visitors enjoying canoe trips on the river, live music, demonstrations, art exhibitions, science activities and a wide range of community stalls.

County Councillor for Castle Ward, Thomas Tudor, attended the event and said it was “great” to see so many people visiting the County Town of Pembrokeshire.

He thanked organisers, volunteers and supporters for helping make the day such a success.

The sunny weather helped draw large crowds to the riverside, with many gathering along the embankment to watch activities on the water, including canoeing and boat displays. Free canoe trips proved particularly popular, giving people a chance to experience the Western Cleddau from a different perspective.

Community groups and charities were also out in force, sharing information about river conservation, marine wildlife, recycling and local environmental projects. Exhibitions highlighted the importance of protecting Pembrokeshire’s waterways, while stalls offered local produce, crafts and refreshments throughout the day.

A specially crafted coracle — a traditional small boat linked to Welsh river heritage — was also on display, helping visitors learn more about historic life on the river and Pembrokeshire’s maritime traditions.

Crowds lined the riverside near the Riverside Shopping Centre as the festival atmosphere continued into the afternoon, with families taking advantage of the warm weather to relax beside the water.

The festival was supported by a number of organisations including Haverfordwest Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, HaverHub, Riverside Shopping Centre and Pembrokeshire Care, Share & Give.

Organisers say the event is aimed at reconnecting people with the river that helped shape Haverfordwest, while celebrating the Cleddau as one of Pembrokeshire’s greatest natural assets.

Russell Watson headlines spectacular charity concert at Pembroke Castle

A SPECTACULAR evening of live music at Pembroke Castle has been hailed a major success after hundreds turned out to support the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Voices at the Castle went ahead on Saturday evening after the previous night’s Rock the Ramparts concert had been cancelled due to high winds affecting the stage area and creating unsafe conditions.

Organisers had reassured ticket holders that Saturday’s concert was still going ahead, and the night proved to be a major success, with crowds gathering inside the historic venue for an evening of music, community spirit and fundraising.

The event was held against the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated castle walls, with the stage set inside one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable landmarks.

The concert featured Bella Voce, Pembrokeshire Pop Voices, The Paul Sartori Community Choir and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, before internationally renowned tenor Russell Watson brought the evening to a close with the headline performance.

Gates opened at 4:00pm, with music beginning at 5:00pm and the concert continuing until around 10:30pm.

Charity ‘overwhelmed’

The Paul Sartori Foundation said it had been left “overwhelmed with the joy, talent, and support” shown during what it described as a very busy but unforgettable day.

In a statement after the event, the charity said: “What a night! We’ll share more updates tomorrow when the team have had a chance to compose ourselves after what was a very busy day.

“Safe to say that we’re overwhelmed with the joy, talent, and support that we witnessed in Pembroke Castle tonight, with all our amazing and varied musical acts, topped off by a phenomenal headline set by the talented Russell Watson.

“We’re not going to forget this one in a hurry.”

Audience praise

Audience members were quick to praise the event, with one describing it as “a brilliant evening of first-class entertainment,” while another said it had been “a truly wonderful night.”

Others paid tribute to the organisers, performers and volunteers, with one supporter saying: “What a superb evening – well done to all organisers and singers and volunteer supporters.”

Another added: “It was amazing, fantastic evening, a glorious night. Thank you all.”

The concert raised funds for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Pembroke Castle Trust.

The Paul Sartori Foundation provides hospice-at-home care across Pembrokeshire, supporting people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

While organisers are yet to confirm the final amount raised, the scale of the attendance and overwhelmingly positive reaction suggest the event was a major success for the charity and the castle.

Photo caption:

Magical setting: Hundreds gathered at Pembroke Castle for Voices at the Castle, headlined by Russell Watson (Pic: Paul Sartori Foundation).

A SERVICE was held today at St Davids Cathedral for the annual meeting of the Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.

Fr Jim, the guild’s chaplain, led the service, during which the Bishop of St Davids preached and thanked members for their dedication to churches across the diocese.

He spoke about the important role bells play in marking moments of worship, celebration and remembrance, and said he had been personally moved when bells marked significant points in his own ministry.

The guild is keen to encourage new people to take up bellringing and says it is a friendly and approachable group for anyone interested in getting involved in church life.