Saturday heralded Pembroke Dock Carnival and Fete which was held in much better weather conditions than last year, although some drizzle later on in the evening put a dampener on proceedings for some.

A variety of reasons saw the hoped for large float turnout not achieved and the procession ended up with two floats and the Carnival Queen.

Great appreciation must be expressed to Andrea Davies from The Bridal Collection who ran a competition to select the Carnival Queen for 2016. The winner, and Carnival Queen was 11-year-old Amber Turnbull. Attendants were Ruby Miller, aged seven, and Leonie Searle, also seven.

The Queen and attendants were dressed by The Bridal Collection, of Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, in dresses designed by Venus Bridal.

The young ladies were able to keep the dresses as a thank you for taking part in this fabulous occasion for the community.

To be selected as Carnival Queen, the entrants were asked ... “What would you do if you were Queen for the day?”

There were many thoughtful responses and Amber decided she would help homeless people if she was Queen for the day.

Of the two floats, one was entered by the Pembroke Haven Residential Home, whose bad grannies were all going to Benidorm, and the other by the Quins Under 11s team who featured the Olympics.

With judging taking place at Albion Square, the Pembroke Dock Mayor, Clr. Maureen Colgan, and the Quins club president’s wife gave first prize to the Quins Under 11s (hopefully no favouritism) and second prize to the Pembroke Haven Residential Home. Congratulations and appreciation to both groups who entered into the spirit of the occasion in fine fashion.

The floats made their way down from Albion Square followed by some of the classic cars that had earlier gathered at the Garrison Chapel.

Although the intention was to have no walkers due to problems in trying to get road closures, a number of people did walk down from Albion Square and they were magnificently marshalled by the Three Amigos in the shape of Grizz, Ben and some friends.

The usual fairground rides, bouncy castles and stalls were at the Quins ground and the five-a-side football competition took place again this year. Run by Rhys Bradney and friends, the competition was won by a team from the First & Last.

Thanks to Lionel Nutting who acted as MC for the day.

The intent to try and turn this event into a bigger and better community event was hampered by the inability to close London Road and the rest of the route and bring the community along behind the floats. This is work in progress and some thoughts are already turning to 2017, well sort of…!