Haverfordwest carnival ends Civic Week with vibrant celebration

IN an atmospheric end to Civic Week in Haverfordwest, thousands of people came out to enjoy the carnival, filling the streets with families, children, music, colour and laughter.

The Pembrokeshire county town’s mayor, Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner said it was a real honour to walk alongside the carnival walkers and lead the parade. “Seeing the smiles, the families and the crowds throughout Haverfordwest made all the hard work worthwhile.”

“Haverfordwest had the biggest carnival in Pembrokeshire this year!” he claimed, and went on to thank the organisers, the sponsors, volunteers, marshals and emergency services along with “every single person who took part, whether you were walking, performing, helping behind the scenes, volunteering, running a stall or simply coming out to enjoy the day.”

The carnival was sponsored by Specsavers Haverfordwest, Sinclair Group, RWE Pembroke and Valero.

The mayor is especially pleased that the town council pushed for the return of Civic Week.

He added: “I want to say a huge thank you to The Sheriff of Haverfordwest Councillor Dani Thomas-Turner, Deputy Mayor Councillor Adam Benson-Davies, Cllr Lucy Hinksman, Cllr Tom Moses, Cllr Josh Odlin and Cllr Shane Gerald Pearce, Town Clerk Vanessa Lewis-Camacho as well as everyone at Haverfordwest Town Council.

“Everyone has worked tirelessly throughout the week to make these events happen.

“A special thank you also to Toby Ellis and the team at Pure West Radio, who have been brilliant in supporting Civic Week and helping create such a fantastic atmosphere across the town.”

Mayor Randell also thanked Darth Marty Media for capturing the moments of the day and RM Training and Security Solutions for keeping everyone safe, and congratulated Pembrokeshire U3A Wind Ensemble on an “amazing showcase”.

“After everything we've packed into Civic Week, I honestly couldn't have asked for a better way to finish it,” continued the mayor.

“I'm absolutely exhausted… but I’m also incredibly proud.”

And what a week it was…

Garth in the Park: 236 people came along for an afternoon of family fun, with volunteers from local charities such as the VC Gallery and Megans Starr Foundation providing refreshments and art and craft activities. Two local PCSOs from the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team were kept busy with children (and adults) trying on various police hats and exploring the police vehicles as well as making fingerprint key-rings. The mayor thanked Lox and Ruth Busisa for leading LifePoint Pembs to create and promote this event which also showcased the work their church does in the local community.

Eclipse Extravaganza in Prendergast: Over 300 people turned out to experience the eclipse together. “It was fantastic to see so many residents from Prendergast and right across Haverfordwest coming together to enjoy this very special moment,” said Mayor Randell.

Picnic in the Priory: 178 people enjoyed free activities, games, entertainment, food and fun for the children. Thanks go to: D0gged for serving over 178 free hot dogs; Martin McGowan and his ice cream van for flying on by and giving out free ice creams for everyone; Uniquely You for providing free face painting and putting smiles on many faces; Jeff Clout for providing a free bouncy castle; Pure West Radio for the live broadcast and Cllr Lucy Hinksman providing guidance and advice for Pembrokeshire People First.

Market Day on the Riverside: around 30 traders took part, alongside the Farmers’ Market in Castle Square, children’s entertainment and live broadcasting with hundreds of people at Riverside Shopping Centre. A huge thank you goes to Chris Walters for helping bring it together.

Mayor’s Charity Bingo: raising over £1,000 for Snap Specialist Play. An incredible result for a fantastic local charity. Thanks go to County Councillor Thomas Tudor and his wife for helping with the bingo.

“This week has proved just how much our town can achieve when we work together,” concluded the mayor, who believes it to be further evidence of his catchphrase - that “Haverfordwest is the best in the west!”