Representatives of 23 event organisations met for the first time in Narberth last week. They represented carnivals, winter carnivals, sailing regattas, horse shows, classic car shows, skateboarding groups and numerous festivals.
People came from all over the county, as well as neighbouring counties, to lend support to the meeting.
Also present were county council officials and event insurance consultants, along with Helen Thomas, of PLANED.
A lively discussion took place. The meeting was chaired by Narberth Civic Week chairman, Wynne Evans, accompanied by Linda Rees, of the Llangwm Festival.
Many problems were highlighted, with great concern being expressed about the future of outdoor events in the county. In the light of a number having already been cancelled during the past summer, insurance was the major issue, as well as costs and cover for a wide range of events.
Concerns were also expressed about the three winter carnivals in the county, at Narberth, Tenby and Pembroke Dock. Due to an accident last year in the West Country carnivals, all floats would have to have their own insurance liabilities, and risk assessments would have to be done on each one, together with pre-registration to enter. This could prove costly for many small groups entering.
Also the question of sailing regattas was discussed, with one already having been cancelled this summer.
The outcome of the meeting was that all members were to submit detailed proposals of their events and it was anticipated by the next meeting in January that most events in a block booking insurance scheme would go ahead in 2004, once the cover started early next year.