Tenby Arts Festival will soon be upon us and once more it promises a feast of entertainment for everyone. The eagerly-awaited programme for the September extravaganza has been launched in an elegant document which has been generously sponsored by Texaco. From Saturday, September 17 to 24, the festival spans eight days of music, film, drama and talks plus family fun at the seaside. Some 30 events will appeal to visitors from all over the world and local residents alike. The opening weekend kicks off with a Grand Street Parade, led by the Mayor of Tenby, followed by an afternoon of free family fun presented by a host of talented musicians, dancers and street entertainers. The fringe activities continue the next day with a sand sculpture competition, kite flying display, sand buggies and surf kites on South Beach. The main festival has many highlights, including a Gala Concert on Friday, September 23, featuring Anthony Stuart Lloyd (baritone), Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano), Rahki Singh (violin) and Jonathon Powlson (piano), and on September 21 a piano recital by the distinguished Noriko Ogawa. Tempus, the Mezin String Quartet and Ember will provide more classical music, while choral music will be presented on four separate evenings by the Tempus Vocal Group, Quaynotes, Tenby Male and Pembroke Male choirs. Local favourites include the inimitable Laurie Dale and Pauline Allen, while Tenby Players provide a farce by Marc Camoletti, 'Don't Dress for Dinner'. More drama can be found in Raymond Sargeant's rendering of Two Victorian Tales. The festival is renowned for its talks by notable speakers and this year is proud to present five events covering art, music, biography, religion and Celtic tales. In addition, a mini film festival, showing three Ealing classic comedies, will have wide appeal. In an exciting new initiative this year, the festival will climax with a presentation of Abba Magic, the renowned tribute band, in a spectacular concert at Folly Farm Theatre on Saturday, September 24. The band was voted the most authentic Abba tribute band in Europe and was asked to perform at the premiere of the hit musical 'Mamma Mia'. Tickets for this event are available at Swales in Haverfordwest, the Queens Hall in Narberth and Dales in Tenby. The eye-catching cover of the programme features a painting by Rhiannon Harley, aged 10, from Tenby Junior School. Her colour rendition of Tenby Harbour so impressed the festival committee that they sought her permission to use it in their publicity material. Programmes are now available in information centres, libraries and other outlets throughout Pembrokeshire. Further details can be obtained by ringing 01834 843839/ 845277 or visiting the website at: http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk">www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk
