The resilience of those taking part in Pembroke Festival 2008 was evident as the majority of the events went ahead despite the weather. And with that mention of the wet weather, it was perhaps appropriate that Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite led the opening ceremony accompanied by a host of spectacular sea creatures carried by the local school children who made them under the expert guidance of artists from Sand Palace Arts. The opening procession began its journey at Pembroke Castle and made its way around the town before returning to South Quay, the scene of the arrival of the Classic Bermudan flotilla on the flood tide. This flotilla was due to be the first of three visits to Pembroke of a selection of craft taking part in the Sea Fair Milford Haven celebrations. However, the ensuing weather prevented the other flotillas from making the journey into Pembroke on subsequent days. The nautical theme echoed around the town, with many of the High Street shops putting on fantastic colourful window displays which both enhanced the party atmosphere and complemented the hand- made street banners which have become a feature of the annual festival, whose main sponsor is Chevron Pembroke Refinery. The winner of the best dressed window competition was Llewellyn Sports. Other important features of the annual festival are the music and dance events. This year was no exception. There was live music in some of the town's pubs, a host of talented bands played on the South Quay stage each day, and there was a welcome return for local musicians, The Mezin Quartet. Vibrant dance was provided by India Dance Wales, Carreg Las Welsh Border Morris Dancers, Glan Cleddau Welsh Folk Dancers and workshops with Dansation School of Dance. Other popular attractions at this year's festival were the photographic competition which received a large amount of entries. The three category winners will each, courtesy of wriggly-tin.com, have their photos put onto canvas. Pavement artist Phil McFadden, who created the Pembroke Serpent, added yet another dimension to the event. Other highlights included an atmospheric guided walk around the town with expert raconteur Terry John, a midsummer Steps2Health walk around the town walls, millpond and Holyland wood, a performance by the ever-popular East End Flyover Company, imaginative storytelling with Pearl McCabe, and a wonderful exhibition showcasing Pembroke's rich maritime heritage. A full selection of images from all the festival events will be available on http://www.pembroke21c.org">www.pembroke21c.org
