Father Christmas will be taking time off from his busy schedule next Saturday to join in the Yuletide fun as Pembroke Dock stages its sixth annual Winter Carnival.

Over the last five years the carnival has gone from strength to strength and the organisers are hoping for a bumper entry for the colourful cavalcade again this year.

The festive fun kicks-off early on the Saturday with a free junior disco at the Pater Hall from 10 am to 1 pm.

Pembroke Dock is a shopper's paradise when hunting for Christmas gifts, and on carnival day there will be the added attraction of local charity stalls bringing extra colour to middle Meyrick Street this year.

There will be plenty on offer giving you the opportunity to browse the many and varied stalls and shops before heading to join in the karaoke and carol singing around the town's Christmas tree at 5 pm.

There will also be a number of children's amusement rides to delight the kiddies as the day builds up to the arrival of Father Christmas himself.

Escorted by Pembroke Borough Silver Band, Father Christmas will arrive at the Memorial Park at 6 pm and travel in his sleigh via Bush Street and Meyrick Street to Lower Meyrick Street where he will officially switch on the town's Christmas lights and distribute sweets to the children.

Meanwhile, the carnival procession, escorted by the Swansea East Carnival Display Band, will leave Albion Square at 6.30 pm and travel to the Christmas tree to meet Father Christmas.

After another circuit of the town, the procession will return to the Christmas tree where the carnival competition results will be announced and the prizes awarded.

As a result, Meyrick Street and Lower Meyrick Street will be closed between 3 and 9 pm.

The day-long Christmas cracker of an event will round off at approximately 7.30 pm with a grand firework display.

It is hoped that as many local organisations and individuals will take part in the carnival by entering floats and walking entries.

Organisations or individuals wishing to take part should contact the town council offices at the Pater Hall (telephone 01646 684410 between 9 am and 1 pm week days) to obtain an application form.

Judging for the best illuminated shop window will also take place on carnival day, while the best illuminated property competition and the best illuminated window property competition will be judged on the evening of Thursday, December 13.

Application forms are also available from the town council offices.

The town certainly knows how to celebrate the festive season and no doubt will be buzzing in the run-up to Christmas.

Why not pop along and see what Pembroke Dock has to offer this Yuletide.