Pembrokeshire Fish Week is one of the top major events in Wales - and that's official! The annual celebration made it into the final three of the 'Best Event Major in Wales' category in the prestigious Welsh National Tourism Awards. The category - which was won by HSBC Brecon Jazz - sought to reward those events offering visitors a top-quality experience with the potential to attract new visitors from outside the local area and raise Wales' profile as an events host 'extraordinaire'. The other event shortlisted was Celtic Manor's 2006 All* Star Cup. "Brecon Jazz were very deserving winners," said Kate Morgan, organiser of Fish Week and food officer at Pembrokeshire County Council. "However, we were absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted. It's a great boost for all the organisations and individuals who work so hard to make Fish Week a success." Pembrokeshire Fish Week was launched in 2000 and, from modest beginnings, now includes 150 events, attracting more than 15,000 visitors, and with some 160 business taking part. Activities include more than 50 food-related events, family fun days, children's coastal activity sessions, angling competitions, cultural events and competitions, learn-to-fish days, and more. It is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council and funded by the council, the Welsh Assembly Government, South West Wales Tourism, and Milford Haven Port Authority. "The festival is unique in that it encompasses the whole of the county of Pembrokeshire, not just one town or area," said Kate. "I think it's a great example of a sense of place. It's about using the area's assets - its food, its culture - to help people experience true Pembrokeshire life. "We're only two organisers, but it's a real partnership with residents and businesses coming together in the community to build on the success of each year." Pembrokeshire Fish Week aims to boost local tourism, hospitality and activity businesses in a low season period, while making best use of the county's natural assets of the coastline and inland rivers, around which economic, cultural, environmental and nutritional benefits can be built. "It's proved successful in creating increased business to the county, especially in the sectors of fishing, fish retail, hospitality, fisheries, angling and boat trips," said Kate. "Recent surveys have shown that over two-thirds of participating businesses see a boost in trade during the week." The National Tourism Awards for Wales were held in the grounds of Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales, on October 4, and were the climax of the three-day Showcase Wales. The awards are all about showcasing the very best that Wales has to offer," said a spokesman. "It turns the spotlight on the stars of Welsh tourism and showing what can be achieved through hard work, ingenuity and commitment." Next year's Fish Week will be held between June 21 and June 29.