Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2009 has been hailed a great success.

With over 200 events taking place all over the county, the tenth anniversary of the seriously fishy festival was enjoyed by food lovers, anglers, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Almost 14,000 people attended the record-breaking opening day at Milford Marina on Saturday, June 27.

The festival also sparked major media interest as it becomes one of the must-see events on the national tourist calendar.

"The Milford Haven opening day was certainly our biggest ever," said organiser Kate Morgan, food officer for Pembrokeshire County Council.

"There were definitely more people around throughout the week from both home and away. And many more people seem to have been attracted into the county just for the festival, which is a real boost for the local economy.

"We've already had a lot of really great feedback. Visitors have really enjoyed the variety and quality of events offered. There was loads going on for people of all ages."

Among this year's highlights were demonstrations and tutored tastings by celebrity chefs, Simon Rimmer, Mitch Tonks and Matt Tebbutt.

The three high profile chefs enjoyed it so much that they hope to return again next year.

Fish craftsman Duncan Lucas also showed off his filleting skills throughout the week.

As well as demonstrations and courses, food lovers were also treated to hundreds of mouthwatering opportunities to tuck into fresh, locally caught fish and shell fish.

Restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars laid on special menus throughout the week from seafood extravaganzas and fresh fish tapas to fresh mackerel barbecues and fish pie.

Many food lovers took the opportunity to go on a 'fish crawl' mix and matching menus at meal times and venues.

Festival-goers of all ages also tried a range of outdoor activities including island rambles, adventure watersports, learn-to-fish days, guided kayak trips and 'cook your own catch' fishing trips.

Children enjoyed crab-catching snorkel safaris at St Brides, beach activity days in Tenby, while also getting a chance to cook in Jameston.

There was a lot of interest in the many maritime-themed art and craft exhibitions and workshops held throughout the week including 'Stories from the Sea' in Fishguard, craft sessions at Tenby and the Kipperman.

Meanwhile, live music lovers listened to jazz at Tenby Harbour, folk in Fishguard and tapped their feet at a Sea Shanty night at Milford Haven.

Organisers are now gearing up for the 11th Pembrokeshire Fish Week from Saturday, June 26, to Sunday, July 4, 2010.

They want to hear your views, experiences, likes and dislikes of Fish Week 2009 so as to make it even better for next year. You can fill in an online questionnaire by visiting http://www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk">www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk

You can also send in your photographs, videos and comment to [email protected]">[email protected] or [email protected]">[email protected] and the best will be put up on Fish Week's website.

Pembrokeshire Fish Week is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council and part funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is financed by the EU and the Assembly Government.

For more details, email organiser Kate Morgan, food officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, at [email protected]">[email protected]