Fun at Pembroke as three-day St Michaelmas Fair comes alive!

IT was a rainy evening, but the opening of Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair on Thursday, October 8 brought smiles to faces as a procession through main street was led by the flamboyant, energetic percussive sounds of Samba Doc.

Jonathan Grimes, Mayor and County Councillor for Pembroke Monkton and St Mary South Ward, joined staff from Pembroke Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Police, Pembroke Dock Fire Brigade and members of the Showman’s Guild for a safety walk through Main Street ahead of the opening.

“An amazing amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to bring together this year’s event,” he said, “which I hope will be the best one yet!”

The procession set the scene, bringing fun and atmosphere to the town. Then at 6pm, Cllr Grimes took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to officially open the fair from Danter’s Waltzer ride.

Town Councillor Lee Herring also had the honour of taking part in the opening ceremony, in his role as one of the Mayor’s Mace Bearers. He said it was a “wonderful way to start the Pembroke St Michaelmas Fair.”

“Despite the rain, it was a real pleasure to be part of such a colourful and lively occasion, alongside other Mayors, Councillors and civic representatives from across Pembrokeshire,” he continued.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, with the brilliant Samba Doc drumming bringing plenty of energy to the proceedings, alongside the Town Crier and all the wonderful characters that make these civic occasions so special.

“There’s something particularly special about being part of a tradition with such deep roots.

“Pembroke’s Michaelmas Fair can trace its origins back to the town’s medieval charters and was originally a hiring fair, when agricultural workers and farmers would come together to arrange employment for the year ahead.

“Over the generations, the trading and hiring fair evolved into the wonderful celebration we know today, but that sense of community and coming together has remained.

“It’s always a privilege to play my part in representing the town in this way, and tonight was a lovely reminder of the traditions, community spirit and sense of occasion that make Pembroke such a special place.

“So, if you’re heading into town over the next few days, wrap up warm, take care on the wet streets, look out for one another and, most importantly, have a fantastic time!”

Mayor of Pembroke Dock Cllr Tony Wilcox and Town Councillor Michele Wiggins were there too. “It was lovely to see so many supporters even in the rain,” said Michele.

Haverfordwest Mayor Cllr Randell Thomas-Turner also came to enjoy a “brilliant evening in Pembroke”.

“The town has come alive with the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this fantastic traditional fair, bringing people together to celebrate our local heritage, community spirit and the wonderful traditions that make Pembrokeshire special,” he said.

“It was also a pleasure to see civic representatives from across Pembrokeshire coming together to support this much-loved event.”

These included Mayor of Neyland Peter Hay, Mayor of Narberth Elizabeth Rogers, Mayor of St Davids Sarah Foster and Sheriff of Haverfordwest Dani Thomas-Turner.

“Events like this remind us how important our traditional fairs are to our towns. They bring generations together, support local communities and businesses, and keep a little bit of our history alive for future generations, added Mayor Randell.

“If you’re heading down, enjoy the rides, soak up the atmosphere, support the fairground families and make some fantastic memories!”

The Showman’s Guild were very happy with their opening night in Pembroke. “Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and came and had fun with us,” said the fair organisers. “See you tomorrow.”

The Fair continues tonight (Friday, October 9) from 6pm until late - which looks to be a much better evening for weather - and Saturday (October 10) from 2pm until late in the evening.