The countdown has started for one of the most popular annual festivals in West Wales. Pembrokeshire Fish Week has flourished since it started six years ago, with over 40 events now taking place throughout the week. This year's festival, which will be held between June 15 and July 3, is packed full of family-friendly activities around the county. If you are a keen angler, there's a range of competitions for all ages and standards, from coarse to sea fishing. Or, if you would simply like to 'have a go' at fishing, you can choose from several free events introducing you to the sport. These include, sea fishing at Milford Haven, coarse fishing at Llawhaden, fly fishing at several beautiful locations, events for the disabled at Treffgarne Gorge or, new for this year, join 'Tackle to Table' at Llysyfran Reservoir and learn how to cook the trout you catch. The festival is also a food lover's paradise. Start your day with a 'Shanty Music Brunch' in Tenby, enjoy a choice of lunchtime seafood BBQs, a smoked fish tasting, charity fish buffet lunch or a fresh crab salad. And in the evening you can try a wine tasting and fresh fish supper, various speciality fish and shellfish nights, seafood extravaganzas, or fish and chips with a difference at numerous locations throughout the county. If you prefer to cook yourself, you can be inspired by fish and shellfish cookery demonstrations at Milford Haven and Tenby, join an Oriental cookery course or watch guest celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. Or, you could always try out your recipes with fresh local fish and shellfish from a range of fishmongers and outlets. If you would like to explore the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, family seashore safaris, crab catching, evening boat trips, marine wildlife talks and island rambles are on offer. You can also while away an evening in a coastal pub with sea shanties, folk music and singalong ballads, or listen to winning poetry and the stunning sounds of Ember at The Theatre Gwaun. With over 160 hospitality establishments, fisheries, retailers, and boat charters taking part, Pembrokeshire Fish Week has something for everyone. "Pembrokeshire Fish Week aims to celebrate the abundance of fish and sea food found around the county's coastline," said Kate Morgan, food and craft officer at Pembrokeshire County Council. "The event is designed to boost the fishing industry and raise awareness of the wonderful fish and sea food available from out coast and rivers." The festival kicks-off with an action-packed family day on Saturday, June 25, at Milford Haven Marina, with sea-themed children's workshops, storytelling and entertainment, to complement fish and shellfish cookery, and tastings, seafood BBQs, plus speed filleting competitions, stalls and exhibitions. Pembrokeshire Fish Week is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council and supported by the Welsh Development Agency, Objective One and Pembrokeshire Tourism. For more information, pick up a brochure of events in one of the county's tourism information centres or visit http://www.pembrokeshire.gov/foodanddrink">www.pembrokeshire.gov/foodanddrink. Or you can contact the council's food officer, Kate Morgan, on 01437 776168. E-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
