As our pictures show, the wonderful colours and sheer vivacity of the performers reflected the joy of the occasion. Several groups came back after previous visits and by public appreciation of those former presentations.
After Laurie Dale (he aka many other faces, not least Augustus John) formally opened the event, everyone was treated to the dancing of Samba Tawe; Hynes School of Irish Dancing; and the Morris Dancers from Narberth.
Musical foot-tapping fun was offered by Gary Gary Rock Band and the Home Made Percussion Group. The recession seems already to have hit this latter ensemble, as they had to end up making musical diversions on dustbins, would you believe. Youngsters (and others presumably) laughed along with Uncle Sam at his Magic Show.
This was a heart-warming occasion to set the tone for what is hoped to be a superb festival.
See inside for more news and reviews from events during the week.