The children have gone back to school, the hordes of holiday makers have diminished, temperatures are lower, swallows are gathering for take-off, leaves are turning gold and local residents are beginning to relax: What does it all mean? Yes, it is time once again for that eagerly awaited feast of entertainment, the Tenby Arts Festival. Tomorrow (Saturday), eight days of music, dance, poetry, talks, films and drama will begin in Tenby. There will be something for everyone from the beach bum to the culture vulture and all those in between. The festival opens with a grand street parade starting at 11 am from the De Valence Pavilion, when a vibrant and colourful procession of street entertainers will invade the town en route to the Harbour, for the grand opening by the Mayor of Tenby. That will be followed by an afternoon of free family fun presented by a host of talented musicians, dancers and street entertainers around the harbour. On Sunday, a sand sculpture competition and a kite flying display on South Beach will occupy and amuse children of all ages, making it a weekend to remember. Throughout the eight days of the festival, a glittering array of performances by local, national and international artistes will provide plenty of choice. This year's highlights include: Karolinka, an internationally famous troupe of Polish National Folk Dancers; the Chamber Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes; Beverley Humphreys, providing 'Seven Women Under One Hat;' the B Natural Ladies' Barbershop Choir and the United Harmony Gospel Singers. Amidst all the incoming talent, more familiar faces can also be seen when Laurie Dale and Pauline Allen entertain, Tenby Players present the farce 'A Fly in the Ointment,' Celtic saints are celebrated in 'Wild Beasts and Angel Seeds', while in the final event on Saturday, September 25, late-night traditional jazz is played by the Memphis Seven. Local choirs featured throughout the week of the festival will be Tenby Male Choir, Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and of course, St. Mary's Church Choir. There is much, much more to the festival than can be mentioned here. To find out the full extent pick up a programme from the nearest information centre or library or from the box office. The box office is located at the De Valence Pavilion and is open Monday to Friday from 10 am - 1 pm. The festival runs until Saturday, September 25.
Barbershop chorus
Suzi Marshall-Hasdell, a barbershop gold medallist, formed the B Natural Chorus in 1991. She directs the 30 singers drawn from the Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn area. The Tenby Arts Festival encourages and supports a wide range of music making. This 'sing-out' reflects the unique barbershop style developed in the USA - close harmony and four part a capella singing. B Natural has won many awards at international and local level. They are members of 'Sweet Adelines' which exists to promote the art of Women's Barbershop. In performing here in Wales and further afield, they have been acclaimed and received many accolades. In November, 2003, they won the ladies choir class in the North Wales Choral Festival. B Natural look forward to being on stage on September 21, at 8 pm, at the De Valence Pavilion. No doubt many will want to be there to be entertained with early 20th century ballads, Bacharach and music from the 'Beach Boys' and the 'Beatles'. They promise an unforgettable, imaginative and enjoyable concert.
Tenby Film Festival
This year sees the introduction of full length films to the Tenby Arts Festival. From now on Venice, Cannes, Berlin and Tenby will have something in common. All the matinee shows will be shown in the Royal Playhouse Cinema, thanks to the support of the owner, Fry Enterprises. We start with a season of classic Hollywood musicals. Each is packed with songs and music that is instantly recognisable and is certain to bring back pleasant memories of the cinema of almost 50(!) years ago. Monday, September 20, at 3 pm: GiGi - A simple love story set in turn-of-the-century Paris. It stars Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jordan, Hermione Gingold and Eva Gabor, with the unforgettable music of Lerner and Loewe. Wednesday, September 22, at 2 pm: Cabaret (1972) - Set in Berlin in the 30s, it tells the amazing story of Sally Bowles, an American cabaret singer and her life in the vibrant and bohemian city. Staring Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey, it was the winner of eight Oscars. Friday, September 24, at 2 pm: High Society (1956) - Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly romp elegantly through the scenic, moneyed elitist surroundings of a society wedding in Newport, Rhode Island, during the Newport Jazz Festival. This gives Cole Porter the opportunity to write some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century and Louis Armstrong the chance to show what jazz music is all about. If this doesn't get your feet tapping nothing will.
Spectacular array of fringe events
Tenby looks forward to a spectacular array of fringe entertainers and events this weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday), a grand parade of performers including Samba Tawe and Brazilian dancers will process from the De Valence Pavilion from 11 am down through Tudor Square to the Harbour. The opening ceremony will be led by the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane. An afternoon of music and mayhem will continue in the Harbour until about 4 pm. The Hynes School of Irish Dancing will delight audiences with several performances. There will be a puppet show by Moon Carrott and a magic show by Uncle Sam. The Rainkings and various buskers offer a musical backdrop. Throughout town, there will be street entertainment by Philip Hartland, a living statue, and buskers. On Sunday, from 11.30 am, everyone is welcome to join a sand sculpture competition run in conjunction with the RSPB and Pembrokeshire Biodiversity Partnership at the South Beach. Judging is at 2 pm - please bring buckets and spades and water sprayers to help make this the biggest ever sand sculpture competition. Volunteers are also needed to make a nest for a 12-foot egg from beach materials. There will also be a shark tank with over 20 different types of 'cuddly toy sharks' where you can learn all about where they live and how they feed. You can also go beach combing in search of mermaids pursues or find out which shark is the longest and which is the shortest with the 'Sharkometre'. The Shark Trust has kindly offered the organisers the lone of the sharks for the weekend, but they'll be swimming their ways back to Plymouth next week so make sure you don't miss them! Once again, Steve Walton from the Carew Sky Festival will enthrall everyone by launching a 90-foot multicoloured windsock. Onlookers are reminded to keep a safe distance. Kiteflyers from across the county have annually supported this day and everyone is welcome to bring their kite no matter what shape or size. There will be surf kites and sand buggies on loan from the Surf Centre and Walk on Water on a 'have a go' basis. Philip Hartland will run two workshops in making and showing how to use poi, staff and devil sticks. Under sevens must be accompanied by an adult. These will be held in the Fountain's Cafe. There will also be two volleyball nets for people to take part in a novice competition organised by Pembroke Beach Volleyball Club. The afternoon will be enlivened by Mojas who will be playing a mix of Afro jazz, Township and bluenote grooves.