Plans to stage a ‘street food festival’ style event in Tenby have whetted the appetite of councillors for more events to be held in the town.

At Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the town clerk, Andrew Davies, told members that he had received correspondence from Pembrokeshire County Council’s street care manager, Marc Owen, who had spoken of the possibility of a food festival event being held at the South Beach car park.

Mr. Davies said that the event had been pencilled in to take place from Friday, June 16 to 18, and that it would be organised in conjunction with the Cardiff-based Street Food Warehouse company.

“The company has said that it is excited to launch the first event of its kind in Tenby, which would run from 12 noon to 10 pm over a three-day period. It would be expected to host between 12 and 15 local and regional vendors.

Clr. Paul Rapi felt it was a ‘wonderful idea’, but personally felt it was a ‘funny place’ to hold a street market event. However, it was definitely an opportunity too good to turn down for the town.

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter agreed about the location though.

“If it’s windy, then the sand is going to blow into the food… it will be like having sand in your jam sandwiches when you were a kid!” she laughed. “I don’t think it would be feasible on that site.”

Clr. Will Rossiter agreed that he didn’t think it was necessarily the best spot for a ‘street market’ as those who wanted to attend would obviously have to walk down to that area, as the car park spaces would be taken up.

Mr. Davies said that the harbour area had been considered, but that PCC had advised not to hold it there, as they felt there were already enough events taking place in that area over the holiday season.

“I’m totally open-minded and very positive towards all events in Tenby, but I’m not likely to be impacted, so I think we need a little bit more information to make sure that those who live in that area are not impacted on,” commented Clr. Mike Evans, asking for further consultation to be made on the event.

“Personally I think it’s a chance we can’t afford to refuse, and if it’s a disaster, then we won’t have it back,” said Clr. Rapi.

“So in theory we support and welcome the event, but would suggest the possibility that they look at staging it somewhere else in the town, possibly along the South Parade, although I get the feeling that it could be too big for there, so I can see why the South Beach car park would appeal, as it used to stage the Radio 1 roadshows and is a big site,” he continued.

“If they’re prepared to put their money into the town, then we support them,” added Clr. Trevor Hallett.