Tenby Retained Firemen’s Carnival will be bursting into life in the town on Wednesday, August 3.

Main sponsor of the ever-popular event is Tenby House Hotel, with sponsorship also from Tredeml Print Design Studio and Printers, Jago, Qube, CK Roofing and The Normandie.

The carnival always has a special place in the resort’s calendar and never fails to capture the imagination of the crowds that line the route of the procession or the numerous floats and fancy dress competitors taking part. And this year promises to be no exception.

Once again, the main recipient of the money raised by Tenby’s dedicated band of retained firefighters during the course of the day will be the Firefighters Charity.

The spectacular carnival will undoubtedly be the highlight of a fun-packed day of events for all the family to enjoy.

Festivities kick-off at the fire station in South Parade from 10.30 am. Bacon rolls will be served in the morning and burgers, teas, coffees and cake throughout the day. This year’s prize draw boasts another excellent selection of prizes, plus there will be opportunity to meet special guest, Fireman Sam, as well as a kids fun day.

There will also be a chip pan fire demonstration unit in attendance giving home safety demonstrations and advice.

This year, there will be a road traffic accident display, when members of the crew will demonstrate how they extricate a casualty from a car involved in an accident.

And what’s more, the event also gives people the opportunity to have a look around the station and meet their local fire crew. There will even be a four-legged crew member Celt, an urban search and rescue dog, attending.

In Tudor Square meanwhile, there will be a ‘play’ fire engine from 11 am onwards.

“This year’s firemen’s carnival is showing signs of topping last year’s with another high number of floats,” said carnival chairman Rhys Thomas.

“Despite the awful weather last year, we had an incredible turnout and I am hoping for it to be even better this year with hopefully a bit of sunshine thrown in. I continue to be astounded by the amount of support from local businesses. It just shows how much the town loves this event.”

Sponsors Tenby House also hold their annual Charity Night on the same evening as the carnival, an event where you can relax and enjoy after a great day.

Following time-honoured tradition, the carnival parade will be held in the early evening, with floats and walking entries being asked to meet at the Railway Station Yard, ready for the parade which will start at 5.15 pm.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to enter the carnival and no advance entry is required. Participants must just ensure they are at the station yard between 4.30 and 4.45 pm for the all-important judging.

Leaving from the station, the parade will proceed via Warren Street, South Parade, Belmont Arch, Lower Frog Street, St. George Street, Tudor Square, and St. Julian Street, before finishing at the harbour.

There are carnival classes for under threes, sevens, 11s and adult, with all categories having a £20 first prize, £15 second prize and £10 third prize.

In addition, each child entering the carnival will receive a gift.

The lorry-borne entries, meanwhile, will all be competing for the lucrative £100 prize money for the best decorated float. Second prize is £75 and third is £50.

Also up for grabs is the Marjorie and Bert Ford Perpetual Trophy, plus £50, for the best charity float.

“Thanks from the Tenby fire crew also go to all those who have donated to our raffle and supported it,” added Rhys.

“We want everyone to have fun; safety is our first priority, so we are asking for those who are taking part as walkers and the crowd in general to be careful of the traffic and stand back from the floats.

“We are also trying to keep the water to a minimum again so are asking for people to be sensible in this respect.”

Pedestrianisation in the centre of Tenby will be extended until 6 pm on carnival day.