Tenby's Winter Carnival Festival Week got off to a cracker of a start on Saturday with a day packed with lots of Yuletide fun and activities, culminating in the annual winter carnival.
The day-long programme began in the morning with the arrival of the Pembrokeshire Hunt making a colourful scene in Tudor Square, where the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, and her party, welcomed them to the town for the first time in 16 years.
Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions' Arts and Craft Fair was a great success at the De Valence, with many stalls turning up selling hand-made goods, gifts jewellery and much more.
The Greenhill School band and choir sang and played Christmas carols during the afternoon and Christmas craft workshops were held on the balcony of the De Valence, with the children enjoying making decorations and cards.
Unfortunately, there were a few minor blips during the afternoon said Cath Graham, of Tenby Events.
Firstly, she received a 'phone call from The Swansea Premier Band saying that their transport had failed to get them to Tenby, secondly Santa and Rudolph's sleigh, which was to carry Tenby's Mayor, attendant Lewis Waters and, of course, Santa himself, also had transport problems.
Tenby Events pulled through, however, managing to get Matthew Tebbut on his bongos to lead the procession, while Steve Crockford, who was driver for the carnival attendants, also hitched up Santa's sleigh to his vehicle to ensure the procession was able to set off on its way.
Whilst the motorised procession, including The Wizard of Oz lorry-borne entry, left the library car park, the walking entries assembled at the De Valence for the judging to take place.
Entries included giant Christmas boxes, fantastically decorated buggies, seasonal delights such as Rudolphs, Santas and snowmen, not forgetting the Mardi Gras workshoppers, who made sure there was lots to be seen and give the judges an unenviable job!
The walking entries then left the De Valence to join the parade as it wound its way through the town to Tudor Square, where Steve Briers's Roadshow was entertaining the crowds, before returning to De Valence for a family fun night with Fergie and Steve, where the winners were announced.
Cath added: "I was delighted with the start of this year's festival. Despite all the hiccups, the carnival went exceedingly well and don't forget, towards the end of the week is Class of 08.
"Some tables are still left for our grand finale, 'The Mardi Gras Ball', and don't forget our shop window competition still runs until the end of tomorrow (Saturday).
Carnival results
Floats: 1. Wizard of Oz (James and Rossiter family):
Mardi Gras workshop: 1. Stephanie Rayner; 2; Matthew Harries; 3. Ollie Brown.
Single adult: Star Wars.
Children under four years: 1. Snowman Credit Freeze; 2. Archie.
Children five-10 years: 1. Tyler, Jake, Ria and Harvey; 2. T. J.
Children 11 and over: 1. Katie and Millie; 2. Casey Paxton.
Best couple under 14: Charlie and Lydia.
Best couple over 14: Talula and Katie.
Best child's group - Tessa and Archie Hughes.
Best decorated buggy - Rhys Beynon.
Organisers praised
Members of Tenby Events have been applauded for their efforts in organising the opening day of the town's Winter Carnival Festival Week.
Speaking at Tuesday night's meeting of the town council, Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said: "There was a very good respone to everything put on on Saturday - the arts and craft fair, the Hunt meet and the winter carnival," she said.
"It was a lovely day and that reflected in the entries in the carnival.
"It was very well supported and very good for the town."
Clr. Tevor Hallett also added his own congratualtions.
"There were a couple of hiccups, but they (Tenby Events) took it in their stride.
"It was a very very good event for the town."