Summer festival showcase for local businesses (From Western Telegraph)

Summer festival showcase for local businesses

The largest local one-day event this summer is gearing up for an extravaganza with a host of Pembrokeshire businesses coming on board.

The West Wales Summer Festival and Fireworks Championship at the Camarthen Showground on August 22nd will pull out all the stops to keep the spirit of summer shows alive.

Although the first rush for stands at the event went to large companies, such as BT Cellnet, Riverlea, Techniquest, and Green Bower with the New Mini, there has been a steady uptake from a wide variety of Pembrokeshire traders.

Wisebuys, Tool Trader, and Cwm Deri Vineyard are just a few of those which will be present on the day, and organiser Chris Allen, from Narberth, says he has been 'overwhelmed' with the response.

'It's a great opportunity for local businesses,' said Chris. 'So many big Welsh shows have been cancelled this year because of foot and mouth. Were trying to soften the blow by giving them another opportunity to exhibit to a large number of people and potential customers, both holidaymakers and locals.'

Exhibitors at the show include car dealerships, along with an antiques fair, computer exhibition, and food stalls.

Chris was inspired to organise the event by the British Fireworks Championships held in Plymouth and attended by 200,000 people. And the local festival on August 22nd will hold its own Welsh Championship. Following a spectacular laser show will be three separate fireworks displays, making it the largest ever seen in West Wales.

This will determine the Welsh Fireworks Champion of 2001, and the winner will go forward to compete in the British Fireworks Championships next year.

As well as a wide selection of traders, a variety of entertainment should keep people going throughout the day. With a huge funfair, free face painting, Punch and Judy and live music, there is 'something for everyone'.

Swansea Sound 'The Wave' Radio Roadshow will keep the music going throughout the day and late afternoon you can chill out in the music marquee. Headlining are Fat Barry's Soul Band and Abba Revolution, backed up with a variety of support bands.

This all-day event should not be confused with the Festival of Agriculture, two weeks before.

The event has its own website ww.summerfireworks.com, and entry costs £5 for adults and £3 for children and concessions.

Caption: Wise Buys is one of the businesses which will have a stall at the West Wales Summer Festival and Fireworks Championsip.