Let the festival fun begin (From Western Telegraph)

Let the festival fun begin

Innovative street theatre and vibrant music marked the launch of a ten-day celebration of arts, culture and heritage in Pembroke.

The inaugural Pembroke Festival was officially launched by local MP Nick Ainger during a lively opening ceremony outside Pembroke Town Hall, on Friday.

The gathered crowd, including members of the committee responsible for creating the festival, was entertained by Circus Malarkey, a talented street theatre company. And there has been a whole range of events to keep people of all ages entertained since the launch.

Philip Carradice and Cliff James, two prominent poets with strong Pembrokeshire connections, hosted a workshop for budding creative writers.

One of Wales' leading singer songwriters, Martin Joseph, who recently supported Suzanne Vega on her European tour, made a rare appearance in a small venue, when he held a fundraising evening in aid of the War Child charity at Cromwell's Tavern on Sunday. Sand Palace Arts has been working with local schools, including Orielton, Stackpole and Grove, to make colourful banners celebrating the festival.

There is a diverse list of events for the remainder of the week, including a medieval banquet at Pembroke Castle - also the host of daily medieval craft fayres - this evening (Wednesday).

Other highlights include a performance by the internationally-renowned storyteller, Cat Weatherill, at Lamphey Bishop's Palace, the Green Ginger Puppet Theatre's 'Frank Einstein' and the grand finale on the south and north quays on Sunday evening, featuring a wonderful lantern procession and amazing pyrotechnics.