Haverfordwest’s Twinning Association celebrates quarter of a century of cultural connections with German Town Oberkirch with a visit that begins today (Thursday).

Oberkirch’s Orchestra and other guests - including the Uberburgermeister - arrive in Haverfordwest today. Staying with local hosts, the visitors will enjoy social and musical events before leaving on June 1.

The anniversary weekend’s highlight is a concert at Sir Thomas Picton (STP) on Saturday, May 31.

“This 25th anniversary proves our friendship has grown. We are very close to our German counterparts, and their hospitality knows no bounds,” said association chairman Mr David Harries.

“The twinning has created a great bond between the two towns, particularly musically,” added joint secretary, Mr Charles Davies. “It has been and still is a very positive thing for Haverfordwest.”

It began in 1987, when Town Clerk Pat Lewis had a phone call from the Burgermeister about twinning. He had seen the Glancleddau dancers perform in Germany, and felt they were “wonderful ambassadors”.

The dancers delivered greetings from the Town Council and people of Haverfordwest, an Oberkirch delegation visited in 1988, and a return visit by Town Councillors in 1989 cemented this highly successful partnership.

An official twinning ceremony in Germany was attended by two busloads of locals. The Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir gave a rousing concert alongside the Oberkirch band, accompanied by the Glancleddau Dancers.

In the past 25 years visits featuring numerous private and public events have helped links between the towns go from strength to strength.

It is an impressive milestone: in the words of a Brussels official, “very few twinning arrangements last that long!”.

To mark the occasion, Oberkirch is donating 25 fruit trees to Haverfordwest.

To buy a ticket for the concert - £10/£8 concessions – call the Town Clerk on 01437763771.