PEMBROKE’S annual river rally has proved a success once again, bringing hundreds of people to the town on Saturday afternoon, July 30.

The event, running from 2pm-5pm at the town’s South Quay car park, once again saw a flotilla of boats arrive, with Mayor of Pembroke Dennis Evans and other dignitaries, including Pembroke Dock Mayor Maureen Colgan and Pembroke Dock Normandy veteran Ted Owens aboard the flagship, which had earlier left Pembroke Dock.

Attractions on the day included face painting, a bouncy castle, rodeo rides, ninja turtles, and Daleks, stalls, and a barbecue.

This year saw a new face at the river rally, retired Pembroke businessman Malcolm Powell, who represents the town on special occasions dressed in the attire of Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, born at Pembroke’s castle.

Speaking after the event, Pembroke Mayor Dennis Evans said: “It was brilliant, it really was, the weather helped obviously. It was absolutely fantastic, there were loads and loads of people, hundreds of people; it really was quite an experience, something we won’t forget in a hurry

“John Allen took us up river and we joined with the flotilla of boats that David James had organised; it was quite a sight.

“It was on from 2-5pm and people were coming and going during the afternoon. When the boats came in there really was a fair-sized crowd, it was well-supported.”

For Cllr Evans, the importance of keeping the much-loved River Rally running is paramount.

“It’s one of those sorts of traditions that are important; I’m very big on traditions as once it’s gone, it’s gone; it’s the right of the mayor to sail up the castle river in to the castle pond; it’s very important that we keep these traditions, it’s a lot like the town fair.”

Another attendee was Pembroke Dock councillor Peter Kraus, who said: “We finally arrived at the Mill Pond about 4pm and what a crowd waiting on the quay, it was brilliant.

Well Done Suzie Thomas, town clerk from Pembroke for all the hard work you put into this great event, I cannot wait for next year.”