A CALCULATED risk taken by the organisers of Fishguard's famous street party has paid off, with the party going from loss making to covering all costs in the space of a year.

A meeting last week to review the event recorded a plethora of positive feedback from visitors to Fishguard who travelled here just for the New Year's Eve event and were thrilled by all on offer to parents who loved the town hall activities in the afternoon and early evening.

The previous party to see in 2018, although attended by thousands, ran at a £600 loss, with only 15% of revellers buying a £3 wristband to support the event.

Luckily former Fishguard man, Peter Nicolas of Nutriment Dog food, stepped in donating the money to help clear the costs.

For the 2019 party the organisers took a real gamble.

"We and wanted to create a family-orientated afternoon and then run in to a wonderful evening," said NYE committee chair, Rain Malone-Hallett.

"So we took a risk and hired in lots of children's activities for the town hall. People could buy a wrist band for their child and once inside, all activities were free.

"We trusted that if we created a place that looked fun and magical that families would come out and buy a wrist band and support us.

"They did in their hundreds. We were astounded by the reaction."

Rain also thanked the local businesses who got on board this year, selling wristbands, donating raffle prises and offering discounts to wrist band wearers.

"This was a wonderful example of community coming together," she said.

Rain praised all the entertainers on the evening, beginning with local singers Grace Griffiths and Ellie Clearey; local band The Sleeping Dogs; award-winning singer and compere Lisa Allen and the Tom Jones Experience.

"The 16 minutes of fireworks to see in the new year were breath-taking and we thank Stena for their donation," she said.

"We'd thank all our sponsors and the town council for their grant to cover costs of hiring the stage and tech team.

"We were astounded by the support of those who attended. We have to say a massive thank you Fishguard. You really showed wonderful support for this event and helped us to make enough to cover all our costs including the new Winter Wonderland. We look forward to giving you even more fun next year."