Haverfordwest to be dazzled by Riverside Winter Fair - A celebration of history, music, and community spirit

This free community event, funded by Pembrokeshire County Council via UK Government, aims to create a magical winter festival atmosphere by merging history, music, food, games and local spirit.

The centrepiece of the Riverside Winter Fair will be the culmination of a unique community project – the performance of a brand-new Cantata titled ‘The Children of St Saviours.’

Composed by Alex McGee, with help from students at Haverfordwest High, will tell the captivating story of Haverfordwest's rich history, drawing inspiration from recent archaeological discoveries at Western Quayside.

Alex who hails from Haverfordwest said: “This will be a musical work born of the community, performed by the community for the community.” The Cantata will be performed by a children's choir, the Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire, and the County Orchestra.

The Riverside Winter Fair promises a day filled with entertainment for the whole family. Pure West Radio will be broadcasting live, capturing the excitement and sharing local voices with the airwaves.

“The Riverside Christmas Fair promises to be a truly spectacular day of celebrations for the whole family, and Pure West Radio can’t wait to be a part of the excitement,” said Pure West Radio’s Station Manager, Toby Ellis. “The lineup of entertainment and events throughout the day is truly outstanding, and Pure West is extremely privileged to be a part of the day.”

Witness a banner procession led by the South Wales Police Brass Band, featuring banners created by local primary school children during workshops this autumn, led by Span Arts: “Span is thrilled to facilitate the Winter Fair banner-making workshops. With a rich history of community art, we’re excited to create banners for each of the five wards.”

Downloadable flag templates and ideas will be available on the event website for any child who wants to create their own flag and participate in the parade.

Haverfordwest’s own Children’s Festival are supporting an art and games experience hosted by the Fair Play Board Game Café, at the Edge Youth Centre, next door to the skatepark.  Fair Play will offer a welcoming space to enjoy board games, arts and crafts and connect with others.

Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick will be launching their model hot air balloon, a floating gallery and homage to the people of Haverfordwest. The project has been inspired by embroidered tablecloths in the collection of the Haverfordwest Town Museum that contain the signatures of Haverfordwest residents from 1914 onwards. The artists spent a week in Haverfordwest inviting people to add their own name to appear on the balloon.

Haverhub will be hosting a Winter Craft and Makers Market and Castle Square will transform into a bustling street food market curated by Haverfordwest's Business Circle.  

“The Haverfordwest business circle are delighted to be involved with the riverside fair. We are hoping that an event of this scale at this time of the year will increase footfall and get people into the Christmas spirit,” said Business Circle Chair Sally Williams

As the day draws to a close, the annual Christmas lights will be switched on by the Deputy Mayor on behalf of Haverfordwest Town Council and Riverside Shopping Centre.

Centre Manager Nigel Stopher said: “We are looking forward the 30^th November and the switch on of the Christmas lights throughout Haverfordwest, always a great day for all the family to enjoy and get everyone in the Christmas mood!

“The Haverfordwest Town Clerk has confirmed that the Council is very much looking forward to seeing another great turn out for this year’s Christmas light switch on and it is happy to be supporting this event again this year, including the annual Schools’ Christmas Card Competition.  The winner will be invited to press the button to switch the lights on with the Deputy Mayor after the final countdown."

Haverfordwest’s County Councillor Thomas Tudor said: “I am looking forward to the Riverside Fair to be held on the 30^th November. There will be plenty of fun for all the family, with music, history, a craft market, street food, a lively street parade, and with the added finishing touch of the turning on of the Christmas lights with Father Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in attendance.”

Join the Celebration!

The Riverside Winter Fair is a completely free event, offering a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Haverfordwest's rich heritage, vibrant community, and talented performers.

Visit the event website www.riversidewinterfair.co.uk to sign up for the mailing list, be sent downloadable flag templates to join in the parade and be kept informed of the latest news.

To reserve a stall at the Winter Craft and Makers Market please visit: https://riversidewinterfair.co.uk/market