Statement: Tenby Summer Spectacular

After considering all the evidence, the Sub-Committee concluded that the licensing objectives were not being adequately met leaving significant concerns regarding crowd safety, emergency access and the protection of children from harm.

 The Sub-Committee decision is therefore to revoke the premises licence.

Cllr Aaron Carey, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Licensing Service, said:

“Neither I nor Pembrokeshire County Council take any satisfaction whatsoever from this decision and I know this will be very disappointing news for the organisers, volunteers, charities and many people who value the Tenby Summer Spectacular.

 “The Sub-Committee also recognises the longstanding charitable contribution of the event, its importance to the local economy and the significant funds it raises for local good causes.

 “However, committee members concluded that public safety must always be the overriding consideration.

 “The Sub-Committee reached its decision after considering all of the evidence including submissions from Dyfed-Powys Police, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Council officers and the event organisers.

 “The concerns expressed from Dyfed-Powys Police were extremely powerful.

 “The Welsh Ambulance Services Trust raised significant concerns regarding emergency medical access to and within the event.

 “Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service detailed concerns about crowd numbers, uncontrolled attendance and access for emergency services.

 “There were significant concerns from agencies that, due to the size and popularity of the event, it had outgrown its current setting.

 “Public safety has to be paramount, particularly where an event involves large crowds in a working harbour environment and affects surrounding public spaces.

 “However, the evidence presented by the Tenby Round Table was not sufficient to satisfy the Committee that the licensing objectives relating to public safety and the protection of children from harm could be adequately promoted.

 “Throughout this process officers from all the agencies involved in the licensing review had met with the event organisers on a number of occasions and had hoped to reach a position whereby the concerns raised could be effectively mitigated.

“With the event having been cancelled by Tenby Round Table for 2026, all agencies involved in the review have made clear their willingness to continue working constructively with the organisers to address the issues identified.

“The Tenby Summer Spectacular has been a much-loved event for many years, raising significant sums for local charities and bringing considerable benefits to the town and wider county. There is a shared desire to see those benefits continue in the future.

“Pembrokeshire County Council, together with our partner agencies, remains committed to working with the organisers to explore how to deliver a sustainable and properly managed event in the future and stand ready to support discussions aimed at bringing this much-valued event back to Tenby in a way that satisfies the necessary safety and licensing requirements.”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman added: “Dyfed-Powys Police has been informed of the licensing sub-committee's decision to revoke the licence for the Tenby Summer Spectacular.

“We recognise the great fundraising work done by the Tenby Round Table and the importance of the event locally.

“After reviewing the event in its current format, we raised concerns surrounding public safety, protection of children from harm and the prevention of crime and disorder.

“Keeping our communities safe must be our priority and we remain committed to working with them to hold a safe event in the future.”

The Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on the application for review of the Tenby Summer Spectacular premises licence was held on Thursday, July 9. It can be viewed at: https://pembrokeshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home.