Preparations are underway for the annual Pembroke Dock Carnival and Fete on Saturday, August 5.

Organised and supported by the Quins Rugby Club, the carnival normally sees a succession of floats parading through the town streets and into the Quins club ground where people can enjoy entertainment, funfair rides and a number of stalls.

This year is likely to see a reduced number of floats due to the disappearance of local engineering companies who can supply flatbed lorries for floats.

Proving popular with locals over the years, the carnival is a long-running event as secretary of the rugby club, and committee member, Dean Maiden explains: “The carnival started at Bierspool, home of Pembroke Dock Harlequins in the early ’60s. Glenda Davies was the early carnival secretary and the carnival has taken place almost continuously since then. Apparently, in the first carnival and fete, they raffled a yacht which was won by a gentleman from Birmingham who was on holiday down here at the time.

“Through the early ’60s and ’70s, dances were held in most of the local villages to seek out contenders for the Quins Carnival Queen.

Those selected from each village would go forwards to be selected as the Carnival Queen.

“Health and safety has become more important at these kinds of events and there are numerous obstacles to overcome in order to put on an enjoyable event for the community that raises money that is used by the rugby club to provide rugby for age groups from Under 7s up through to and including Under 16s.

“With the youth team and senior squad sitting at the top of the pyramid, there is a lot of rugby to be supported by the club and this event is an important fundraiser in the annual calendar.”

This year’s carnival is fast approaching and probably too late for additional stalls, events etc to take place, but if anybody is interested in items for future carnivals and fete, they can contact the carnival committee at [email protected]

The threads are being drawn together for what promises to be another enjoyable occasion.

If we are able to organise the procession, floats will gather at Albion Square at 12.30 pm for judging. The floats will leave at 1 pm, making their way along Bush Street, down Meyrick Street along Dimond Street, down Water Street finally travelling down London Road to arrive at the Quins ground between 1.15 and 1.30 pm. The gates will then be open to the public to follow in the procession. Unfortunately, it will not be a closed road event this year so there will be no walkers with the floats.

Important information

With the annual Pembroke Dock Carnival almost upon us, it might be time to reflect upon the changing face of these community events.

The carnival has been hosted by the Quins since the early 1960s and every year proves a challenge to improve on and or create a fun event that the whole of Pembroke Dock can enjoy.

This means we have had to put the safety of pedestrians and children first and modify the activity of the procession of floats.

The intent this year is for the floats to meet as usual in Albion Square, be judged and then make their own way to the Quins ground at Bierspool under their own steam.

The usual activities will be at the Quins ground. We will hopefully have a number of the classic cars present, local dance bands and music.

The funfair rides will be there and a number of people ranging from radio enthusiast to bric a brac stall will also be there.

We are hoping to organise the five-a-side football event and who knows what else might be happening.

As long as the weather holds up, it should provide an enjoyable day out for the whole community.