Tenby and Saundersfoot will be expecting a busy, bustling end to the year - as New Year’s Eve revellers head to the neighbouring seaside towns to welcome in 2025 with a bang!
The coastal town of Tenby has become a popular place to celebrate the end of another year, with people from far and wide joining locals in the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Pembrokeshire, knowing that the town centre, and its many pubs, bars and restaurants will be in party mode, leading up to another spectacular fireworks display at midnight - weather permitting of course - due to heavy rain and strong wind warnings issued by the MET Office for parts of Wales.
Tickets for Tenby House Hotel’s 25th New Year's Eve party are already sold out, but the venue will once again be organising a firework display for the public to enjoy, as the countdown to midnight comes in, and Tudor Square fills up with festive revellers.
Meanwhile, in Saundersfoot, Suzannah landlady of The Hean Castle Inn, has been on the fundraising front-foot once again, raising funds once again for the New Years Eve fireworks, for the community.
So far, thanks to businesses and donations from members of the public, over £2,200 has been raised of a £3,600 target to help see 2025 in with a bang in the seaside village.
“In the past this event has been sponsored by the Chamber of Tourism but this was unfortunately disbanded in February 2023. I am currently working on setting something similar up but this takes time and planning so here I am once again asking for your support for the fireworks display to go ahead,” explained Suzannah.
“I had some money left over from last year which I’ve used to pay the deposit and I have also asked local businesses to help.”
Anyone wishing to donate, can head to the GoFundMe page at: https://gofund.me/864de80d
Saundersfoot is always busy as we head towards the end of another year, with thousands once again to take to the sea again in fancy dress for what is sure to be another spectacular spectacle for the charity New Year’s Day Swim, which will start at 12.30pm.
The event started in 1984 with just 10 swimmers and in 2024 saw a record turn out of over 2,400 swimmers with a crowd of roughly nine thousand watching as well!
Over 1,600 have signed up for the 2025 swim.
The Swim has developed into an incredible spectacle and is now classed by Pembrokeshire County Council as a major event.
It is also the biggest festive dip in the UK and to date has raised hundreds of thousands for charities and worthy causes over the years.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of swimmers raising monies from their personal sponsorship as this makes such a big difference annually to the supported causes,” said Chair of the NYDS, Chris Williams BEM.
“This year, NYDS are keen to help support another two amazing charities - the RNLI and Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
“Every year we have been heavily reliant on sponsors and volunteers to successfully stage the event. Every Swim takes 12 months to plan and to ensure the safety of both swimmers and spectators, there are regular meetings with the Police, Fire Brigade, PCC, St John’s and the Swim’s own H&S group of safety experts.
“To ensure, swimmers, spectators and the 100 volunteers helpers are kept safe on the day of the swim.
“As we invite people to the village to either participate or spectate, we have the responsibility of making sure that everyone enters and exits the sea safely and that the crowds around the event are safe and having a good time.”
With the weather looking a bit wet and windy for New Year’s Day, a special Community Event is being held at the Regency Hall venue for the day, to accommodate locals and families attending the Charity Swim (NYDS), supported by Saundersfoot Sports & Social Club and NYDS shirt sponsor Molson Coors
There will be live music provided by the Cor y Mor ladies choir, The Sleeping Dogs, and Buffalo Smoke Band.
Food will be available to purchase from The Copper Hog Ltd and Sue's Pantry, with roast pork rolls and cawl (both meat and veggie options).