Saundersfoot band the Slipway Ukes led a rousing finale for Tenby’s first ever St David’s day Festival this week.

St David’s Day celebrations lasted for a whole seven days this year in the seaside town, with a variety of entertainments performed to appeal to all.

The festival finale was a ukulele singalong/playalong by local band the Slipway Ukes on Wednesday (March 6) at Church House in Tenby, with donations going to the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Foundation charity.

Everyone was invited to come along with their own ukuleles and sing and play along with them. There were almost more ukuleles in the audience than at the front, and all played along with enthusiasm! It was a great way to conclude the week of events, with £400 raised for Paul Sartori.

“What an amazing time we had performing at St Mary’s Church House yesterday, as part of Tenby’s St David’s Festival!” the Slipway Ukes posted on Facebook.“We were blown away by the support from friends, other local ukulele groups and many more lovely people that joined us.

“Thank you to everyone for joining in and helping us to raise money for Paul Sartori Foundation.

From Thursday, February 29 until Wednesday, March 6 - Tenby celebrated St David’s Day, with a series of events organised Tenby Town Council’s Community Engagement Officer Anne Draper.

The Festival started with a joint choir concert at St Johns Church including the Griffon Choir, Serendipity, Quaynotes and St Mary’s Church Choir, which was much appreciated by all who attended, and raised nearly £400 for PATCH.

On St David’s Day itself, Tenby Arts Club held a talk by the Rev’d Nigel Griffin about St David and his emphasis on doing the little things, at St Johns Church Hall.

On Saturday, March 2, a Noson Lawen Variety Show was held at Church House, with a string of talented people entertaining everyone – poets, musicians, dancers and singers!

Sunday saw Jess Ward give a wonderful concert on her harp at Church House, playing a variety of traditional tunes and several she had composed herself, including her own songs.

On Monday, March 4, at the same venue, Mark Lewis and his trusty group of readers performed ‘For as Long as Forever is’ - an updated version of his performance piece about Dylan Thomas. Readings of Dylan’s poems and insights into his life were enjoyed by the appreciative audience.

A screening of the classic film based in Wales - ‘The Englishman who went up a Hill but came down a Mountain’ was also shown at the De Valence Pavilion during the week.

“Altogether, the week was a great success,” said Anne Draper.

“Thanks to all the performers, and to the volunteers who helped on the door and with the refreshments, as well as in advance with organising and publicity.”

It is hoped the Festival will return next year.