Preparations are underway for the annual Pembroke Dock Carnival and Fete on Saturday, August 6.

Organised and supported by the Quins Rugby Club, the carnival 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, carnival-goers can look forward to entertainment by the town band, as well as Vibe School of Dance. The Kelly Williams Dance group will be at the ground. It is hoped to have some of the classic cars, tractors and Hot Rods at the ground or in the procession.

There will also be a raffle, with monetary prizes and prizes donated by local businesses such as Oakwood, Manor House Wildlife Park (Anna’s Zoo), Heatherton, Torch Theatre, Pembroke Castle, McDonald’s and The Bridal Collection, Pembroke Dock.

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.

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.