Tenby Firefighters Carnival - one of the highlights of the summer in the seaside town - is back today (Wednesday, August 7) - so what better time to take a look back at the 2019 event - which celebrated the event’s 100th anniversary.

The charitable carnival always has a special place in the resort’s calendar and never fails to capture the imagination of the crowds that line the route of the procession or the numerous floats and fancy dress competitors taking part, and once again, the main recipient of the money raised by Tenby’s dedicated band of firefighters during the course of the day will be the Firefighters Charity.

The spectacular Carnival Parade will undoubtedly be the highlight of a fun-packed day of events for all the family to enjoy, which starts with the ‘open day’ at 10am held at Tenby’s Fire Station along South Parade, featuring fire safety demonstrations throughout the day, as well as activities, fair rides, stalls, refreshments, and a grand raffle. There will also be an educational appliance situated in Tudor Square throughout the day.

This will be followed by the fantastic Carnival Parade of floats, walking class fancy dress and other vehicles of interest, setting off around 5.15pm from Tenby Railway Station, proceeding via Warren Street, South Parade, Belmont Arch, Lower Frog Street, St George Street, Tudor Square, and St Julian Street, before finishing at the harbour, where the awards for the best in class are given.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to enter the carnival and no advance entry is required. Participants must ensure they are at the station yard between 4.30 and 4.45pm for the all-important judging.

There are carnival classes for under threes, sevens, 11s and adult, with all categories having a £20 first prize, £15 second prize and £10 third prize.

The lorry-borne entries, meanwhile, will all be competing for the lucrative £100 prize money for the best decorated float. Second prize is £75 and third is £50.

Also up for grabs is the Marjorie and Bert Ford Perpetual Trophy, plus £50, for the best charity float.

The firefighters carnival parade has proved ever popular over the past few years and has attracted many visitors who book to stay in the town and surrounding areas especially for this event.

Main sponsor of the ever-popular event is Tenby House Hotel. “They’ve supported for many years and we are forever grateful,” said the Tenby crew.

“The open day is always a buzz of activity at the station and is a great way for us to raise awareness about fire safety and also raise as much money as possible for the firefighters charity,” said Carnival chairman Rhys Thomas.

“Whether injured, ill or in need of psychological support, the charity exists to support the everyday heroes of the UK fire community.

“There will be plenty of fire safety demonstrations throughout the day, as well as activities, stalls and refreshments. We will also be running our grand raffle. As usual, we are appealing to local business and residents for donations of prizes for the Fire Station raffle on our Open Day, August 7.

“In addition, we are also appealing for donations from local businesses who would like to pledge a financial donation. If anyone can donate it would be much appreciated,” he added.