Father Christmas could be looking for alternative travel arrangements into Tenby for the resort’s next festive event after it was revealed that the lifeboat would no longer be able to transport him into the town’s square.

A recent meeting of Tenby’s Christmas Festivities committee revealed that sadly the RNLI had introduced a new policy relating to the inshore lifeboat traveling with people on board, so while the local crew who were happy to continue with their traditional involvement and escort Santa and the town’s mayor into Tudor Square, alternative transport would be needed.

Committee members will now look into having a special sleigh built for Father Christmas to arrive in, with the RNLI crew indicating that they would arrange for the towing of any trailer that Santa’s sleigh sits on.

The RNLI stated that they had also been disappointed that weather conditions had prevented the launch of the lifeboat on the day of the festivities, which sees the illumination of the Christmas tree in Tenby and a wealth of entertainment take place, particularly as there was so many people on Castle Hill to view it, but this was the risk that was always there.

Planning ahead for later this year, it was agreed by the committee that the arrival of Santa and the switch-on would take place on Saturday, November 28, with the format remaining the same, but to include possibly more attractions.

It was agreed that while some tweaks may be needed to the programme, the event would not be cancelled in the event of any inclement weather occurring.

Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane also suggested ideas for the 50th anniversary of the Boxing Day swim taking place, as she felt the town needed to recognise this milestone mark by putting on something after the event.

She said that Tenby drew in thousands of people for the swim, but they then all seemed to leave once the event ended.

Clr. Mrs. Lane wondered if the committee and town council could consider hosting something in the square following the swim, with fair rides and attractions to keep people in the town, and continue the Christmas festivities for Tenby.