The countdown to commemorate 100 years of carnivals in Tenby has begun, with a programme of events planned this year to celebrate ‘carnival fever’ in the town.

Tenby Firefighters Carnival will be celebrating its milestone at this year’s parade on Wednesday, August 7, and those at the town’s Fire Station have been busy planning events leading up to the occasion, and with the support of local organisations it’s hoped that the town and its community will come together once again as always to support this summer event.

Tenby firefighter Lee Simmons who is Community Education Officer with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and his fellow firefighter and Carnival chairman Rhys Thomas were on hand this week to launch proceedings by visiting local schools who support the Tenby in Bloom poster competition with Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, the in bloom chairman.

“Children are being asked to incorporate the Carnival Centenary into their drawings, with the aim of showing off their work down on the harbour when the carnival presentations takes place,” said Lee.

“There will be a few extra events added this year for the anniversary to make it a ‘carnival week’. “We are planning a film night on Monday, August 5 with the films4tenby pop-up cinema organisers, to be held at Tenby Fire Station, with the plan to show Backdraft

“We hope to make this evening have a very authentic theme using Fire Service equipment and memorabilia looking back over the last century, and in keeping with the cinema theme, ice creams, sweets and refreshments will be available on the night,” continued Lee, with tickets to be available at £6 each online through films4tenby

The main carnival event on Wednesday afternoon which sets off from the train station car park, will be preceded by the open day at Tenby Fire Station in the morning.

“The ‘open day’ as always sees the usual feast of activities from around 10 am onwards in and around the station,” continued Lee.

“This year we are also hoping to bring along a number of vintage fire engines that would have been used operationally at one time and it’s planned to find a suitable location within the town area for this display, so watch this space!

“A new trophy in the float section of the Carnival has been added in memory of Brian Hodder and his trusty old milk float This has been the iconic transport for many groups over the years who have utilised his vehicle, and every year he would ensure his float was available even after he and June retired.

“June and the Hodder family have been invited along to present the prizes down on the harbour which is in fitting with the commitment they have shown throughout the years.

“Tenby Male voice choir are also supporting us this year and have pencilled in an evening performance down on the harbour on Thursday evening.

Finally the long awaited Carnival Book is set to be launched officially on Friday, August 9 at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery - which looks back at the history of the event with plenty of pics from the past.

“The book will be available to buy before then as we expect this ready in time for the carnival week (finalisation of this currently ongoing) and we’re delighted that Tenby museum have also very kindly offered to come on board with the launch and an opportunity to look through the history of the Fire Service with various uniforms and equipment available for all to see on the day,” explained Lee.

The fire crew have also sent out letters to all businesses in the town and the surrounding area requesting their support in decorating shops/houses for the Carnival week. “The whole idea is to bring out the spirit of the Carnival and allow everyone to enjoy what we hope to be another fantastic day, supported by the many locals over generations of family connections,” continued Lee.

“There’s lots going on this year and we have been trying to make this a special one with all the added events taking place to try and bring the whole town together - and as my whole emphasis around this special centenary year is based around thanking the community and the many loyal participants who have helped, taken part or had some involvement in the carnival over the many years, I’d like to say a massive thank you to all.

“The Carnival day itself needs no reminding but we hope that everyone is able to support us once again for a week full of special activities to mark the centenary,” added Lee.