In Whitland a week-long variety of events will soon be held for all the family.

Whitland Week 2023 starts on Friday, July 28. Carnival Day is Saturday, August 5, with the procession starting at 1.45pm.

Read on for messages of support and a timetable of the week’s activities...

Whitland Week Chairman Rob Kersey said:

“Once again Whitland Week is upon us and it’s my 27th year as Chairman which has been an honour. I would like to welcome our President for 2023 Mr Neil Jenkins, new Mayor Mr Len Shipton and this year’s Carnival Queen Miss Megan Jones and I hope they enjoy the week.

“Unfortunately our Vice Chairman Mr John Seeley has had to step back from the many things he does throughout the year and has done for many years, so I wish him all the best.

It truly has been hard to put the programme of events together, but hopefully they will be enjoyable for us all but mostly the youngsters who we must remember are the future.

“Finally, thanks to everyone who helps at the events and a huge thank you to all of our sponsors and advertisers who continue to support us year in, year out.”

Mayor of Whitland Cllr Len Shipton said:

“Firstly, may I say how proud I am to be writing this speech for Whitland Week 2023 as the Mayor of Whitland. Having lived in Whitland for over 60 years, I am honoured to hold the title for the town that I am proud to call my home. Thank you to my fellow Councillors for putting their trust and faith in me and for all their support.

“I’d like to wish a warm welcome to this Year’s Whitland Week President, Neil Jenkins, and also to all guests and judges who will be attending the events. I’d also like to thank the Whitland Week Committee who, under the direction of Rob Kersey, make Whitland Week a roaring success.

I would also like to congratulate Megan Jones on being this year’s Carnival Queen and hope she has a wonderful week.

“Whitland Week is such an important part of our calendar as the funds are used to ensure that Parc Dr Owen can be used free of charge for the younger generation in Whitland. The Town Council is delighted to be supporting Parc Dr Owen to make this a reality. Phase One of the Play Area was completed last year and we are working towards Phase Two which we hope will be finalised later this year. Our town councillors, together with town clerk Melanie, work tirelessly in the pursuit of building a brighter future for Whitland which every member of our community deserves.

“On behalf of Gail, myself and my family, I’d like to wish everyone an enjoyable, sunny and successful Whitland Week. I hope that you all enjoy the activities brought by this great celebration of Whitland. Thank you / Diolch yn Fawr.”

Whitland Week President Neil Jenkins said:

“Anrhydedd a braint yw eich cyfarch fel Llywydd Wythnos Hendygwyn eleni. Mae gen i llawer o atgofion melys o’r gweithgareddau ar hyd y blynyddoedd megis Tynnu’r gelyn ar draws y Gronw, It’s a Knockout a Rodeos. Ers y pandemig, mae’n bwysicach fyth i dorchi llewys a thynnu at ein gilydd fel cymuned i sicrhau llwyddiant a ffyniant Parc Dr Owen. Felly, beth amdani? Ewch ati i gefnogi a helpu! I gloi, gobeithio byddwch yn mwynhau ac yn creu atgofion yn Wythnos Hendygwyn 2023. JOIWCH!

“I am honoured and proud to be President of Whitland Week this year. I have many fond memories of the activities that took place over the years.

“As a child, I can remember the Rodeos in the Park, as well as taking part in It’s a Knockout and the Tug-of-war across the Gronw. Today, due to health and safety regulations and insurance , unfortunately those days are gone. However, I would like to thank our chairman, Rob Kersey and his faithful team of helpers for their continued hard work and commitment to ensure a varied programme of events yet again this year. Long may it continue!

“Ever since the Covid pandemic, it has become increasingly more important for us as a community to pull together to ensure that Whitland Week continues to raise valuable funds for the upkeep of our wonderful amenity that is Parc Dr Owen. So how about it? Help and support in any way that you can!

“Finally, I hope you will enjoy yourselves and create memories during Whitland Week 2023. I look forward to seeing you! JOIWCH!”

10am Golf Tournament at Derllys Court (Teams of 4) Tee-off 10am to 3pm - contact Meurig 07794 076102 or Paul Kirk 07807 852994 (£100 per team). Register by Wednesday, July 26.

5pm Steak Night at The Station House (sponsored by The Station House)

8pm Presentation of the Chain to the Whitland Week President at Fishers Arms.

9.30am prompt Cycle Ride (org. Taf Valley Cycle Club) at Fisher Arms

12.30pm Special Day at Parc Dr Owen

Tug-of-War (sponsored by RMD Electrical Services, Whitland) and It’s a Knock-out (in association with Whitland Young Farmers, and sponsored by Princes Gate Water).

Events are currently being organised, so for more information, see Tug of War posters on display shortly)

5.30pm Junior Bingo at The Station House (sponsored by Mike and Sue Adams)

7.30pm Senior Bingo at The Station House.

11am Pit Stop Play at Parc Dr Owen (fun and games to be confirmed) (see posters for further details) - something new! Bring your own picnic!

6.30pm Target Bowls and BBQ at Whitland Bowls Club (in association with Whitland Bowls Club)

7pm Noson o Adloniant gan Ifan Gruffydd at Capel y Tabernacle, croeso mawr i bawb!

10.30am Coffee Morning at The Taf Hotel (sponsored by Taf Hotel and Bronbys)

5pm Burger Night at The Roadhouse Restaurant (sponsored by Roadhouse Restaurant).

2pm Cream Teas at Dol-y-Cwrt (courtesy of Roger and Celeste Penn)

5.30pm onwards Curry Night at Whitland RFC (sponsored by Whitland RFC)

6.30pm Children’s Fancy Dress Themed Disco (Gaming Mayhem) at Whitland Sports and Social Club (£25 for the Best Fancy Dress - sponsored by Whitland Sports and Social Club - see posters for further details).

1.30pm Rugby Development and Fun Day at Parc Dr Owen (in association with Whitland Junior Borderers ... also at approximately ....

2.30pm Children’s Sports (kindly sponsored by Huw and Cally Jones)

6.30pm Italian Evening at Taf Hotel (sponsored by Taf Hotel, Whitland).

1.30pm Ice Cream Extravaganza at Cowshed (in assoc. with Cowpots)

4pm Whitland Week Pizza Night at Cowshed (sponsored by The Cowshed)

6pm prompt Junior Wheelbarrow (only) Race (11-15yrs) at The Fishers Arms (Teams of 3), £6 per team; (kindly sponsored by Clynderwen Pharmacy).

6.30pm prompt Adult Wheelbarrow (only) Race at The Fishers Arms (Teams of 3), £10 per team; (kindly sponsored by The Fishers Arms)

7pm Whitland Chamber of Trade presents a Charity Fashion Show and Auction at Whitland Town Hall (proceeds to Julianna Bransden) - see posters for details.

1.15pm Crowning of Carnival Queen at Parc Dr Owen

1.45pm Carnival Procession from Parc Llwyn Ty Gwyn

• Procession led by Samba Doc Band • Vintage Vehicles • Fair Ground Rides • Caterers • Teas and Coffees (Whitland WI) • Display by Whitland Fire Brigade • Narberth and Whitland Rotary • Narberth and Whitland Round Table • Paul Satori Foundation • Various Other Stalls • live entertainment by local artists • Bar available

5 YEARS and UNDER

Best Decorated Tricycle, Car or Other Toy

Best Fancy Dress

Best Pair

6 - 8 YEARS

Best Fancy Dress

Best Pair

9 - 12 YEARS

Best Fancy Dress

Best Pair

13 - 16 YEARS

Best Fancy Dress

Best Topical

ADULTS

Best Fancy Dress

Best Pair

FLOATS

Best Children’s Float - £50.00

Best Street - £50.00

Best Pub or Club Float - £50.00

Best Overall Float - £200.00 - (Maisy Beynon Shield)

Best Overall Child Pedestrian - TROPHY ONLY (Chamber of Trade Award)

Best Adult Pedestrian - TROPHY ONLY (Evans and Brown Cup) - Qualifying by 1st place in category.

10am Whitland Week Church Service at English Congregational Chapel

7.30pm Whitland Week Quiz and Whitland Week Raffle Draw at Whitland RFC (Entry: £8 per team of 4) (kindly sponsored by Whitland RFC ) Quiz masters: Neil and Heather Jenkins.