A flotilla of vessels led by the flagship Dashing carrying the Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Pauline Waters, and her guests, including the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Clr. Peter Kraus, cruised along the picturesque Pembroke River last Saturday before making a grand entrance into the Castle Pond.

The colourful spectacle, with the magnificent Norman castle as a backdrop, provided a splendid finalé to the Pembroke River Rally organised by Pembroke Town Council, with a large number of boats arriving into the quay.

In addition to the parade of sail, the numerous stalls and displays with entertainment provided by the Vagrants Crew, and appearances from The Minions and Stormy Sam from the RNLI.

A bouncy castle and Little Monsters balloon added to making the afternoon a huge success.

Local entertainer Neil Thomas, with his own brand of lighthearted humour, provided a running commentary throughout the afternoon playing music to suit all tastes, and singing some wonderful tunes himself.

“The crowd was excellent and the atmosphere once again was superb,” said town clerk Suzie Thomas.

“We’ve received lots of positive feedback and we could not have asked for a better day weatherwise, the sun shone all day.”

She added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and put their hands in their pockets to support the various charities and stall holders, and a special thank you to West Wales Maritime Heritage, especially Mr. David James, who every year, guides the boats up safely into the pond.

“The real winners are the charities and organisations that raised money for so many good causes, including the RNLI, Monkton Priory Church, Diabetes, air ambulance and also the Sea Scouts, 3rd Pembroke Scouts to name but a few.”