Tenby Town Council’s Festivities Committee wanted the 2021 Christmas Decorations to be bigger, better and brighter and to show the whole town coming together.

Therefore, following an idea from Clr. Matthew Ronowitz, the Town Council has provided funding for Christmas Trees arounds St. Mary’s Church, Tudor Square and St. Georges Street.

Designed by local florist Shelley Webb, of Flowers by Shelley, the trees have a uniform look that reflects everyone working together.

Businesses have been encouraged to join in and have bought their own matching trees.

In addition some trees have been sponsored by businesses and individuals.

“I am delighted so many people and businesses have embraced this initiative and I hope that even more will join in next year. The town is rightly showing itself off,” said Clr. Ronowitz.

Designer Shelley added: “I am grateful to Tenby Council for asking me to do this. I hope everyone enjoys this festive splash of creativity!”

Praising the work that has been done, Mayor of Tenby Clr. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It has been such a challenging year but throughout Tenby has been at its best. So this Christmas, we want to be at our best too.”

Clr Skyrme-Blackhall and Clr. Ronowitz took a walkabout this week to take a look at the festive trees that have started to appear around the town ahead of the big Christmas lights switch on this Saturday (November 27) when Santa will be joining the Mayor to turn on the town’s lights at 5 pm.

“It just goes to show what can be achieved. This Christmas, as a Town we are working together, celebrating together and thank goodness we are also being together,” added the Mayor.

A Christmas cracker of a day is planned starting with top local DJ Steve Briers who will be on hand throughout the afternoon to keep the Christmas atmosphere swinging with plenty of festive, chart and popular music favourites

Kelly Williams School of Dance will be performing from 1.30 to 2 pm then the Salvation Army band and Tenby Friendship Group take over to lead community carol singing in Tudor Square.

Local vocalist Mike Jones will then take the stage at 2.30 pm followed by versatile duo Sleeping Dogs at 3.45 pm who will lead the final build up to the arrival of Father Christmas.

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs Sam Skyrme-Blackhall will set off down to Castle Hill to meet Father Christmas at 4.30 pm to join Coastguards, firefighters and RNLI crew members for a ‘Blue Light’ parade through a festive flurry of snow from the roof of Tenby House Hotel (weather permitting) to turn on the lights on the town Christmas tree in the grounds of St Mary’s Church at 5 pm.

While this event is permitted under current Covid-19 restrictions as it is open air, members of the public are advised that attendance is at their own discretion and they need to be mindful of social distancing requirements.

Anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms should not attend.

Unfortunately, there will be no grotto and family entertainment in the De Valence following the lights switch on this year.

However, the De Valence’s regular ‘Quirky Crafters’ will be holding a Christmas Craft fayre at the venue during the day.