The Tenby Summer Spectacular, a hugely popular charity event in Pembrokeshire that has been running for nearly 40 years, has been cancelled after the council revoked its licence due to concerns about crowd safety, access, and the protection of children.
Event Details and Cancellation
The event was scheduled for Sunday, August 16, and Sunday, August 30, and was set to feature food stalls, drinks, live music, and a firework display, raising thousands of pounds for charity. However, at a licensing sub-committee hearing, Pembrokeshire County Council concluded that licensing objectives were not being adequately met.
Cllr Aaron Carey, the council's cabinet member for licensing, said: "Neither I nor Pembrokeshire County Council take any satisfaction whatsoever from this decision and I know this will be very disappointing news for the organisers, volunteers, charities and many people who value the Tenby Summer Spectacular."
Safety Concerns Raised by Emergency Services
The sub-committee considered evidence from Dyfed-Powys Police, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, council officers, and event organisers. Carey noted that the concerns expressed by Dyfed-Powys Police were "extremely powerful."
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesman said: "After reviewing the event in its current format, we raised concerns surrounding public safety, protection of children from harm and the prevention of crime and disorder. Keeping our communities safe must be our priority."
Impact on Attendees and Organisers
Lydia Royce, a regular attendee who goes with her family, expressed disappointment: "It’s such a shame the events have been cancelled. We usually sit up on North Beach for the evening, with the kids running in the sea until late, and the fireworks are the perfect way to finish the evening. Such a shame that a staple of the summer tourism has been cancelled."
Tenby Round Table, the charity that organised the event, said they understood public safety must be paramount but believed their measures were adequate. Despite the council's hope for the event to continue, the charity stated they must "draw a line" given the council's stance. They added: "Thank you all for your support of these events over the decades. The hundreds of thousands of pounds that you have helped Tenby Round Table raise have been invaluable."
Future Prospects
The council acknowledged the event's charitable contribution and importance to the local economy, and said they are committed to exploring how to deliver a "sustainable and properly managed event" in the future. Carey emphasised: "Public safety must always be the overriding consideration."
The police also expressed willingness to work with organisers to hold a safe event in the future.
