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AL-TA’RIJA Free Moroccan Hand Drumming Workshops with Ayoub Boukhalfa “Music is the language that everyone can understand” BOOK Join musician Ayoub Boukhalfa for a joyful and inclusive introduction to Moroccan hand drumming. Participants will receive the gift of a hand drum to keep beyond the project. You only need to be able to attend one session to take part. This activity is free, butbooking is essential. Free sessions suitable for everyone 16+ MOROCCAN DRUM WORKSHOP 25 November – 10.30am-12:30 pmWelcome WednesdaySPAN Arts, Narberth 2 December – 5:30pm-7:30 pmCommunity WorkshopSPAN Arts, Narberth 9 December – 10:30 am-12:30pmCreative ConnectionsSPAN Arts, Narberthfor Carers CELEBRATION EVENT 12 December1:30am – 3:-30pmScout Hut, Narberth FREE! BOOK

This autumn, the magic of Noson Galan Gaeaf will come to life on the streets of Haverfordwest as SPAN Arts brings back the much-loved Haverfordwest Lantern Parade. We’re inviting the community to get involved by making their very own lantern at one of our free, family-friendly public workshops, before bringing them along to the spectacular parade on Friday 30 October. Make your own lantern Our lantern-making workshops are a chance for all ages to get creative, meet other members of the community and make something special to carry in the parade. Working with willow, paper and reusable LED lights, you’ll create your own illuminated lantern inspired by the themes and stories behind this year’s parade. There are three free, drop-in workshops: Saturday 26 September – HaverHub,  The Old Post Office, 12 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG Saturday 3 October – VC Gallery, 30 High St, Haverfordwest SA61 2DA Saturday 17 October – Albany Hall, 2 Hill St, Haverfordwest  SA61 1QF 10.30am–3.30pm No need to book – just drop in and join us! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Important: all lanterns will be illuminated using LED lights. There will be no live flames or candles. A parade inspired by ancient stories

The Zoo That Comes To You! Location: Narberth Scout Hut Date: Wednesday 22nd July Times: 12-1pm Tickets: Pay What You Can – starting at £5 BOOK NOW The Zoo That Comes To You follows the impassioned attempts of two animal enthusiasts to share their love of and concern for animals with the world. They take in animals that need respite, care or a temporary home and have, accidentally, ended up with a whole sanctuary, but with no visitors! So everybody – animals and humans alike – have decided it is time to get out, see the world, and bring the zoo, to you. Come and meet this eclectic group of charming yet cheeky animals, as they discuss their life experiences and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. They have a lot to say and want to inspire people of all ages to take action, because they know small actions can make a big difference in the world. Featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters, Scarlet Oak Theatre invites everyone to join the conversation about animal conservation.  Running time 60mins. Suitable for ages 5+ but we welcome younger audiences and unaccompanied grownups. BOOK NOW

Journey of the Shapeshifter – Circus at the meadow in Colby Woodland Garden 1 Aug 2026   Times: Performance 1 – 1pm | Performance 2 – 4pm ( each approx. 45 minutes)   Tickets: Pay What You Can – starting at £6 BOOK Journey of the Shapeshifter is a circus show with aerial, acrobatics and live folk music, designed for families and audiences of all ages. Inspired by the tale of Ceridwen and Taliesen from the Mabinogi, the show follows the themes of transformation and metamorphosis of humans embodying animal forms. The greater message is that we, as animals, are part of the natural world and can live harmoniously with nature. Freya Sofia and her company are based in the Dyffryn Ogwen. Their work is inspired by the local landscape, folklore and folk music.     We expect this to be a very popular event, so it is strongly recommended that you pre-book your tickets online through the SPAN arts website to secure your place at one of two wonderful performances being held that day.   Parking: There is paid parking available at the National Trust site, but space may be limited, please arrive early to ensure a space. Alternatively, additional parking is available in Amroth and you can walk to

Love Stories To Nature – Writing the Wild: Poetry Treasure Hunt Love Stories to Nature is a creative programme that supports artists to explore our relationship with the environment through ambitious, thought-provoking new work. From coastlines and forests to towns, communities and the climate crisis, the programme embraces a broad understanding of what ‘nature’ and ‘environment’ mean, encouraging projects that connect people with the places around them. Through commissions across a wide range of art forms, Love Stories to Nature celebrates creativity, sparks conversation, and inspires communities to see, value and care for the environment in new ways.   Welcome to the Love Stories to Nature Poetry Treasure Hunt! Throughout July and August 2026  Hidden across the Pembrokeshire are 5 poems and 1 bonus poem, each placed in a small treasure box containing a poem, notebook, pencil and sharpener. There is no set route – you choose where to begin, where to go next, and how many you want to find. Read the clues below, use the what3words locations, and set off on your adventure. MORE Writing the Wild – Tea Party! Join us on the 30th of September to celebrate Writing the Wild with a tea party, exhibition and

The Naming of Things — with Julie Davies A guided beach walk, community clean-up and frame making workshop series on the shores of Saundersfoot — celebrating the creatures and objects the sea leaves behind. What does the tide wash in – and what do we owe it? Join artist Julie Davies for a series of guided walks along Saundersfoot beach, where washed-up creatures will be named, honoured and photographed in a spirit of curiosity and care. As we walk, we’ll gather beach plastics, not to discard them, but to transform them. In the workshops that follow, those collected materials become picture frames: objects that once polluted the shore repurposed to hold something beautiful. The project culminates in a two-day public exhibition at Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, where the photographs and frames made throughout the summer will be displayed together for the first time. Beach clean walks 📍 Meet at Saundersfoot slipway · 11am–1pm – Sunday 16 June – Tuesday 1 July – Tuesday 12 August Frame Making workshops 📍 Regency Hall, Saundersfoot · 11am–1pm – Monday 24 June – Tuesday 15 July Exhibition 📍 Regency Hall, Saundersfoot – Thursday 28 August · 1:30pm–4:30pm – Friday 29 August · 10am–4:30pm All events

Writing The Wild SPAN is thrilled to share the news that its second Love Stories to Nature environmental commission is underway – Writing the Wild with The Narberth Poets. Join us in this new project to create the ultimate collaborative love poem to Pembrokeshire. Throughout the summer, there will be a poetry treasure hunt, with words to inspire, hidden in diverse locations across the county, with the chance for you to share a thought, a line, a verse or a whole poem in response to being in the landscape. This is an opportunity to pay slow, close attention to our natural surroundings, and wildlife, and to reflect on the impacts of climate change. The possibilities are as varied as the terrain, and you do not need to think of yourself as a ‘writer’ to get involved. Narberth Poets will gather the lines together and weave their magic to create a wild, communal poem in celebration of our county and its environmental treasures. Throughout July and August, these poems will be placed in boxes at their locations with teasers, clues and what3words pins shared across social media. This will be your cue to go wild in response, using the pens and

CAST YOUR VOTE TO DECIDE WHICH LANTERN LEADS THE PARADE  Two large-scale illuminated puppet figures, approximately 3 metres tall, each carried by a hidden puppeteer. One draws on the Welsh Goddesses Cerridwen and Rhiannon, figures of magic and transformation, the other portrays a White Stag, sacred messenger from the Otherworld. Decorated with symbolic imagery and brightly lit by LED lights, the two figures would interact with each other and the crowd throughout the parade. The Cwn Annwn — a spectral hound from Welsh mythology said to escort souls through the winter veil. This puppet stands around 2.5m tall, with white fur, blood-red ears, and floaty fabric trailing from its body. Built from willow, fairy lights, and reclaimed materials, it will be operated by two puppeteers and able to move freely through the crowd. A striking Ladi Wen lantern puppet inspired by Welsh folklore. The 3-metre floating ghost figure, built from willow, fabric, and glowing LED light, will lead the parade through the streets, with a moving arm for interaction and atmosphere. Community-made lanterns, including stars, ghosts, and seed-inspired designs. Two puppets inspired by Calan Gaeaf folklore. The Sun Giant — a very large figure with a glowing lantern head and

Introducing Sinfonia Cymru’s Free Cymuned Sessions – Free Quality Live Music at the Heart of our Community. Sinfonia Cymru isn’t your typical orchestra. ‘Cymuned’ – Community, is at the heart of everything they do and they want to make sure everyone in Wales can access and experience high quality orchestral music in venues where they feel at home. Cymuned is a free hour-long concert, performed by a small group of Sinfonia Cymru’s exceptionally talented young musicians, all under 30 and amongst the best in the UK. The programme presents a variety of music with something for everyone. If you’ve been thinking that classical music isn’t for you, or if you’re unsure if you’ll like it, give it a go. Everyone is welcome, and yes, all tickets are completely free – but please book a ticket in advance to secure your spot.   DONATE

Rising Tide: A Celebration of Voice, Culture and Community Since 2015, Wales One World Choir (WOW Choir), formerly Oasis One World Choir, has been welcoming people seeking sanctuary in Cardiff. For many, the choir provides vital support while rebuilding life in a new country, often in an unfamiliar language. Through the shared language of music, barriers are broken down, friendships are formed, and a strong sense of community is created. WOW Choir has developed an innovative and inclusive approach, combining the expertise of refugee and non-refugee facilitators. Notably, 80% of its leadership team have lived experience of the asylum process, bringing authenticity and depth to their music and dance sessions. Their performances and workshops reflect the richness and diversity of their global membership, enabling participants to contribute to and enrich the cultural life of Wales. In collaboration with SPAN Arts, WOW Choir presents Rising Tide — an immersive celebration of song, dance, and spoken word, honouring the voices, cultures, and stories of people seeking sanctuary. Directed by multidisciplinary artist Ffion Campbell-Davies, Rising Tide is a joyful, powerful, and deeply human experience. The event features work by Ayoub Boukhalfa, performed alongside Moroccan Gnawa Master Mohammed Errebbaa. The event will take place

Step Into the Magic of Shakespeare This Summer with SPAN Arts’ Outdoor Performance of The Comedy of Errors Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of The Tempest, SPAN Arts is thrilled to welcome back The Festival Players for another evening of open-air Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth. This year’s production:   Friday 12th June| Lampeter House, Narberth | Doors open 6pm | Performance begins 7pm   One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, The Comedy of Errors follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.   Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.   The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour. A Magical Setting for a Midsummer’s Night   Lampeter House

Poetry as Protest art exhibition at SPAN Arts Narberth, Pembrokeshire — Resistance is Fertile, an exhibition of protest poetry presented as visual art by Narberth Poets, will open at SPAN Arts in Narberth on 6 May, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. The exhibition, which brings together poetry and accompanying artwork, will run until 4 June. Entry is free. Visitors are also warmly invited to attend a special Welcome Wednesday event on 27 May at 10:30am, featuring live readings by the poets. The exhibition showcases new and developed work by six poets — Bean Sawyer, Jane Campbell, Jackie Biggs, Jean Riley, Christian Donovan, and Emma Baines. Since its earlier showings at Narberth Museum last summer and at Oriel y Parc in St Davids earlier this year, the artists have expanded the collection with new pieces. Resistance is Fertile was created as a response to political, social, and environmental injustices in the world today. Through their work, the poets aim to inspire reflection and encourage audiences to question and challenge the status quo. The exhibition highlights how collaboration and creativity can act as powerful tools for change, while sustaining a sense of hope. Previous audiences have responded strongly to the exhibition: “Such a

Raising Her Voice: A Collective Portrait of Motherhood Pembrokeshire-based portrait & figurative artist Ella Starling presents Raising Her Voice: A Collective Portrait of Motherhood, a new body of work exploring the transition into motherhood in collaboration with mothers from across Pembrokeshire. Working predominantly in oils and charcoal, Starling creates intimate, emotionally charged portraits that make space for experiences often left unspoken. Based on in-depth interviews with three local mothers, alongside Mothers’ Circles and her own lived experience, the project offers an honest portrayal of matrescence – the profound psychological and emotional shift that accompanies becoming a mother. “I want to create honest, personal representations of motherhood that challenge the often oversimplified and limiting narratives we see in visual culture.” Through extended conversation and collective reflection, the work reveals how many women move through birth and early motherhood without space to process what they have experienced. The focus quickly shifts to the child, yet the internal transformation and even traumas of the mother are rarely acknowledged. One portrait draws on a powerful image described during the process, of a dark cave with the mother looking down at their broken body. The piece holds both strength and vulnerability in tension, acknowledging birth

SPAN Arts has been commissioned to deliver a large-scale lantern parade event in Haverfordwest on Friday 30th of October 2026.   The parade aims to bring the community together in celebration of the town, its people, and Pembrokeshire. The parade and its theme will be shaped by the community, and we are looking for a lead artist/s to join us on this journey. Starting with the open call to artists and community choice of theme, the engagement will continue through a targeted program of lantern-making workshops, and large lantern commissions. All this will culminate in the grand parade itself accompanied by live music and ending with an iconic light-based celebratory performance, putting the town on the map in terms of its commitment to quality and innovation and leaving a legacy of increased civic pride and connection. SPAN is looking for artists to pitch visual concepts for the event, focusing on the design of large-scale lanterns/puppets that will be the centre point of the event. This year’s parade is inspired by the theme: Noson Galan Gaeaf. Long before trick-or-treat and pumpkin carving, Wales had its own ancient tradition on the night of 31st October. Literally meaning ‘Winter’s Eve’, Noson Galan Gaeaf was a night when the veil

Young People and Families Urgently Needed to Support SPAN Arts SPAN Arts is sending out a heartfelt call for more young people and families to join its volunteer team, as the organisation faces a shortage at a time when its events programme is growing faster than ever. For more than 30 years, SPAN Arts has brought communities together through creativity—using the arts to spark ideas, build connections, and inspire positive change. Like many community organisations, it relies on volunteers to make this work possible. Right now, that support is needed more than ever. A Genuine Call for Support “Volunteers are the backbone of our organisation, and at the moment we’re low on numbers,” the team explains. “With more events coming up, we really need more people to step in, especially young people and families.” This is an open, honest invitation to be part of something meaningful—whether you can spare an hour or want to get more deeply involved. Why It Matters — and What You’ll Gain Volunteering with SPAN Arts isn’t just about giving your time. It’s about joining a creative, welcoming community and gaining valuable experiences along the way. Volunteers often say they: Meet new people and feel part

The Big Plant Sale Returns to Narberth for 2026 Green thumbs and crafty hands unite as West Wales’ much-loved Big Plant Sale returns for 2026, bringing together the very best in local plants, crafts and community spirit. Taking place at Narberth CP School, this year’s event offers an expanded space filled with a vibrant mix of local plant growers, nurseries and eco-conscious makers. Known as one of the first plant sales of the season in the area, the event is a go-to destination for gardeners of all levels. Visitors can expect a wide selection of plants, from windowsill succulents and young seedlings to more unusual and specialist varieties, perfect for refreshing homes and gardens for spring. Alongside the plants, a curated craft fair will showcase a range of locally made, environmentally conscious products, including handmade soaps, textiles and wooden crafts. More than just a market, The Big Plant Sale is a family-friendly day out. Alongside the stalls, there will be locally produced food, live music and entertainment, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere for all ages. Local growers, plant nurseries, craftspeople and makers are invited to be part of the event. SPAN Arts is currently welcoming enquiries from stallholders, particularly

Happy St David’s Day! Traditionally known as the “feast day of Saint David”, March 1st has been a day of celebration in Wales since the 12th century. Today, as well as remembering St David and his achievements, it’s a day to honour Wales as a whole and everything that makes our culture so vibrant. One of the most beloved favourites is cawl — a warming lamb and vegetable broth often served with fresh bread and a generous helping of cheese. It’s a true taste of Welsh comfort cooking, and while it’s a classic for March 1st, we happily recommend enjoying it all year round. The red dragon is more than a striking symbol. It carries a legend of conflict, courage and survival. Long ago, the tale tells of two dragons — red and white — whose fierce battles shook the land. Peace only returned when the dragons were finally laid to rest beneath the mountain, and later, when the red dragon rose again to defeat the invading white one. For our celebration, an artist crafted this magnificent dragon puppet as a living piece of storytelling. It was a moving artwork rooted in ancient myth, carried by the community, and shared

Emergence: Creative Workshops Celebrating Queer Voices and Community Connection A new series of creative workshops titled Emergence is bringing people together in Pembrokeshire through art, expression and shared experience. Created by a group of LGBTQ+ individuals, Emergence offers a space to come out to the wider community and to unite queer and non-queer people through creativity. The programme invites LGBTQ+ participants and allies (aged 16+) to take part in hands-on sessions designed to build connection, confidence and solidarity. One workshop, led by multidisciplinary artist and stained-glass tutor Bean Sawyer, invites participants to create their own stained-glass lantern. In this relaxed session, attendees will learn how to cut glass and construct a three-dimensional lantern using the copper-foil and soldering technique. Participants can choose from provided patterns or develop their own design, selecting colours that reflect their personal style. No previous experience is needed, and all materials are supplied. Another workshop, led by queer artist, academic and art psychotherapist Emily Laurens, explores the symbolism of pennants — flags traditionally used by ships and the military to communicate identity and meaning. Participants will “queer” the pennant, creating fabric flags that represent their lives and identities, carrying messages of solidarity and unity. The session

New Theatre Show Explores the Realities of Motherhood in Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire Writer Ceri Ashe (Bipolar Me, 99er, Farmers Townies & Grocles) and comedy writer-producer Angharad Tudor have been commissioned by SPAN Arts and Unlimited to create a bold new show, Enjoy Every Minute / Joia Bob Munud, offering a heartfelt exploration of the joys, challenges, and chaos of motherhood today. The project emerged from Ceri and Angharad’s own experiences navigating motherhood alongside mental health challenges. In 2025, the pair delivered a series of creative workshops for mothers of children aged four and under in Pembrokeshire, offering 13 free places to mums with no previous creative experience. Weekly sessions were hosted at Milford Haven Library and the Pill Social Centre, welcoming children but prioritising space for mothers to explore creativity and wellbeing. Over eight weeks, participants engaged in: Poetry with Angharad Tudor, using accessible and playful writing exercises Storytelling and journaling with Ceri Ashe, sharing personal experiences of motherhood in Pembrokeshire Singing with Musical Director Sara Benbow, creating a collective song Physical expression with Tessa Ryan Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor reflect:“While we valued mother-and-baby groups, we felt something was missing in Pembrokeshire — a space for mums to explore creativity,