On the evening of August 10, 2025, the usually tranquil Tenby Harbour in Pembrokeshire, Wales, was transformed into a vibrant festival of color, music, and community spirit. The first of this year’s two Summer Spectaculars, a beloved tradition organized by the Tenby Round Table, drew hundreds of locals and visitors alike for an afternoon and evening of lively entertainment, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the night sky and set the tone for a season of celebration across the region.
Beginning at 3:00 pm, the harbour’s natural amphitheatre became a hub of activity, with families, friends, and holidaymakers soaking up the festive atmosphere. According to the Pembrokeshire Herald, the event offered something for everyone: live music acts kept toes tapping, street food vendors tempted taste buds, and charity stalls lined the waterfront. A licensed bar, run by volunteers, ensured that all proceeds would go straight back into supporting local good causes—a hallmark of the Summer Spectacular’s charitable mission.
“Every pound raised tonight will go straight back into helping local charities and projects. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it’s wonderful to see Tenby Harbour buzzing with life,” the Tenby Round Table Chairman told the Pembrokeshire Herald, expressing gratitude for the turnout and the ongoing support from both residents and tourists. The event’s free admission, with a suggested donation of £2 per person, helped ensure that everyone could join in the fun, while local licensing rules meant that alcohol could only be purchased at the event’s own charity bar.
As dusk settled, anticipation built for the evening’s grand finale. At 10:00 pm sharp, the first bursts of fireworks soared above the harbour, illuminating the water and drawing cheers from the crowd gathered along the harbour walls and beach. The spectacle was more than just a visual treat—it represented decades of tradition and a community’s commitment to giving back. Over the years, the Summer Spectacular has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities, and this year’s festivities continued that proud legacy.
But Tenby isn’t the only Welsh town celebrating with fireworks this August. Just up the coast, Tywyn is preparing for its own moment in the spotlight with a special fireworks display scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025. The occasion? The 40th anniversary of Tywyn’s famous Race the Train event—a unique competition where runners pit themselves against the pace of the historic Talyllyn steam railway.
The Race the Train event itself will take place in the morning, challenging participants to keep up with the iconic locomotive as it steams through the picturesque countryside. Later, at around 10 pm, Cae Rhianfa will host a fireworks display designed to be as inclusive as possible. Organisers have opted for low-noise fireworks, accompanied by dancing flames and music, aiming to create a magical atmosphere while minimizing disruption to the local community and wildlife.
“These will be low-noise fireworks accompanied by dancing flames and music to create a magical atmosphere. We warmly welcome everyone to come and join in the fun as we celebrate this special milestone together,” organisers announced, as reported by local sources. They also offered a word of apology: “While the fireworks are designed to be quieter than usual, there may still be some sound and light—we apologise for any inconvenience or disturbance this may cause.”
Back in Pembrokeshire, the spirit of community involvement is alive not just at harbour-side festivities, but in other corners as well. This month, Jasmyn, a Pembrokeshire native now living in New York City, launched an ambitious fundraiser to help save Pathway Counselling, a small charity that has become a lifeline for hundreds struggling with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Until recently, Pathway Counselling offered all sessions free of charge, but a funding shortfall has forced the introduction of paid appointments—a change that could leave over 84% of clients unable to access vital support.
“I’m not a runner. Even running for 60 seconds feels like my lungs are collapsing,” Jasmyn admitted to the Pembrokeshire Herald. Yet she’s set herself the challenge of completing her first 5K run, using the Couch to 5K program and chronicling her journey online, all to raise money for the service. “I wanted to choose something completely out of reach to reflect what it can feel like when you’re battling with your mental health. This isn’t a marathon. It’s a 5K. But when your mental health is suffering, even getting out of bed or making a meal can feel like a marathon. That’s what I want people to understand.”
Pathway Counselling’s trauma-informed, open-door approach—no GP referral, diagnosis, or payment required—has made it a critical resource in rural Pembrokeshire, where mental health services are often stretched thin. Public Health Wales data shows that more than one in five people in Wales now report experiencing a mental health problem, with suicide remaining a leading cause of death among young people. “All they want to do is provide free counselling, but they’ve had to start charging for some sessions just to survive,” Jasmyn said. “If over 80% of clients can’t afford that, where will they turn?”
Those wishing to support Jasmyn’s campaign and keep Pathway Counselling’s doors open can donate via the group’s GoFundMe page, with updates available on social media. The charity will also be present at the upcoming Pembrokeshire County Show, offering a mental health drop-in stall for anyone in need of a listening ear.
Elsewhere in Carmarthen, the Celtic Truck Show rolled into town on August 10, transforming the United Counties Showground into a paradise for transport enthusiasts. Hauliers and vehicle owners from across Wales and beyond showcased everything from gleaming custom rigs to specialist recovery and lifting equipment. The event, which drew huge crowds, wasn’t just for industry insiders—families enjoyed food stalls, children’s entertainment, and the chance to climb into cabs for a driver’s-eye view.
Organisers described the turnout as “fantastic,” and the event doubled as a valuable networking opportunity for the haulage community, as well as a celebration of the skill and dedication that keeps goods moving across the UK. The pride and passion of the industry were on full display, making the Celtic Truck Show a highlight of the transport calendar.
Meanwhile, in Pembroke, a crowdfunding campaign is racing against the clock to save the historic Pembroke Boat House. With just 13 days left to reach its £15,000 target, Paddle West—the company behind the drive—hopes to preserve the iconic riverside building and transform it into a first-class training centre. “This is about more than just bricks and mortar,” said a Paddle West spokesperson. “We want to save an iconic part of our town’s heritage and create a facility that will serve the community for years to come.”
With £8,105 already raised, organisers are urging the public to help them reach the finish line. Every pound donated brings them closer to safeguarding the building for future generations, ensuring it can host water sports training, community events, and educational programmes for years to come.
From fireworks over harbours and railway races to grassroots campaigns for mental health and heritage, August 2025 is shaping up to be a month where Welsh communities celebrate their strengths, rally for their causes, and light up the nights with hope and determination.
