A POWERBOATING event in Milford Haven this summer has forced Pembrokeshire Fish Festival to find new moorings.

The Port of Milford Haven has today announced it will not be hosting the Pembrokeshire Fish Week opening weekend.

Instead, the festivities will cast off with a show-piece event at Lawrenny on Saturday, June 24, and a family fun day at Scolton Manor on Sunday, June 25, sponsored by the Western Telegraph.

Neil Jenkins, destination director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our staff have enjoyed organising Milford Fish Festival, having stepped in to ensure an event continued during 2015 while the week-long Pembrokeshire Fish Week was suspended.

“Pembrokeshire County Council have since re-established the much-loved, county-wide event and the Port wishes the event team every success as it goes in a new direction.

"Whilst we are not hosting the opening weekend of Pembrokeshire Fish Week at Milford Waterfront, we are committed to supporting Pembrokeshire Fish Week.

“Aside from helping businesses on the marina organise events throughout the week, we are supporting the Lawrenny event by being a base for water taxis to and front the event.”

Fish Week, which this year runs from June 24 to July 2, comes just weeks before Milford Haven welcomes the P1 Powerboat Welsh Grand Prix of the Sea – an event the Port hopes will ‘put Milford on the map’.

“This is an important first for us and Pembrokeshire, and it will attract new national and international audiences,” said Mr Jenkins.

Mike Owen, head of advertising sales at the Western Telegraph, said: “We are delighted to be taking a leading role in this year’s Fish Week.

“The Big Day Out will be a fun-packed celebration of the county for all the family.

“We hope to host more than 75 stalls showcasing much of what is great about life in Pembrokeshire.

“The event will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses, suppliers and producers to meet the public and make friends in the beautiful setting of Scolton Manor.”

Restaurants, cafes, fishing business and others will also continue to host nautical-themed events throughout the week.

Businesses on Milford Waterfront wanting to apply for funding towards an event during the week 24th June – 2nd July should contact the Port’s Marketing Department on 01646 696360.

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