Blues, Birds and Holiday Cheer: What’s on in Pembrokeshire this November

Live music, the excitement of Christmas, and a bit of birdwatching is all waiting for you in Pembrokeshire this November.

If you are preparing for a late autumn cottage break in Wales, we have compiled some of the events that will help you enjoy yourself in Pembrokeshire this month. Here’s what’s on in November:
 

Tenby Blues Festival

The well-attended annual event runs from 13 to 15 November. The festival includes performances by a number of local and international musicians, as well blues workshops and educational events. This year, acts that are confirmed include Connie Lush, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Matt Woosey, Willie & The Bandits, Rollo Markee & The Tailshakers, and Jo Harmon.

Always a highlight of the Tenby Blues Festival is a free pub trail on Saturday and Sunday. Fans and ticket holders can travel amongst Tenby’s pubs, hotels, and restaurants enjoying the various live music acts. In support of the popularity of the trail, event organisers have expanded it this year to accommodate increased numbers.

This year also introduces a new event. Roots ‘n’ Shoots will showcase artists influenced by the blues. It will feature rockabilly legend John Lewis, Woosey, and the goodtime Cajun/Zydeco band Whiskey River. Woosey was recently voted Acoustic Artist of the Year 2015 by Blues and Soul magazine.
 

Picton Castle Christmas Market

The holiday season kicks off in earnest with the annual market in the historic Welsh castle. Built in the 1200s, Picton Castle in Haverfordwest is set in 40 acres of gorgeous Pembrokeshire woodlands and is surrounded by maintained wall gardens. Held on the weekend of 21-22 November, the Christmas market is the biggest one in the Welsh county.

The event features more than 50 stalls full of amazing crafts and gifts. The well-adorned rooms and corridors of the castle are featured in the holiday market. There is also a temporary food hall installed on the property’s north lawn to celebrate the event. There will even be musical entertainment from the Penfro Minstrels and the local Salvation Army Brass Band.
 

Pembrokeshire Bird Conference

When the Christmas market is completed, Picton will re-open its doors to bird lovers from around the country. On Sunday, 29 November, the conference will host lectures and discussions about bird-related topics specific to Pembrokeshire and Wales.

The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Emyr Evans, who will lead a talk entitled "Ospreys in Wales: the First Ten Years". Leading Welsh conservationist Iolo Williams has spoken highly of Evans’ expertise and commitment to protecting birds in the area.

"Emyr Evans has been at the forefront of osprey conservation work in Wales, from the early years at Glaslyn to the present day as head of the team safeguarding the pair nesting at Cors Dyfi near Machynlleth,” Williams said in introducing Evans recent book. “Emyr is ideally placed to write about the first ten years and without his knowledge and enthusiasm, osprey conservation in Wales would certainly be a very different story."

For more information on the event, please refer to the Pembrokeshire Bird Group website.

Image Credit: Shan Owens (flickr.com)