On Saturday we went along to The Festival of Hope at Carew Airfield, Pembrokeshire. This event was organised to honour the legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas, who died of leukaemia in 2004, and to thank the people of Pembrokeshire for their support over the years. Event admission and parking was free. At Adam’s Festival of Hope in 2005, we only had a two year old Danny, but for Festival of Hope 2017, off we went with our four kids (and a far more grown up version of Danny!).
Pony Rides
First the girls spotted ponies and wanted to go and see them. Then they wanted pony rides. It’s not something I’ll ever be comfortable with if I’m honest but they learn more about it each time they have these experiences and I want them to make up their own mind’s not just be influenced by mine. So they did it and really enjoyed.
After pony rides came sister piggy back rides.
The Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust
The Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust were there with a selection of their rifles to find out about and even try (unloaded of course!).
Danny loved this as he enjoys target sports.
I haven’t been to the museum in Pembroke Dock yet but looking at their site, they have lots to see there and lots of events planned.
The Museum Picnic Club every Friday looks like a fun way for families to explore the museum.
Wales Air Ambulance
The Wales Air Ambulance team were also there and the kids enjoyed sitting in the air ambulance. I still find it hard to believe that such a vital service (especially with hospitals being so far away) is only charity funded.
There are many ways to support the Welsh Air Ambulance, you could donate, volunteer, visit Caffi HEMS or join the Lifesaving Lottery.
Caitlyn’s turn as pilot.
Lastly, Isabelle’s turn. Danny did actually want to sit inside too but there were people waiting behind so he let them go first as they’d patiently waited for all three girls to have a photo.
Festival Food
There were lots of different festival food options to choose from. We all know that festival food can be expensive. I was impressed with Izzy’s lunchbox from The Rustic Lunchbox– it cost £4.50 and included a bottle of water, choice of sandwich, biscuits, yogurt, sultanas and a colouring book with crayons.
I was won over by the cute hedgehog design on the box too!
Rebecca and I shared a stone baked cheese free pizza from Torth y Tir (Welsh for Loaf of the Land).
The pizzas are handmade using organic sourdough and toppings. At the cutting station there was a selection of fresh herbs and oils to add to the pizza. It was delicious and I could have easily eaten one by myself but I wanted to try other food too (I learnt my lesson from the last vegan fayre in Carmarthen).
Once we’d all chosen our different food we met back at a picnic table to eat together. Everywhere was decorated with beautifully arranged garden flowers.
While we’re talking of food, later on I had a Smoked Mexican Beans Wrap from The Wrap Shack.
This was again presented beautifully and tasted delicious.
These were available for £4 for children and from £7 for adults.
The cool retro bar! I love the colour. What a shame I was driving…
Fire Engines, The Police and Hula Hooping
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service came along and gave a fire safety display.
A police accident scene by Dyfed Powys Police.
The kids had lots of fun hula hooping!
The Stage
The stage was set inside the Pavilion. This was great as it meant a guaranteed dry area but of course it was quiet during the day while everybody enjoyed the rides, stalls and food. We settled inside to watch the bands.
Earlier on in the day there were dance acts, school bands and choirs.
We arrived in time to watch Rosey Cale, The Pembroke Minstels and Steve Bartam.
Then we watched Village Voices perform beautifully.
Dave and Owain from StudiOwz.
The mood livened up when Symphony Sid and the Swing Kids took to the stage with their repertoire of popular jazz and swing numbers, from “Soul Man” to “You Never Can Tell”. I was so happy when I spotted familiar faces on the dance floor so I could go up and dance too!
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Everyone joined in for “Sweet Caroline”!
Finally, there was an emotional finale as The Patients’ Choir, Hope and Glory came up and sang their own special song, “Light”. Seeing all the cancer patients, carers and medics come together in this way was really what the whole day was all about. Emotional speeches were given and we all gave a huge thank you to Chris Evans-Thomas for all she has done over the years in memory of her son, Adam.
Random Photos My Kids Take When They Have My Camera
Meanwhile the kids went for a play outside. I love seeing the photos that the kids take- this set have a vintage 70’s feel! They love using the timer!
Festival of Hope 2017
As the evening ended and we made our way to the car the sun was shining through the trees., I took a photo and thought to myself that a rainbow would have been a positive sign. As it was dry there was no rainbow in sight, but when I uploaded the photo, I found that the light had caused a rainbow lens flare so I did get my rainbow shot of sorts. It was a lovely day full of hope, we bumped into lots of friendly familiar faces and made new ones too.
Ways to Help
Find out where you can next give blood in Wales.
Join the Bone Marrow Donor Register
Support The Bucketful of Hope Shop and “Distraction centre” in Haverfordwest.
