News

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 […]

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, Samhain, the Welsh and Celtic festivals that mark the start of Winter. Process: SPAN works through co-creation and aims to place the voice of the community at the centre of the decision-making. From this open

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,

Joyful Half-Term Celebration of Welsh Culture Comes to Narberth Families across Pembrokeshire are invited to celebrate Welsh culture, creativity and community at a joyful, family-friendly event taking place on Wednesday 18 February. Designed as a relaxed and welcoming half-term day out, the event offers a rich programme of hands-on workshops, storytelling, music and food,  with opportunities to drop in for a single activity or enjoy the full day of celebrations. At the heart of the day is the Dewi Sant Promenade Parade, a lively procession through Narberth featuring traditional music from Reel Rebels, alongside much-loved symbols of Welsh folklore including a dragon and the Mari Lwyd. The parade celebrates Wales’s deep cultural heritage while inviting audiences of all ages to take part in a shared moment of joy and spectacle. The wider programme showcases the breadth of Welsh creativity. Adults can take part in a calming weaving workshop with artist Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts, while children are invited to a storytelling and craft session led by Hedydd Hughes and Luci Saunders at Narberth Scout Hut. The day concludes with a warm and sociable Family Twmpath, complete with live music, cawl and Welsh cakes, offering a true taste of Welsh

Creadigaethau Cwiar – Lansiad y Tymor Newydd Rydym yn falch iawn o gychwyn tymor newydd sbon o Greadigaethau Cwiar gyda’n digwyddiad cyntaf eleni: Ymddangosiad: Ma’s yn y Gymuned, Ddydd Mercher Chwefror 11eg Mae’r digwyddiad yn ymwneud â gweladwyedd, mynegiant, a mynd â chreadigrwydd cwiar y tu hwnt i ddrysau caeedig ac i le cyhoeddus a rennir. Gyda’n gilydd, byddwn yn cynllunio ac yn creu posteri beiddgar, deniadol a gaiff eu dosbarthu ledled y sir yn ddiweddarach ym mis Chwefror.. Bydd y posteri yn cael eu creu mewn estheteg arddull radicalaidd, gan ddefnyddio ffontiau wedi’u torri, collage, a thechnegau argraffu, meddyliwch am eu gwneud â llaw, mynegiannol, di-ymddiheuriad ac ychydig yn wrthryfelgar. Y GWEITHDAI Byddwn yn cynnal dau weithdy creadigol ar y dydd. Mae croeso i chi ymuno a’r naill neu’r llall neu’r ddau. GWEITHDY #1: GEIRIAU A DYLUNIAD 🕑 2pm – 4pm Dan arweiniad y bardd Jane Campbell a’r Ysgrifennwr/Cyfarwyddwr Anna Sherratt Mae’r sesiwn yn canolbwyntio ar iaith, negeseua a dyluniad gweledol – yn archwilio sut gall geiriau lenwi gofod, tarfu ar ddisgwyliadau a chyfleu hunaniaeth a  chymuned.   Gweithdy #2: Collage a chreu 🕔 5pm – 7pm Dan arweiniad yr artistiaid aml-gyfrwng Bean Sawyer a Daisy Buckle Sesiwn ymarferol

Call for Community Choirs: Narberth A Cappella Concert 2026 SPAN Arts is excited to announce a call for Community Choirs to perform at the Narberth A Cappella Concert 2026! This unique event, celebrating a cappella voices, draws crowds from across the UK and offers choristers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents. Event Date: The concert will be held on Sunday April 12th 2026   Location: The event will take place at St Andrew’s Church, Church Street NARBERTH SA67 7BH Performance Slot: Each selected choir will have a 20-minute performance slot Submit Application: Email the performance samples, photograph, and video to info@span-arts.org.uk by the deadline. Deadline: Ensure your application is sent by Friday 23rd January 2026. About the Narberth A Cappella Festival and Concert. The Narberth A Cappella Festival, organised by SPAN Arts, is Wales’s only a cappella voice celebration. With over 25 years of history, the biennial festival focuses on community voices. With the full festival returning in 2027, this year we will be holding a Narberth A Cappella Concert for 2026. About SPAN Arts SPAN Arts is a Pembrokeshire-based charity dedicated to using the arts to drive social change in rural West Wales. We collaborate with local artists

Unfurl: Writing in the Fungal Realms This winter, SPAN Arts invites you to Unfurl — a free 2.5-hour creative writing workshop that slips beneath the soil and into the quiet brilliance of fungi, queer ecology, and the lived experiences of BPOC trans femmes. Guided by the queer forces of nature that are fungi and BPOC trans femme writers, the workshop offers a soft, grounded space to explore identity, transformation, and the stories waiting beneath your surface. A Season Made for Slow Magic Winter is a time of retreat, introspection, and the gentle kind of creativity that emerges when the world slows down. Underground, networks of mycelium weave and expand in the dark — adaptive, resilient, and endlessly interconnected. Unfurl draws inspiration from this hidden world. Through fungi, we explore how identities shift, how ideas take root, and how we grow through the unseen work happening beneath it all. Led by cee-cee manrique Your guide for this journey is cee-cee manrique (@ceecee_manrique), a trans femme mushroom farmer (@hyphaemushrooms) and emerging writer whose practice lives at the intersection of ecology, tenderness, and queer creativity. These sessions are intentionally gentle. There’s no obligation to share your writing aloud, but a warm, supportive environment

Enjoy Every Minute: SINGERS CALL OUT Calling all Mother’s in Pembrokeshire!  Deadline: Friday 9 January Are you a mum, stepmum, god mum, cat mum, retired mum, or first-time mum? Need a fun break and some time just for you? SPAN and Unlimited are commissioning a new show with Ceri Ashe and Angharad Tudor exploring the highs and lows of motherhood in rural West Wales, and we’re looking for a group of mums to form a chorus singing comical alternative nursery rhymes. No need to learn anything by heart — lyrics will be provided. The process is low-pressure, fun and playful. Open and accessible to all. This is a voluntary role. To apply, email info@span-arts.org.uk with a few sentences about why you’d like to take part, plus your age and location. See Key Dates below KEY DATES Rehearsals: Wednesday the 4th March 2026. 7.30pm to 9pm – on Zoom  Saturday the 7th March 2026 3pm to 5pm Span Building, Narberth in person  Show: Saturday the 14th March 10am to 5pm Albany Hall. Haverfordwest. Rehearsal at 10am First show – 12pm Second show – 4pm Find out more here

Share your SPAN stories! Submit Feedback As SPAN approaches its 35th anniversary, we are looking for funding to support a creative archive project to celebrate the people, artists and impact of SPAN over that time. We plan to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and your feedback will help us shape the application.  Submit Feedback

SPAN Arts: 2025 End-of-Year Highlights As we reach the end of another vibrant year at SPAN Arts, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything that has unfolded across our creative spaces. It has been a year defined by imagination, collaboration, and the incredible spirit of the Pembrokeshire community. We couldn’t be more grateful for the people who have walked through our doors, joined our projects, and brought their energy, curiosity, and talent to everything we do. A Year of Creative Growth From workshops and exhibitions to performances and community gatherings, 2025 has seen SPAN deliver one of its most diverse and ambitious programmes yet. Together, we have explored new ideas, nurtured emerging voices, and opened our doors to artists and audiences of all ages. Our Welcome Wednesday and Creative Connections sessions have become weekly touchstones, places where creativity and wellbeing meet, offering gentle learning, shared moments, and meaningful connection. Whether sewing seaweed, painting, playing ukulele, or meeting artists, participants have brought enthusiasm that continually fuels our work. Special projects also flourished, from community-led theatre development and Exhibitions like Trysor y Môr, with our Love Stories to Nature Commission, an immersive seaweed-based installation, highlighted the power of local stories told

Celebrate midwinter with a full day of festive making and creativity at SPAN Studio. This special Christmas Workshop Day is designed for adults and our wonderful volunteers, offering hands-on sessions in wreath making and card creation. Whether you join for one session or stay all day, you’ll enjoy a heartwarming blend of creativity, connection, and community spirit. Morning: Christmas Wreath Making 10:30am – 1:00pm Led by Hannah Darby Returning by popular demand, this workshop guides you in creating your own unique Christmas wreath using fresh winter foliage and flowers. With full instructions and all materials provided, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike. Adults (16+): Pay What You Can – £7 / £10 / £15 / £20 Afternoon: Photo Christmas Card Making with Belinda Bean 2:00pm – 4:30pm Led by Belinda Bean Join artist Belinda Bean for a creative afternoon blending photography and craft. Learn how to capture festive images of winter greenery and decorations, then print and design your own personal Christmas cards. This relaxed, hands-on session is ideal for anyone wanting to combine creativity with the joy of making something meaningful for loved ones. Adults (16+): Pay What You Can – £3 / £5 / £7 /

Join us on 7 January for a relaxed and welcoming evening at SPAN Arts, as we gather local artists, creatives, and freelancers for a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark future collaborations. Whether you’re a maker, performer, designer, writer, or simply someone passionate about the creative arts, this is your opportunity to find out what’s happening behind the scenes at SPAN – and how you can be part of it. Date: 7 January 2026 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: SPAN Arts, Narberth Expect drinks, snacks, and good company as we ease into the new season together. You’ll also get a sneak peek at some of SPAN’s upcoming projects and find out how to get involved in shaping the creative year ahead. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, start something new, or just fancy an inspiring evening with likeminded folks – we’d love to see you there.

The Woman on the Hill: A Story Rooted in Community and Climate Action Mercury Theatre Wales has long been known for creating powerful new theatre that reflects the voices and concerns of local communities. With The Woman on the Hill, the company turns its focus to one of the most urgent challenges of our time: climate change — and the ways it affects the people and places closest to home. Inspiration from the Coast For years, the company had wanted to explore climate change on stage, but as Artistic Director Bethan Morgan explains, “It’s such a huge topic that it was difficult to know where to start.”That direction came during their first Research and Development phase, when Mercury Theatre Wales held community discussions around the Welsh coast. “It wasn’t until we began those conversations that the problems of rising sea levels and flooding really stood out as a starting point for the play,” says the team. “People spoke passionately about how climate change was not just an abstract issue, but something already shaping their lives.” Meet Carys – Courage, Loss, and Hope At the heart of the story is Carys, a young woman from a small Welsh seaside village. By

SPAN Arts and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro are proud to present the much-loved Advent Concert, returning for 2025 with an evening of festive music, Welsh culture, and community celebration. This year’s concert will feature the internationally acclaimed tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, performing once again in his home county of Pembrokeshire. Originally from Clunderwen, Llŷr Griffiths is a Welsh-speaking artist who studied Theatre, Music and Media at University of Wales Trinity Saint David before training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. Celebrated for his role with the Welsh National Opera in Il trittico, Griffiths’ remarkable voice has earned him widespread recognition as one of Wales’ most exciting talents. Accompanist: Meinir Jones Parry. Also joining the line-up is the award-winning Côr Llanddarog, a choir of over fifty members established in 2002 by Meinir Richards. Over the past two decades, they have performed across Wales, taken part in national television broadcasts, and sung alongside household names such as Michael Ball on Whitesands Beach. Renowned for their success at the National Eisteddfod, Côr Llanddarog has won the mixed choir category five times, securing top placements consistently, including third place in 2024 and second in 2025. Conductor: Meinir Richards Accompanist: