Portfield Fair in Rifleman Car Park sees dodgems return

On Wednesday (October 2), the long-standing fair had its grand opening at Rifleman Field Car Park after fears it would be cancelled.

The fair was successfully relocated from last years site, Scotchwell Car Park.

The Mayor of Haverfordwest Town Council attended the grand opening of The Portfield Fair. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council)

The Mayor enjoying a ride in a dodgem. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council) Numerous locals attended the fair at Rifleman Field Car Park. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council) Mayor of Haverfordwest Town Council, Cllr. Martin Lewis said: “It’s been fantastic. The move to Rifleman Field Car Park has been amazing. There is so much more space. This was the first time in 16 years that we had dodgems.

“I would like to thank Haverfordwest Town Council for making this happen. The Portfield Fair has been going for over 300 years and we would like to return it to St Thomas Green next year where there will be even more space for rides and attractions.”

At the time of writing, there are two days left for locals to enjoy the family fair – today (October 4) from 5pm to 9:30pm and tomorrow (October 5) from 2pm to 9:30pm.

The fair was relocated from Scotchwell Car Park. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council) There were concerns earlier in the year that the fair wouldn't take place. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council) Haverfordwest Town Council want the fair to return to St Thomas Green. (Image: Tim Evans/Haverfordwest Town Council) After the opening night of The Portfield Fair, Haverfordwest Town Council posted on their Facebook page: “A super night was held at the opening of the Portfield Fair by the Mayor of Haverfordwest.

“Following the customary blessing from the Mayor’s Chaplain and presentations from the Guild of Showmen, including to the Mayor’s crier – the party took to the dodgems, waltzers and twister in that order as it toured the fair.

 “The new location this year allowed the fair to expand its presence in the town which has made a huge difference. Thank you to all who attended and took part. May the next three nights be as enjoyable by all who seek the fun of the fair.”

Residents of Haverfordwest also played a part in ensuring the fair went ahead by providing feedback to the council regarding the relocation.

There was less than a month left on September 10 when locals had to return the fair flyer to the town’s council officer with feedback or to send an email with a yes or no answer.

Along with the Showmen’s Guild, Haverfordwest Town Council made this year’s Portfield Fair a reality.

However, the ultimate goal is for the fair to take place at St Thomas Green – an even larger site than Rifleman Field Car Park which some locals remember from their childhood.