03 September 2024
If there’s one thing Pembrokeshire folks love it’s a good shindig. Immerse yourself in close knit communities brought together by a shared love of music: whether you’re into folk or jazz, classical or blues, Pembrokeshire is bound to have something to suit all tastes.
Here is a list of the very best music and dance venues Pembrokeshire has to offer.
Newport Memorial Hall
Newport locals enjoy a good shindig, so it would be well worth checking out what’s on at the Newport Memorial Hall. Live music, dances, storytelling and dance classes take place all year round. A memorable night out for sure!
Burnett’s Hill Chapel
You’ll find Burnett’s Hill Chapel deep in the Martletwy countryside, near Narberth. This seemingly quiet chapel by day turns into a knee-slapping, ye-hawing venue by night. Popular with Bluegrass, American Appalachian and folk musicians – a gig here is a rare treat not to be missed.
Ffwrn
Located in Fishguard Ffwrn is the newest venue on the local music scene and has been welcomed with much local enthusiasm! Host to folk, Celtic, Welsh and jazz musicians – check out their Facebook page for the next gig. Or just pop in – the café space by day offers fantastic bread and crepes!
Ffwrn, Fishguard
Rhosygilwen
Rhosygilwen is located just outside of Cardigan and promotes music, the arts and culture in this rural corner of West Wales. Their passion is for live music by Welsh and international artists in the areas of classical, choral, folk, jazz and traditional music of Wales. Beautiful venue and always an extraordinary lineup.
Fforest Pizza Tipi
In the Summer Fforest rolls out the pizza tipi on the banks of the river Teifi in Cardigan. Live music happens every Saturday night, from July – September.
The Royal Oak, Fishguard
On market square in the middle of the town, the Royal Oak holds an informal session and features folk and traditional performers, shanties, Welsh songs, Irish jigs and reels, singer-songwriters, and more. The pub also plays a big role in the Fishguard Folk Festival every May.
Folk night at The Roayl Oak
Pembrokeshire Intimate Gigs
Pembrokeshire Intimate Gigs is a labour of love for local musician Guy Johnston. Guy coverts Celtic, American and song-writing bands and brings them to intimate Pembrokeshire settings, often around good food and drink. The Druidstone, The Cross Inn and The Welshman’s are regular venues.
Llys Meddyg
Llys Meddyg is a beautiful restaurant with rooms in Newport. Owner Ed has teamed up with local promoter Jake Hollyfield to bring you the Garden Gigs, bringing talented musicians from all over the UK to this little corner of West Wales. Garden Gigs take place in the Kitchen Garden – a cosy club-like venue that will really make gigs feel special.
Llys Meddyg
Theatre Gwaun
Also in Fishguard is Theatre Gwaun, the local cinema that was bought by the community and continues to offer film, theatre and music events, run by a truly friendly bunch of volunteers.
Queens Hall
The Queens Hall, Narberth is a charity events venue located in Wales which welcomes a variety of events ranging from live music, theatre to community events and markets. In addition, the venue hosts a range of classes including Kung Fu, art exhibitions and creative workshops throughout the week. There is also an onsite cafe open serving delicious food, coffee and cakes daily.
Queens Hall Narberth
HaverHub, Haverfordwest
Nestled in Haverfordwest’s historic Quay Street and Riverside quarter, Haverhub C.I.C. is a regeneration project firmly rooted in its town centre community. The not-for-profit social enterprise was set up to create a diverse venue for locals to meet, work, socialise and share talent. It hosts a wide range of musical performances, such as band nights, weekly open mic, and gigs by DJs and promoters, featuring local and national talent.
Gwaun Valley Brewery
A microbrewery and campsite since 2009, Gwaun Valley Brewery is the essence of local, hand-crafted real ales in a beautiful part of rural North Pembrokeshire. Since opening 13 years ago, Gwaun Valley Brewery has held live acoustic music sessions at the brewery every Saturday night. Since the pandemic these regular sessions have evolved into a session held on the last Saturday evening of every month. However musicians are always welcome to gather and play at the brewery; just get in touch.
Gwaun Valley Brewery
Bluestone Brewery, Cilgwyn
More than just your average Brewery, the Bluestone Brewing gang love to throw a few parties too! Throughout the year they put on several events hosting sold out gigs with Kanda Bongo Man & The CC Smugglers. They love to see happy people dancing at their events, and there’s nothing better than seeing 450 people dance the night away in the Brewery yard for a truly authentic north Pembrokeshire experience. They have a fairly eclectic taste, so you can expect anything from gypsy punk to reggae, and everything in between.
Bluestone Brewery
Torch Theatre
And finally, the Torch Theatre offers occasional live music, as well as musicals, cinema and live theatre. Classical music and live theatre screenings are popular, so well worth browsing the calendar to see if anything takes your fancy.
Torch Theatre
Pembrokeshire also hosts an impressive number of music Festivals throughout the year.
