The grand re-opening of the Memorial Hall and a harbour fireworks display are some of the highlights planned for New Quay community this weekend.

A series of events are lined up to coincide with a two-day ‘Story Studio’ offering all local residents the opportunity to share their experiences of life in the area.

The Rural Futures team will be speaking with residents of the New Quay, Llanarth and Llandysiliogogo wards to hear about what is important for the area.

"The intention of Story Studio is to contribute to a shared understanding of what makes the area so special, and what the future could hold," said a spokesperson.

"During a year of lockdowns, the Rural Futures project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, have been developing a picture of local concerns, needs and aspirations.

"Despite not being able to meet, people from across the area took part in storytelling phone calls, leading to an online survey, the results of which will be on display at the Story Studio.

"A series of short films will reflect residents’ views about local culture, housing, heritage and future generations.

"Scores of historic photographs will also be on display to help visitors reflect on times gone by.

"Younger voices will be heard too, including from pupils at Ysgol Bro Sion Cwilt, who have creatively expressed what they love and want to safeguard in the area, and what they’d most like to see change."

A highlight of the weekend will be the grand re-opening of the Memorial Hall, featuring a short ceremony officiated by Ben Lake MP at 11am on Saturday 30 October.

There will be an opportunity to visit all of the building’s new facilities in small groups.

Victoria Bancroft, leading the Rural Futures team in New Quay, is looking forward to what the weekend will bring:

“Following the innovative online approaches of my colleague Teresa Walters in starting community conversations over the last year, it is wonderful to finally be able to hear the community story in person," she said.

"And what a fitting way to do it – held at the Memorial Hall with its long community history, newly refurbished and fit for the community’s needs now, and for the future.

"I would urge anybody in New Quay and the surrounding area to drop in during the weekend and share their own local stories.”

The timetable of events is: Saturday 30 October: 10am-4pm, Story Studio, The Memorial Hall. 11am, with Ben Lake MP, grand re-opening ceremony, The Memorial Hall. 5.30pm-8pm (fireworks at 7pm) New Quay Fireworks, The Harbour Sunday 31 October: 10am-3pm: Story Studio, The Memorial Hall.