THERE will be drums, fancy dress, music, film and one big bang in Fishguard this week, February 24, to celebrate the last invasion of Britain.

The last invasion community celebrations begin tomorrow, Thursday, February 21 with the launch of a genealogy project to research how many families have ancestors who would have been eyewitnesses at the time of the last invasion.

Between 6pm and 8pm, staff at Fishguard Library and Pembrokeshire Archives will be on hand at the town's library to help residents research their distant relatives.

Pre-booking is essential as this free session has limited spaces left. Ring 01437 776638 to book.

On Friday, February 22, Barrie Thomas' film, Napoleonic Weekend - Fishguard 1997, will be screened at Theatr Gwaun. The film charts the 1997 bi-centenary re-enactment weekend and will feature plenty of local faces.

Doors open at 6.15pm wit the film starting at 7pm. Tickets cost £5, to include a glass of mulled wine.

On Saturday, February 23, the celebrations reach their high point with a procession from the Golden Mile to the Gorsedd Circle on Penslade. This will begin at 11:30 am and will be led by The Corps of Drums of the Pembrokeshire Yeomanry in full uniform. Fishguard Sea Cadets and Jemima Nicholas will also be present.

Local residents and families are welcome to join in and there will be prizes for the best traditionally-dressed youngsters, to be judged at the Gorsedd Circle.

At midday, a Sea Cadet will send signal by semaphore to Fishguard Fort, triggering the ceremonial firing of the cannon; the big bang.

The day rounds off with a return walk to the Royal Oak for traditional music from Fishguard Folk musicians, and a premier performance of the new last invasion ballad; The Battle of Fishguard performed by Broadoak.

The celebrations are sponsored by Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, Cefn-y-Dre guest house, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Royal Oak. Prizes have been donated by Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade and Tourism and Fishguard Musical Theatre Society.

For more information see last invasion community celebrations Facebook page.