The Carmarthen River Festival will not go ahead this summer, organisers have announced, citing a combination of environmental worries about the condition of the River Towy and insufficient funding.
Mayor expresses alarm over river health
Although no specific date had been set, the festival traditionally takes place in June or July. However, the state of the river has raised serious concerns, with Carmarthen's new mayor, Councillor Russell Sparks, warning that "the river is dying" and that fish stocks could be wiped out within four years. Councillor Sparks said: "As mayor of Carmarthen and current holder of the historic title Admiral of the port of Carmarthen, it is heartbreaking to see the condition of our river. The evidence is clear: the river is dying. We must act now if we do not want to see the extinction of our salmon and sewin as predicted by 2030 by Natural Resources Wales."
Water quality tests reveal high pollution levels
Recent testing by a citizen science group, with assistance from Achub Y Tywi and the Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen's Association, has revealed concerning environmental conditions. Tests regularly measure ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate levels, which organisers claim remain high. There are also worries about other chemicals and compounds, such as mercury, entering the river. A sample taken in mid-May showed phosphate levels of 2.50 mg/L, which was at the limit of the test equipment's recording ability. This sparked fears that actual levels could be even higher, as 2.50 mg/L is associated with significant nutrient pollution.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has stated that phosphorus levels are within environmental limits, are regularly monitored, and could not comment on the independent results from Achub Y Tywi. NRW has urged festival organisers to contact them to discuss concerns.
Financial pressures add to difficulties
In recent years, festival organisers have appealed to firms that legally discharge waste into the Towy to reduce their practices in the weeks before the festival. NRW has increased inspections of licences and permits and says businesses in the area are operating within their environmental permit conditions. However, organisers maintain that the festival cannot go ahead safely this summer.
The decision by the Carmarthen Riverside Association to cancel the event has been made with regret, as the annual celebration highlights the importance of the River Towy through canoe and kayak taster sessions, raft races, rowing competitions, family entertainment, and the popular coracle races that honour a distinctive local tradition. Organisers argue that water quality findings passed to NRW highlight wider concerns about Welsh rivers and the challenges facing aquatic ecosystems.
Alongside environmental issues, organisers have faced significant financial pressures, with insufficient funding to deliver the festival to the expected standard. Councillor Dai Evans, chairman of the River Festival, said: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision. The River Festival is an important part of Carmarthen's cultural calendar and a celebration of the unique relationship between the town and the River Towy. Unfortunately, concerns about the condition of the river, combined with funding challenges, mean we are unable to safely and responsibly deliver the event this year."
NRW response
An NRW spokesperson said: "The River Towy is a Welsh Special Area of Conservation. It has phosphorus levels that are within the environmental limits set under the Water Framework Directive, and this remains closely monitored. Work is ongoing to improve water quality further, and we work closely with partners, farmers, landowners, and water-using businesses to protect the river environment. We are unable to comment on individual sampling results from the information provided. Where pollution concerns are reported, we undertake our own sampling and investigations where necessary. We have not been contacted by the event organisers, and we would encourage them to get in touch with us to discuss any specific concerns relating to the event and the water quality of the river so these can be properly considered. Anyone who witnesses suspected pollution should report it to NRW as soon as possible, with photographs or other evidence where available. Please report it to us 24/7 using our online form, or call our incident line on 0300 065 3000."
