A former mayor of Tenby has taken decisive action after growing disquiet among residents about noisy DJ sessions at a historic seafront hotel in the heart of one of Wales’ most cherished coastal towns.
Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, who remains an active voice in the community, has responded to a series of complaints about the weekly Tenby Rocks event—a high-octane six-hour club music set held every Saturday from midday on the outdoor terrace of the recently refurbished Imperial Hotel.
While the event promises cocktails, panoramic sea views, and a steady stream of Ibiza anthems courtesy of resident performer The Mammoth DJ, not all locals are dancing to the same beat.
“The feedback I’ve had suggests it’s simply too much,” said Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall, reflecting the views of residents who feel that Tenby’s family-friendly charm and serene seaside atmosphere may be at risk of being drowned out by basslines better suited to Balearic party strips than a Welsh heritage town.
The Imperial Hotel, a listed architectural gem with a proud 120-year history, reopened its doors in May following a complete renovation. The restoration, overseen by new owners Crest Hotels, marked a significant investment in the town’s future—and Cllr Skyrme-Blackhall herself was present to cut the ribbon at the grand reopening.
Once a beloved part of Tenby’s hospitality landscape, the hotel was forced to close during the pandemic when its previous owners, Shearings Hotels, went into administration. Now revitalised, its 52 ensuite bedrooms have been elegantly transformed, signalling a welcome economic boost to the area—but not without controversy.
