Author: Alice Gregory

If you’re looking for a truly magical festive experience this season, Drinks at the Domes at the Celtic Manor Resort is a must-visit. Returning for another year, this luxurious pop-up has transformed the resort’s stunning rooftop garden into a winter wonderland. Guests are invited to cozy up in private heated domes, indulge in seasonal drinks and platters, and soak in the festive atmosphere while surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of Coldra Woods. Getting There and Finding the Domes Located in the heart of the serene Usk Valley, the Celtic Manor Resort is easily accessible by road and offers ample parking…

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid last week (22 November) hosted a trade visit in south Wales for a delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The visit aimed to strengthen and develop business relations between Welsh and Jordanian companies, with a view to increasing awareness of trade and investment opportunities in both countries. Hosted primarily at Hodge House with support from Ogi and Veezu, Chamber members and partners had the opportunity to network with the delegation and hear from Assadaqaat Community Finance, Bute Energy Wales, and Genletics. In the afternoon, the delegation and guests toured manufacturer HWM-Global’s…

Get ready to rock! Cardiff Castle is to host an extraordinary lineup of talent at a brand-new event, Rock The Castle. Taking place on Saturday July 19, this one-day festival will celebrate the best of Welsh music, headlined by some of the most iconic and innovative bands from the region. Honouring Wales’ rich musical heritage Rock The Castle will see performances from renowned Welsh bands, including the legendary Funeral For A Friend, who have paved the way for the post-hardcore genre since their inception. Fellow Welsh icons The Blackout will also grace the stage, bringing their explosive sound to life.…

Twenty-two exceptional finalists have been selected to contest the prestigious Mid Wales Tourism Awards 2024-25, which will be presented next month. The awards – the first since the Covid pandemic – recognise and celebrate the region’s thriving tourism industry across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Following detailed consideration by a panel of judges, more than 100 applications were whittled down to 20 finalists in a 13 categories and the awards will be presented in an afternoon ceremony at Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, near Newtown on December 10. A few special awards will also be announced and presented at the event.…

Four Chinese objects belonging to Mid Wales vendors were among the star performers at an Asian Art auction in Shropshire yesterday (Wednesday). Packed with Far Eastern promise, a rare silver-inlaid, bronze figure of Guanyin, goddess of mercy and compassion, sold for £2,700 for one North Powys vendor at Halls Fine Art’s auction in Shrewsbury. Another North Powys vendor saw a Claire de Lune amphora vase with wood stand sell for £2,600 and a Doucai style miniature cabaret tea service from the Qing Dynasty make £2,100. The fourth object, a pair of 19th century famille verte vases and covers, which were…

The UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has awarded Swansea University and partners funding to train the next generation of world-class researchers to tackle global environmental challenges. The Doctoral Landscape Award will support CROCUS (Climate system and biodiversity science for Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities – Collaborating in Understanding and Solutions), a new training programme which will fund five annual cohorts of environmental science PhD students from October 2025. CROCUS is a collaboration between Swansea University, the University of Reading and several esteemed organisations, including the British Geological Survey, the Institute of Zoology, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Natural History…

Talented Welsh apprentice butchers are being challenged to put their skills to test on a grand stage at the country’s top competition. Butchery apprentices have the perfect opportunity to prove they are a cut above the rest at the Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year final which will be held at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport from January 20-22, 2025. The final takes place on the first day, Monday, January 20 and the WICC is open free of charge to the public and hospitality trade. Sponsored by the Culinary Association…

John Lydon’s post-Pistols group Public Image Limited (PiL) are confirmed to headline at DEPOT in Cardiff on the 14th June 2025. After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed post-punk originators Public Image Ltd (PiL). Widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands of all time, their music and vision earned them 5 UK Top 20 Singles and 5 UK Top 20 Albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound – fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub – Lydon guided the band from their debut album ‘First Issue’ in 1978 through to 1992’s ‘That What Is Not’, before…

An initiative which aims to make healthy, planet-friendly fruit and veg more accessible and affordable for everyone – especially those facing low incomes and health inequalities – is expanding as it enters the next phase of its development. After a successful pilot with 20 participants, the second phase of the Cardiff Planet Card initiative will expand to 120 participants, who will each have a weekly credit of £11 that they can spend on fresh produce at participating farmers markets in Cardiff. Residents of Cardiff who are eligible and interested in participating in the Planet Card program can now apply online.…

Almost two-thirds (61%) of mums in Wales would consider retraining for a new career but are held back by multiple barriers according to new data. The findings, released by The Open University (OU), show that half (50%) of Welsh mothers surveyed with children aged 0-5, are primarily concerned about the cost of childcare when thinking about their career or returning to work. Forty two percent worry about managing the ‘juggle’ of work, childcare and personal relationships. This highlights the daily pressures mothers in Wales face in caring for others, often leaving them unable to prioritise their own needs and career…