Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff Christmas Market will return to the city centre from Thursday 12 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026. The festive market will feature 70 stalls, with a changing line-up of more than 200 individual businesses offering arts, crafts, seasonal food and drink throughout the event. Organised by CraftFolk, which has run the market for more than 31 years, the event gives shoppers the opportunity to buy original work directly from the makers. Stalls will be located along St John Street, Working Street, Trinity Street and Hills Street, within Cardiff city centre’s main pedestrian shopping areas. The market will open from…

Christmas at Bute Park has unveiled a new light trail route for 2026, featuring a giant Brussels sprout Christmas tree, mischievous elves and interactive installations. The Cardiff festive event, which has welcomed more than half a million visitors over five years, will introduce four themed realms: Joy, Wonder, Hope and Magic. Visitors will be invited to help keep the Christmas Spirit alive as they journey through the trail, with new experiences designed to make this year’s event more immersive and interactive. Among the additions is Colossal Christmas, a supersized Brussels sprout Christmas tree decorated with enormous crackers and twinkling lights.…

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Cymru is organising The Wye Water Summit on 1 October 2026 on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. Following a summer of drought, this forum provides a unique opportunity to discuss the consequences of the recent prolonged hot weather and how to build resilience for the future. CLA Cymru represents over 3,000 members across Wales, covering 11 million acres, and works tirelessly to protect and shape the future of Wales’ rural landscape. From Welsh agriculture and the regeneration of the rural economy to improving the Welsh planning system, CLA Cymru engages with…

Businesses across Powys are being encouraged to apply for a new round of Business Growth Grants worth between £2,500 and £25,000 to help them invest, innovate and grow. The grants are being delivered by Powys County Council and funded by the UK Government through the Local Growth Fund. The Powys Business Growth Grant aims to increase capital investment in businesses with high growth potential, helping them improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness, while also supporting business expansion, job creation and workforce development. Expressions of Interest open this week and close on 28 September. The funding can support a range of eligible…

An urgent appeal has been launched by the RSPCA to find an overlooked dog a foster home. Sadly Lady has been overlooked by potential adopters for more than 130 days and staff and volunteers at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre are now launching a further special appeal for her as she is finding kennel environment difficult. It is hoped that a foster home with the intention to adopt is found or just a foster home for the interim. Two-year-old Lady, a Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) crossbreed,  had been on a foster placement but is now back at the Hartridge Road centre. Jade Rees,…

By the Wye glamping in Hay on Wye has been named as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses by the Small Business Saturday campaign. The campaign has kicked off its annual call to champion and support the nation’s favourite small businesses. By the Wye was founded by Stephen Salter and Dawn Farnworth in 2020 and offers luxury sustainable holiday accommodation in nature. The award winning, family run glamping business in Hay on Wye has six custom built safari tents perched in trees overlooking the River Wye, all set within 10 acres of mixed ancient woodland. The off-grid holiday experience blends…

What started with just 20 rucksacks at Christmas has grown into a twice-yearly campaign supporting people facing homelessness, hardship and difficult circumstances across Swansea and Neath. This November, The Rucksack Appeal Swansea celebrates its tenth anniversary, with Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors once again supporting an initiative that has become part of the local community. Founded by Paula Stockley in 2016, the appeal began by preparing rucksacks filled with everyday essentials for people who were homeless or sleeping rough in Swansea. Peter Lynn and Partners became involved the following year and has continued to support the campaign ever since. Almost…

Seven men and one woman have been sentenced following an investigation into a number of key players in illegal drugs supply, and the organised thefts of vehicles and related fraud, in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Under Operation Eagle, an enforcement week took place last year wherein drugs, cash, mobile phones, vehicles and other items were seized from the suspects. In total, £2,799 in cash was seized, in addition to precious metals (gold and platinum) with an estimated value of £5,100. A significant quantity of drugs – including 360 grams of heroin, around 250 grams of suspected ketamine and quantities…

A new sports and games facility at Hailey Park will officially open today, with local families invited to try it out and join the celebrations. Cardiff Council is encouraging residents to come along to the park at 4.30pm on Friday 4 September for the opening. The new facility adds to the sports and play facilities at Hailey Park, which lies just north of Llandaff in a central position along the Taff Valley. The Taff Trail runs through the park, while a new shared-use path across the River Taff provides a link for those exploring the area on foot or by…

A procurement process has started to appoint a main contractor for the proposed Cynon Gateway Link Road, with detailed design work expected to begin in 2027. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed that the scheme remains a commitment as work progresses on plans for a new 1.2km road in the north of the Cynon Valley. The proposed route would connect the A4059 Aberdare Bypass, between the Trecynon and Penywaun roundabouts, to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Croesbychan. The scheme aims to strengthen north-south transport links, improve access across the area, ease congestion in Llwydcoed and on other…