Author: Rhys Gregory

Counting is now underway in Caerphilly following the close of polls at 10pm, as voters wait to see who will take the vacant Senedd Cymru seat. Voters across the constituency headed to the polls throughout Thursday, 23 October to choose from eight candidates competing in what has been described as one of the most significant by-elections in the 26 years of Welsh devolution. Those standing are: Liberal Democrats: Steve Aicheler Gwlad: Anthony Cook Greens: Gareth Hughes Conservatives: Gareth Potter Reform: Llyr Powell UKIP: Roger Quilliam Labour: Richard Tunnicliffe Plaid Cymru: Lindsay Whittle The by-election was called following the death of…

Cardiff’s retail scene was taken to a whole new level last night as Sephora rolled out the black carpet for an exclusive VIP launch party ahead of the official opening of its first Welsh store at St David’s Cardiff today. The global beauty giant, which has become synonymous with prestige, inclusivity and innovation, celebrated its arrival in Wales with a glamorous evening filled with live entertainment, celebrity guests, and plenty of sparkle. The launch event brought together a mix of well-known faces, content creators, and local officials, all treated to Sephora’s signature style and flair. Guests received an exclusive Sephora…

Mae Partneriaeth Rheilffordd Gymunedol newydd wedi’i lansio yn Ne-ddwyrain Cymru, wedi’i hariannu drwy Trafnidiaeth Cymru. Wedi’i lleoli ym Merthyr, mae ‘Partneriaeth Rheilffordd Gymunedol y Tri Chwm’ yn cael ei chynnal gan Gweithredu Gwirfoddol Merthyr Tudful (VAMT) ac mae’n cynnwys cynrychiolwyr o’r sectorau gwirfoddol a thwristiaeth, darparwyr gofal iechyd, partneriaid cymunedol a’r diwydiant rheilffyrdd. Ei hamcan fydd hyrwyddo teithio cynaliadwy, iechyd a lles, twristiaeth a datblygiad economaidd ar hyd y rheilffyrdd sy’n cysylltu Treherbert, Aberdâr a Merthyr â Chaerdydd. Drwy ganolbwyntio ar brosiectau lleol, mae’r bartneriaeth yn anelu at wneud gwahaniaeth gwirioneddol i’r bobl a’r cymunedau y mae’n eu gwasanaethu. Dywedodd…

Parents who have built their families through adoption are encouraging others to consider providing children in care a stable, safe home through adoption. This National Adoption Week (October 20 to 26), the National Adoption Service for Wales is asking more Welsh people to consider adoption when planning their families as part of its ‘Now Is a Good Time’ campaign. The campaign is inspired by stories of the lifechanging moment parents took the decision to begin the adoption process, and the personal recommendations that helped them get there. Every family is unique, and the National Adoption Service supports a diverse range…

A group of Welsh holiday cottage owners has joined a campaign calling for reform of what they describe as a “punitive” rule that is forcing responsible tourism businesses to close whilst doing little to address the housing crisis it was designed to solve. Let’s Review 182, led by Gwynedd farmer and tourism entrepreneur Gwion Llwyd, calls for urgent reform of the 182-night minimum occupancy rule for self-catering businesses in Wales to qualify for business rates. The campaign argues that while the Welsh Government may have intended to address housing availability, the main outcome of the 182-night threshold has been to…

Cardiff Airport is celebrating a strong summer season, with more people choosing to fly local and airlines continuing to invest in new routes from Wales. In the 12 months to the end of September 2025, 928,000 passengers travelled through the airport, representing a 5.3% increase on the previous year. Flights were also busier, with more seats filled across services. The growth reflects growing confidence from key airline partners including TUI and Ryanair, both of which have expanded operations in Wales to meet increasing demand. Ryanair marked 10 years of flying from Cardiff Airport with its biggest-ever summer schedule, offering a…

Cardiff’s iconic arcades are being transformed into a walk through time as the City of Arcades campaign enters the second week of its popular History Fortnight. Running from 26 to 31 October, each arcade will represent a different decade of Cardiff’s history, with themed décor, live performers and even a Time Traveller mascot guiding visitors along the trail. The week’s highlight will be a one-day live event on Wednesday 29 October, bringing extra performances and interactive activities to the city centre. The free event forms part of City of Arcades 2025, a 70-day celebration marking 70 years since Cardiff became…

An opera marking the 90th anniversary of Gresford Colliery disaster has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious prizes in British music – an Ivor Novello award. The moving one-act work, Gresford – Up from Underground, tells the story of the 1934 mining tragedy that claimed 266 lives and left an indelible mark on the Wrexham community. Created by Wrexham-born composer, Jonathan Guy, and Grahame Davies, a librettist raised in nearby Coedpoeth, the pair say they are thrilled after learning their opera has been recognised among the best compositions in the UK. Jon, who wrote the score, and Grahame,…

On 16 October, professionals working on addressing Modern Slavery from across Wales and beyond met at Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction and online for Anti-Slavery Wales 2025. This annual event, which was being held in North Wales for the first time, brings together organisations and experts to share learning and insights about tackling this crime. The conference was hosted in partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales and the Welsh Government. This year’s event also marked the 10th anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. For the past three years, the Office…

The Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, has officially opened Blas Cymru / Taste Wales 2025, Wales’ flagship food and drink trade event, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales, Celtic Manor, Newport. The two-day showcase brings together over 150 Welsh food and drink producers and around 300 invited buyers from across the world, offering a platform for the industry to continue with its impressive growth since the first biennial event was held in 2017. Speaking at the opening, Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS said: “Blas Cymru / Taste…