Author: Rhys Gregory

Citrus Arts, the Pontypridd-based arts and creative skills charity, is on the hunt for young people looking for a new challenge or a career in the arts to join its free, technical art skills training scheme. Run from its headquarters in Hopkinstown, Pontypridd, the free course is open to people aged from 18 to 30 and will be led by some of the leading outdoor arts and circus tutors in Wales. Running across February and March, the course will help the young people kickstart careers in arts, and participating trainees will receive a £300 per week training stipend. The course…

With just 100 days to go until the 2026 Senedd election, Community Housing Cymru (CHC) has launched Homes: for every future – a national campaign calling on all political parties to commit to a bold, deliverable plan to end Wales’ housing emergency. The launch is being marked by the story of Billie, a single mother who spent six months living in a bed and breakfast with her young daughter before moving into a permanent social home. Her experience highlights both the human cost of the housing emergency and the life-changing impact of a good home. Billie, now a tenant of Cartrefi Conwy,…

Australian electronic luminaries Empire of the Sun will head to Cardiff this summer as part of their 2026 Ask That God Tour.  The tour marks a return to Europe and the UK for the multi-platinum duo as they invite audiences to witness their legendary live performances across more than 20 dates. They headline TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle on Tuesday June 23 as one of only three UK dates. Empire of The Sun’s upcoming run will see them revisit countries from their hotly anticipated 2025 European tour – their first shows in the region in six years…

Comedy favourite John Bishop has confirmed he will bring his brand new stand-up show to Cardiff as part of a major UK and Ireland tour in spring 2027. The Liverpool-born comedian will perform at Utilita Arena Cardiff on Tuesday 11 May 2027 with his new show Let’s Go Round Again. Tickets start from £25 plus fees. The tour announcement follows the huge success of John’s sold-out ‘25’ tour last year, which marked 25 years since his first stand-up performance. Despite initially planning to take a break, Bishop said he is keen to get back on the road and start developing…

The popular Severn Valley Stages, supported by Axon Commercial Catering Equipment, will make a highly anticipated return as the opening round of the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship on April 11. The highly acclaimed gravel rally is back with renewed energy and an exciting new-look route for crews and fans alike. The rally cancelled in 2025 due to the impact of Storm Darragh, which removed access to much of the Welsh forest estate. Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the Builth Wells-based event will once again deliver one of the longest and most cost-effective forest rallies in Wales, with…

A former winner of the prestigious International Escoffier Challenge Grand Final in France has added the National Chef of Wales title to his glowing list of honours. Anglesey born Dion Wyn Jones, executive chef at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Nantwich, beat seven rivals to take the coveted dragon trophy at ICC Wales, Newport last week. It was third time lucky for the proud Welsh chef, who has previously represented Wales in the junior and senior Culinary Team Wales. His previous bid for glory ended with a silver medal, but this time it was gold. “I am a proud Welshman…

RESPLENDENT in a traditional external pink hue a charming Herefordshire cottage for sale at auction is desirable but in urgent need of refurbishment. Preliminary renovation work on Oaklands, on Rhystone Lane, in the village of Lugwardine, has been started. But more refurbishment is required to bring the property, being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions and listed with a  guide price of just £15,000, up to a modern standard. Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This really is a charming two bedroom property situated in the ever popular Herefordshire  village of Lugwardine. This house has huge potential and what’s more…

A 31-year-old man has been jailed after over £13,000 worth of drugs were discovered in his car and storage container. Ricky James Pritchard, of Maes Llwyn, Amlwch, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on 23 January after previously admitting to possession with intent to supply Class A and B substances and acquiring criminal property. On 27 December, officers stopped a car being driven by Pritchard near to Amlwch Industrial Estate. Upon searching his car, officers discovered a substantial amount of cocaine and cannabis resin. Further searches were conducted in a storage container belonging to Pritchard which resulted in the discovery of…

A man who stalked a woman he had previously sexually assaulted has been jailed for eight years. Michael Davies, aged 60, from Merthyr Tydfil, was given an extended sentenced of eight years and four months in prison after being appearing at Merthyr Crown Court on Friday January 9. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order and indefinite sexual harm prevent order (SHPO). This followed a guilty plea to stalking involving fear of violence. Over the course of six years Davies sent the victim sinister messages on social media under a woman’s name, including him threatening to strip her…

High sided vehicles are being warned to avoid the A477 Cleddau Bridge after it was closed to certain traffic due to safety concerns. Traffic Wales has confirmed that the A477 Cleddau Bridge is now closed to high sided vehicles. The restriction has been put in place as a precaution, likely due to weather conditions affecting driver safety. Other vehicles can still use the bridge, but drivers are advised to take extra care when travelling through the area and to allow extra time for their journeys. Road users, particularly those driving lorries, vans, caravans and other high sided vehicles, are urged…