Author: Rhys Gregory

Swansea is set to host one of Britain’s most significant touring contemporary art exhibitions when British Art Show 10 comes to the city next year. Swansea is set to host the exhibition from February 12 to May 16 – its only stop in Wales – from its base at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, spanning to a range of locations around the city including high street venues, temporary and permanent community arts spaces. Over the last four decades the British Art Show has brought some of the country’s best-known artists, including Tracey Emin, Grayson Perry, David Hockney and Lucian Freud,…

Swansea primary school pupils can enjoy free entry to explore the historic Oystermouth Castle during selected after‑school sessions throughout term time. Children wearing their Swansea school uniforms can enjoy complimentary entry when accompanied by a paying adult by visiting the ticket office on weekdays after 3pm during term time. The castle is open daily until 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm, allowing families plenty of time to take advantage of this special after‑school opportunity. Children under the age of five continue to enjoy free entry at all times, during school holidays and special event days. These include events such as…

A 7-year-old and 9-year-old are among winners at this year’s Local Citizen Awards held by the Mayor and Mayoress of Neath Port Talbot at Margam Park. The special evening at the Orangery saw a total of thirteen awards being presented, whose stories ranged from the unbreakable bond of siblings to saving the life of a stranger (see below for a full list of winners). A raffle also helped raise hundreds of pounds for two charities chosen by Cllr Wayne Carpenter and Mrs Carol Carpenter, which are Type-1-derful and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. Mayor’s Citizen Awards – 2026 Winners Below are the…

Parents of 16-19-year-olds are reminded to extend their Child Benefit claim if their teenager is staying in certain types of education or training after their GCSEs or National 5s. Child Benefit will automatically stop on 31 August on or after a child’s 16th birthday unless parents confirm their teenager’s plans. Around 1.5 million reminder letters will be sent from late April, with most landing on doorsteps in early May. Parents don’t need to wait for their letter. HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) digital service for extending claims opened on 1 April, so those who already know their teenager’s plans can…

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service came together with partner organisations to deliver vital water‑safety education to 500 local children, reinforcing key life‑saving messages about staying safe in and around water. The multi‑agency event saw MonsLife, Gwent Police, the RNLI, Swim Safe Cymru and Caldicot Leisure Centre working together, echoing the national Be Water Aware campaign. Across two days, pupils from schools across Monmouthshire took part in interactive, small‑group sessions both in and out of the water, learning essential skills such as how to ‘float to live’, who and how to call for help, how to identify water hazards and…

A state-of-the-art, 4,400 sq ft strength and performance gym is the fourth fitness business to open at Mamhilad Park Estate this year, as owners seek the next occupiers to complete the business park’s “top-to-toe” health and wellbeing offer. Gareth Betts Strength and Performance was previously based at Cwmbran Stadium. Gareth is a former professional rugby player with Ebbw Vale and Newport RFCs as well as Pontypool RFC, where he is now the strength and conditioning coach. The gym, which is fully equipped with a 3G area with a shock pad, a 25-metre running track, power racks, free weights and an…

Residents and businesses in Pontypridd have been reassured that there is currently no confirmed start date for the proposed demolition of the former police station and Berw Road car park site. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has issued an update following a number of enquiries after site notices suggested that demolition work could begin from June 12. The Council has clarified that this date only represents the earliest possible start point and does not mean works are scheduled to begin on that day. Officials explained that site notices are a standard part of the planning and delivery process, allowing…

A full road closure will be in place on Lansbury Park Distributor Road from the Mornington Meadows junction through to the Graham Court junction. The closure will begin at 8:00 am on Friday, 1 May and will remain in place until 6:00 am on Monday, 4 May. These emergency works are necessary to carry out structural repairs to the concrete road base, followed by full resurfacing of the affected carriageway. The repairs are essential to maintain the long-term safety and integrity of the road. During the closure, no through traffic will be permitted. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes…

Monmouthshire County Council has announced the opening of Expressions of Interest for its Place and Growth Investment Fund, which aims to support projects that enhance local areas and promote sustainable economic growth. The Place and Growth Investment Fund is a single access point for grants supporting property improvement, regeneration, and employment space. The fund provides grant support for projects that bring vacant or underused buildings back into use, strengthen town centres, and create space for businesses and jobs. An Expression of Interest is a short, initial stage that helps determine whether a project is eligible before progressing to a full…

Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards has led a multi-agency operation to seize a significant quantity of illegal tobacco from a retail premises in Abergavenny. This enforcement action took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. It involved officers from Monmouthshire Trading Standards, supported by the Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team and Gwent Police. This operation forms part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative jointly-run by HM Revenue & Customs and National Trading Standards, aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco trade across the UK. Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is currently reviewing evidence and will consider appropriate enforcement action against…