Author: Rhys Gregory

Travellers are searching for cruises in bigger numbers this spring, and the interest in staying closer to home is rising too. New UK search data analysis from Avanti Travel Insurance shows interest in ‘cruise holidays’ climbed around 25% between February and May 2026 (up from roughly 16% over the same period in 2025). And it’s not just general cruise demand. Google searches for ‘UK cruises’ were essentially flat (0% growth) between February and May 2025, but the same period in 2026 saw an increase of almost 20%, pointing to growing appetite for no-fly cruises. The timing is telling. With international…

Most property valuations are relatively straightforward exercises. An experienced local estate agent or surveyor draws on a body of comparable sales evidence, applies their knowledge of the local market, and arrives at a well-supported figure that reflects what a willing buyer would pay in the current climate. This process works well when there is a reasonable supply of genuinely comparable properties and a clear evidence base from which to work. For properties that fall outside the conventional parameters of the residential or commercial market, however, the standard approach is simply inadequate, and the consequences of applying it can be significant. …

South Wales Police is continuing to investigate a stabbing which took place at Barry Island on Bank Holiday Monday (May 25). A 17-year-old boy from Cardiff suffered a serious leg injury which was initially not believed to be life threatening or life changing. However, he has since had to undergo a life-changing leg amputation and has been subject to critical care at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Detective Inspector Sarah Lee, from South Wales Police, said: “The extent and seriousness of the injury sustained by the teenage victim is absolutely devastating. “Understandably his family are distraught, and they have…

A family will remember a fun-loving husband and dad with a limited edition pink poppy this summer as they continue to support City Hospice’s Forever Flowers campaign. Forever Flowers, which is returning for its sixth year, invites supporters to remember cherished family members, friends, colleagues and other loved ones with a lasting tribute. This year’s Forever Flower is a pink poppy, symbolising love, compassion, peace and admiration. The pink poppies will feature in a beautiful display within the grounds of Cardiff Castle from Saturday 1 to Saturday 8 August, with a special Celebration of Life event taking place on Thursday…

FILMS made by aspiring creatives from North Wales are now being screened in Vue and Odeon cinemas across the UK – and Clwyd North MP Gill German says it proves local talent can thrive when given the right opportunities. Gill is highlighting the success of TAPE’s groundbreaking Supporting Shorts project, a cinema-focused initiative led by the Old Colwyn-based community arts charity and an example of sector leading inclusive filmmaking. Supported by the University of Leeds, Supporting Shorts is all about young people who are breaking down barriers in the creative industries, bringing new voices to the big screen. The project…

Hay Festival 2026 closed Sunday 31 May after record numbers enjoyed more than 600 events with writers, thinkers and performers over 11 days. Held at the Festival’s free-to-enter site in Hay-on-Wye, the event launches the best new fiction and non-fiction books, while offering insights and debate around significant global issues, world-class comedy and music, and a vibrant programme of pop-up events, workshops, and activities for all ages. In numbers, the Festival saw more than 210K tickets issued, up 5 per cent on last year; 70K books sold, up 35 per cent; and almost 7,500 school pupils attended the free Schools…

GREENFIELD Valley Trust is celebrating the “beating heart” of the historic site as part of National Volunteers’ Week – while encouraging more local people to get involved in shaping its future. The Trust has been hosting a series of ‘Meet the Volunteers’ drop-in sessions throughout this week, giving visitors the chance to speak directly with the volunteers and staff who help keep the much-loved heritage attraction thriving. Held at the Visitor Centre and across the 70-acre site near Holywell, the sessions have showcased the huge variety of volunteering opportunities available – from heritage research, gardening and events to museum care,…

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has opened its second funding round for registered charities helping young people into work. Applications opened on Monday 1st June with a total pot of £150,000 available for UK-based projects focused on employability, children and young people aged 14-25, and areas of economic and social deprivation. The Foundation supports projects that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people. These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training. Since 2021, the Foundation has donated over £3 million to good causes. In May, Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Leeds, Newcastle United Foundation and The…

Cardiff Airport has welcomed more than one million passengers over the past 12 months, reaching a major milestone as it continues its strong recovery and growth. The achievement comes as new figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show Cardiff Airport was the second fastest-growing airport in the UK during the first quarter of 2026, recording a 24% increase in passenger numbers compared with the same period last year. The airport says growing demand for flights from Wales, combined with investment from airline partners and the introduction of new routes, has helped drive passenger growth. Over the last year, Cardiff…

Twenty-four nights and more than 80 artists representing the very best of the live music scene globally are set to ensure Cardiff Castle enjoys its biggest ever summer of live entertainment. More than 180,000 tickets have been sold so far for this year’s outing of TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle which kicks off this Saturday with a sold out show from House music tastemaker Chris Stussy. The opening night featuring special guests and supports Chloé Caillet, L.P.Rhythm, Locklead, Lauren Lo Sung and Lewis Taylor marks the start of an exciting season which will see both homegrown and…