Author: Rhys Gregory

What started as a side hustle during university has grown into a bold new retail venture for Aberystwyth entrepreneur Khalid Ameen Aslam, whose love of vintage fashion has evolved into a full-time business with the support of Big Ideas Wales. The 24-year-old began selling second-hand clothing while studying for his master’s degree, soon realising that what began as a hobby had the potential to become something more, thanks to support received from Big Ideas Wales. KB Retro, which officially opened its doors in March 2025 offers a curated collection of stylish, sustainable vintage clothing, all born out of Khalid’s growing…

Christmas at Bute Park is back for 2025, marking its fifth year as Wales’s favourite festive light trail. This year’s journey promises to be the most enchanting yet, with a mix of dazzling new features and much-loved favourites that will delight both first-time visitors and returning fans. The newly released trail map gives a first look at what awaits: Step through the hand-crafted Willow Arch, the grand entrance to this year’s spectacle. Stroll along Crystal Avenue, where glittering chandeliers create a canopy of light above. Enter the Kaleidoscope Tunnel, a dazzling passage of shifting colour and light. Stop for a…

A man from Swansea has been jailed for the murder of 47-year-old Leanne Williams. On August 18, 34-year-old Matthew Battenbough, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to Leanne’s murder, which took place in February this year. Leanne Williams’ body was found by officers at her home on Gomer Road, Townhill on Thursday, February 27. A Home Office post-mortem identified significant injuries consistent with an assault. Battenbough has been sentenced to life in prison, and will serve a minimum of 20 years and 114 days. Detective Inspector David Butt said: “The news of Leanne’s death was devastating to her family and…

The South Wales Valley rail network is experiencing an increase in cable thefts, leading to significant disruption for passengers and costly repairs of over three quarters of a million pounds. On the morning of Friday 19 September, multiple signalling cables were found damaged and stolen on the Rhymney line between Bargoed and Caerphilly. Damage to the signalling cables brought all passenger services to a halt. A team of engineers from Amey Infrastructure Wales (AIW) worked to repair the damage, but disruption continued throughout the weekend before services were restored by Sunday. Just as services were returning to normal, approximately 150…

From 15th – 19th October, Neath Arts Festival returns and celebrates arts and culture in venues across the town centre. Highlights include Dame Siân Phillips who will be in conversation about her life and career, and former Super Furry Animal frontman Gruff Rhys playing a special solo set. Following the theme of ‘Dramatic Icons’ – a nod to the Dramatic Heart of Wales, by which Neath Port Talbot is often referred – the festival encourages locals and tourists to discover the creative threads that tie this region together. With live music in the Duke, the Gwyn Hall, and St David’s…

Work has officially commenced on a major upgrade of the Loggerheads Country Park visitor facilities. In 2023, UK Government confirmed their intention to provide £10.95 million of grant funding for 10 capital projects aimed at protecting Clwyd West’s unique heritage, wellbeing, and rural communities. This funding, known as the Local Regeneration Fund (LRF), has been awarded exclusively for successful projects included in Clwyd West and cannot be directed to other projects. The first phase includes a full refurbishment of the public toilets, to be followed by improvements to the on-site café and meeting room and finally the visitor centre and…

A new active travel route in Gowerton has been officially opened, providing residents, cyclists, walkers and rail passengers with safer and easier access to the railway station and the wider community. The much-anticipated link from Fairwood Terrace to Gowerton railway station is now available for public use, following formal approval from Network Rail. The project, funded by Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, marks another significant step forward for sustainable travel in Swansea. Children from Gowerton Primary School joined Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, along with representatives from local cycling groups, as well as transport officers in…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council, is proud to announce the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service will take place on Sunday 9th November 2025 at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd. This solemn occasion honours British service personnel who have lost their lives in wars and military conflicts since the beginning of the First World War. Residents from across Rhondda Cynon Taf are warmly invited to attend and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. The parade will commence at 10:35am, with participants from a wide range of community and military…

A daring new musical based on one of Wales’ most gripping adventure novels is to make its world premiere at a top festival. Madam Wen, the tale of smugglers, highwaymen and a fearless female outlaw, has been reimagined for the stage by scriptwriter Manon Wyn Williams and set to music by composer Guto Pryderi Puw. It will be performed for the first time at the Wales International Piano Festival that’s being held at Galeri Caernarfon from October 16-20. Pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Bodedern on Anglesey will join the professional cast of Madam Wen on Friday, October 17, performing alongside soprano…

Newport is to benefit from over 20 million pounds of funding from central government to boost regeneration and create opportunities for local communities. Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of the council, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and will make a big difference in driving forward our ambitious regeneration plans and aspirations. “Further opportunities to acquire and refurbish vacant premises, create or improve green and public spaces, and focus on enhancing local assets is exciting and very much complements both our ongoing projects and our future plans. “Privately owned properties are a particular challenge in Newport, so we are…