Author: Rhys Gregory

An absolutely jaw-dropping and never before seen show has arrived at Cardiff Castle for the festive season – and this is what it was like. Castellana is one of three shows that form part of the Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival series running until 1stJanuary 2023. Think a cross between the circus and burlesque with a cast of talented Welsh performers, with Castellana slap bang in the middle. The enchantment starts long before the entrainment begins as you approach the weird and wonderful Spiegeltent in the grounds of Cardiff Castle. If you’ve visited recently, it’s not hard to miss, with its…

Lance Burn, Chief Executive Officer of IG Design Group International, one of two divisions of FTSE AIM listed IG Design Group Plc, will take over from Kathryn Roberts, Eversheds Sutherland, as Chair of CBI Wales in January 2023. He will also join the CBI Chairs’ Committee, the body responsible for setting and steering CBI policy. Lance joined IG Design Group, a leading international brand in design-inspired greetings, giftware and stationery, in 2009 – before joining the board in 2012. One of three Executive Directors, Lance was seconded to Atlanta, Georgia February 2022 to also cover the role of CEO of…

A credit union in Mid-Wales is to have a major overhaul following its merger with a progressive Welsh Community Bank. Brecon & District Credit Union has joined with Valleys-based Smart Money Cymru Community Bank in a partnership which will expand and upgrade the financial and banking services on offer now that it is part of a much larger organisation with a total of some 9000 customers. Smart Money Cymru has branches in Caerphilly, Blackwood and Tredegar, and the link with Mid Wales is, says CEO Mark White, a logical step. “We are next door to Powys and our proximity means…

As part of Cardiff & Vale’s drink drive campaign, South Wales Police alongside thirteen pubs and restaurant have launched their DES (Designated Driver) Scheme. Ahead of the busy Christmas period, the thirteen licensed premises will offer free draught soft drinks to designated drivers. A designated driver is someone who abstains from drinking alcohol to act as the responsible driver. The aim of the scheme is to promote responsible drinking with road safety in mind. The Vale of Glamorganshire Golf Club, (pictured) was one of the first premises to sign up to the new scheme, which included The Philharmonic, Brewhouse and…

Nearly 2,000 abandoned chickens have been reported to the RSPCA already this year and the charity fears this number could rise due to bird flu. Worryingly, these shocking new figures are already 8% higher than for the entirety of 2020 (1,704) with 1,841 abandoned chickens reported to the RSPCA’s cruelty line in 2022 so far. They are on course to also surpass 2021’s total – which saw 1,841 abandoned chickens reported to the charity.* In Wales, there have been 75 chickens abandoned and reported to the RSPCA since 2020 including 18 in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Sadly, the UK has experienced…

Music legends Blondie are heading to the Welsh capital next summer, for what promises to be a sensational night at Cardiff Castle. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icons – whose chart-topping and era-defining career has seen them sell more than 40 million albums worldwide – will play the iconic outdoor venue on Friday 16th June. Undeniably one of the most trailblazing and influential bands of all time, Blondie is pioneering frontwoman/songwriter Debbie Harry, guitarist/conceptual mastermind Chris Stein and powerhouse drummer Clem Burke, along with band mates bassist Glen Matlock, guitarist Tommy Kessler and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen. Founded in…

A group of young footballers are causing comedic chaos as they tackle 2,000 keepy uppies to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. Ruthin U8s based in Denbighshire, North Wales, is taking part in the charity’s One Million Keepy Uppy Challenge after coach Becky Davies lost her father, John Williams, to brain cancer in 2019. Becky, whose son Harrison, seven, is in the team, said: “The kids are really getting into this challenge; they are having so much fun. The skill level varies so it’s usually absolute chaos, with balls flying everywhere. It’s a mix of brilliant and hilarious. “I’ve wanted…

From elves and owls to chances to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, Fonmon Castle delivers a feast of festive fun from until December 23. The castle, which is located near Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, has a host of special Christmas attractions and has given its regular attractions – including its story trail, dinosaur park and medieval village – a magical festive twist. Families can explore 10 acres of Illuminated gardens and dinosaurs and enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas, stopping off to meet a host of festive characters. Magician Patrick will be performing his own special magic tricks, and…

Shoppers looking for festive treats at this year’s outdoor Christmas Market in Swansea can also pick-up personal safety and crime prevention advice. The team from Safer Swansea has a chalet at the popular attraction on Oxford Street and along with partners is looking forward to speaking with Christmas shoppers. There are also free activities including arts and crafts where children can make their own Christmas decorations and a chance to win a signed Swans shirt by completing a short safety questionnaire. Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being Alyson Pugh said: “Our team from Safer Swansea and our partners hold engagement…

The latest updates on multi-million plans to redevelop the South Quay site in Pembroke will be available to view in an Information Event on Monday, 12th December. The drop-in event will be held at Pembroke Town Hall between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. New images, plans, timelines, and detailed project information will be available to view, and architects, contractors and Council officers will be on hand to chat about the project and answer questions. There will also be the opportunity to provide comments and feedback. The South Quay redevelopment project, led by Pembrokeshire County Council, has two phases: Phase 1 (Castle Terrace):…