Author: Rhys Gregory

A total of £4 million has been allocated towards town centre regeneration projects across Mid Wales (Powys and Ceredigion) over the next two years (2025-2027). Welsh Government has made the award to Powys County Council, working in partnership with Ceredigion County Council, as part of its Transforming Towns programme. Funding is available for up to 70% of project costs, up to a maximum of £300,000 per application, for schemes which address priorities outlined in a town’s placemaking or investment plan. More information on Transforming Towns Placemaking Grants for 2025-2027: Ceredigion: https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/business/funding-and-grants/transforming-towns-placemaking-grant/ Powys: https://en.powys.gov.uk/transformingtowns Placemaking Grants in the two counties are…

This year, National Grief Awareness Day was observed on the 30 August 2025, and as a fitting acknowledgement of grief and bereavement, and to those experiencing loss, a short film created by young people was officially launched on 29 August 2025 in Arad Goch, Aberystwyth. It is estimated that 127 children and young people are bereaved of a parent every single day in the UK, with 78% of 11-16 year olds saying they have been bereaved of a close relative or friend, according to one survey held by Winston’s Wish Bereavement Charity. The idea to create the short film, which has…

The glamorous Child of Wales Awards 2025 returned for its fourth year on Friday, September 12, bringing an evening of inspiration and celebration to Swansea Arena. Hosted by BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones, the star-studded event welcomed a line-up of famous faces including actress Melanie Walters, Love Island’s Emily Moran, Nicole Samuel and Liam Reardon, The Traitors star Andrew Jenkins, as well as rugby legends Sir Gareth Edwards and Gareth Thomas. Family, friends, celebrities and sporting greats came together to applaud the achievements of Wales’ remarkable young people, with awards recognising courage, resilience, fundraising, leadership and community spirit. Categories…

Academy Music Group Limited (AMG) has today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Cardiff Council to take over the running of and re-open Cardiff’s iconic St David’s Hall. The agreement will safeguard the future of the venue, preserving the National Concert Hall of Wales as a centrepiece of Cardiff’s cultural fabric and securing its legacy as a world-class music venue. Once reopened, St David’s Hall will host an eclectic programme of events, developing and supporting the venue’s renowned classical programme and community focus alongside contemporary shows. “Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving music and arts…

Tickets are now on sale for the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Remembrance Concert 2025 which will be hosted once again by musician, composer and TV and radio personality Mal Pope. The popular event has been staged for many years in the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, which is currently closed due to a multi-million-pound overhaul. The £16.9m project to transform the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot into a modern cultural hub is part of a wider town-centre regeneration plan funded by the UK Government. As a result, this year’s concert, on Saturday 1st November 2025 (starting at 7pm), will…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has played a key role in the successful redevelopment of the former Rates building in Aberdare town centre, helping to secure Welsh Government funding to bring the historic site back into use. Working with Morris Property Developments Ltd, council officers supported the application for major grant funding which has delivered 10 modern apartments and a new commercial unit on High Street. All apartments have already been let, while Coco’s Coffee and Kitchen has opened its doors in the retail space, expanding its popular Aberdare-based business. The Grade-2 Listed, early to mid-19th Century building has great historical…

On Saturday 11 October, Newport Food Festival will once again bring the city centre to life for a day of food, drink and fun. With over 90 stalls lining High Street and surrounding areas, there will be entertainment and activities for all the family. The chef demonstrations will bring together some of the best local culinary talent and this year will host not one but two celebrity chefs. Headlining the fantastic line up at Newport Market will be Matt Tebbutt, TV chef and presenter. Matt will be joined by Cyrus Todiwala, Hywel Jones, Carl Cleghorn and Adam Whittle. The demonstration…

The Leader of Caerphilly Council has announced that he is to stand down with immediate effect. Cllr Sean Morgan, who represents the Nelson ward, was elected as the Leader of Council following the May 2022 local government elections. “It’s been a pleasure to lead the organisation over the past 3 years and I am proud of the achievements and improvements that we have delivered together. However, I believe my moral standing does not allow me to be aligned with the Labour Party any longer, therefore I have taken the difficult decision to step down,“ said Cllr Morgan The Chief Executive…

The Merthyr Central Library invites residents and boxing enthusiasts to explore an extraordinary exhibition honouring local boxing hero, Eddie Thomas throughout September, commemorating what would have been his 100th year. The exhibition, running the entire month (excluding September 12th and 13th), offers a comprehensive journey through Thomas’s remarkable life. From his humble beginnings as a coal miner’s son to becoming a celebrated boxer and community leader, the display showcases his incredible amateur and professional boxing career. Visitors can explore the “Clip Corner” featuring archival videos from the National Libraries, providing an immersive experience into Thomas’s extraordinary boxing career. The exhibition…

Landmark legislation to address the safety issues caused by Wales’s mining past has received Royal Assent, becoming law. The Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill was officially sealed by First Minister Eluned Morgan at a ceremony in Blaenavon’s Big Pit. In July 2025, the Senedd passed the Welsh Government’s Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill. This modernised legislation will ensure the long-term effective management of disused tips and reduce the threat to public safety. The Bill’s Royal Assent comes following significant funding provided by both the Welsh and UK governments. The UK Government recently agreed to provide record…