Author: Rhys Gregory

Today (Thursday, 11 September 2025) Urdd Gobaith Cymru has confirmed that 2028’s National Eisteddfod yr Urdd will be held in Eryri, Gwynedd. A public meeting for volunteers and supporters will be held in Ysgol Brynerfail, Llanrug on Wednesday, 24 September. Possible site locations are currently being discussed by the Urdd and Cyngor Gwynedd. The last time Eisteddfod yr Urdd visited Eryri was in Glynllifon near Bangor in 2012. Llio Maddocks, the Urdd’s Arts and Eisteddfod Director: “The Urdd is thankful for Cyngor Gwynedd’s support in hosting our Eisteddfod in 2028. One of the most important elements of Eisteddfod yr Urdd…

A bereaved mother, whose baby died due to NHS maternity failings, is calling for all hospital investigations into such tragedies in Wales to be independently conducted, and not undertaken by staff who work within the hospital where the incidents occurred. Emily Brazier’s daughter Liliwen Iris Thomas died 20 hours after her birth at the University Hospital of Wales, after Emily was given so much pain medication and unlimited access to Entonox (gas and air) without any supervision, resulting in her being unaware she had given birth. A lack of checks on Emily by midwives meant that Liliwen’s birth went undiscovered…

Cardiff is set to welcome its most exciting new destination for live entertainment, as LUDO Sports and Live Lounge prepares to open its flagship venue on St Mary’s Street this September, with room for over 700 guests. LUDO’s most ambitious site yet promises a winning line‑up of live music, premium live sport screenings, freshly prepared food, craft drinks and local beers, as well as competitive socialising in the form of interactive darts and basketball: all designed to deliver unforgettable nights out, whatever the occasion. At the heart of the new venue is a state‑of‑the‑art beer garden featuring Cardiff’s largest outdoor…

Net Zero Industry Wales (NZIW) and RenewableUK Cymru have unveiled a landmark ‘Wales Clean Growth Map’ — highlighting a £9 billion investment opportunity for Wales’ renewable energy projects and low-carbon industries. The map is designed to help legislators, policymakers, and investors visualise the full-scale and strategic alignment of Wales’ clean energy pipeline and industrial transition, and to spotlight the transformational potential for jobs, infrastructure, and regional economies. It not only identifies £6.9 billion which could be added to the Welsh economy over the next decade but also highlights £2.1 billion which could be saved by avoiding further deindustrialisation through investment…

Children and young people in Wales are not able to access mental health support when they need it, leaving them feeling ‘isolated and hopeless’, Mind Cymru has found. In 2018, the Welsh Government’s Children, Young People and Education Committee identified a critical gap in mental health support for young people, described as the ‘missing middle’. New research from Mind Cymru suggests that this issue persists, with many still falling into a space where their needs are too complex for universal services but don’t meet the threshold for specialist support. Young people* have told Mind Cymru that limitations of school-based counselling…

North Wales Police are set to roll out an innovative new tactic in Rhyl and the wider Denbighshire Coastal area in a bid to combat rising incidents of anti-social behaviour. The initiative, part of Operation Vroom, will focus on the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes, which are frequently linked to drug supply, theft, and public disorder. Officers will now be equipped with Smart Tag, a forensic spray designed to safely and discreetly mark offenders for later identification. The solution contains a unique forensic code that corresponds to the pressurised canister it was sprayed from, directly linking a suspect or…

A further slowdown was evident in the housing market in Wales during August according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey, with the price balance at its lowest since January 2024, and surveyors remaining cautious about the outlook. A net balance of -24% of surveyors in Wales reported that prices fell over the past three months, after falling flat in the survey previous. This is also below the average UK net balance which sits at -19%. Looking forward, surveyors in Wales are not optimistic on the pricing outlook as a net balance of -18% expect…

The line up of star BBQ talent from Wales, the South West and across the UK has been revealed for the first Mabon event, a new annual fire cooking festival which will celebrate feasting, fire and folklore around the autumn equinox in September. Created by BBQ stars Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire and Street Food Circus Mabon is a weekend food festival bringing together chefs who have all made their names through cooking with fire and smoke. The festival is inspired by Mabon, known as the ‘pagan Thanksgiving’ and celebrating the the autumn equinox 26-28 September) – the point…

Work is starting this month on a stunning makeover for the city’s outdoor amphitheatre that will make it a landmark city centre music and entertainment destination. Improvements to the steps, new handrails and a mains power supply have all been fitted at the much-loved venue sitting opposite the LC in Swansea. Now work is starting on a new eye-catching stage canopy that will see the venue transformed for performers and audiences alike. Contractors Andrew Scott are due on site shortly and it’s expected the work will be completed by Christmas. The sail-shaped canopy will provide shelter to performers, members of…

One of Swansea’s most treasured historic landmarks, Oystermouth Castle, will open its gates free of charge to visitors this Saturday, 13 September, as part of a nationwide initiative celebrating Wales’ rich architectural and cultural heritage. The event is part of Cadw’s Open Doors programme, a Welsh Government led campaign that encourages residents and visitors alike to discover the stories behind the country’s most iconic buildings. Oystermouth Castle, nestled in the heart of Mumbles, will welcome guests from 11am to 5pm, offering a unique opportunity to explore its centuries-old history, striking architecture, and archaeological significance. The day is being delivered by…