Author: Rhys Gregory

A wide range of new Welsh films are set to reach cinema screens in 2026, showcasing stories from communities across Wales and highlighting the strength and diversity of the nation’s film industry. From life in Blaenau Ffestiniog through the eyes of Effi, to an out of this world Roswelsh incident in a seaside town, Film Hub Wales says audiences can expect dramas, documentaries, horrors and family friendly films with strong Welsh connections both on screen and behind the scenes. The year begins with the release of H is for Hawk on January 23. The biographical drama is produced by Cardiff…

Swansea Grand Theatre has been the home of premium pantomime for decades, and this year’s panto funfest, Aladdin, was no exception; ticket sales outstripped last year’s and next year’s seasonal spectacular, Snow White, is already selling well. Over 34,000 theatre goers of all ages witnessed the wonder of Aladdin and for the second year in a row box office sales have exceeded expectation. With comedy legend Joe Pasquale at the helm, the hugely popular Kev Johns as the Dame, Welsh musical theatre star, Celyn Cartwright and a talented ensemble, this year’s panto had an additional Hollywood sheen courtesy of Welsh…

Wales’ largest housing, care and support provider has a new name, becoming Codi Group on 1st of January 2026. The new identity for the Group, formed through the merger of Linc and Pobl, was confirmed in June. Now, the two organisations have formally come together under a single identity and shared strategy, completing the transition into one new entity with a clear purpose and direction, focused on using collective strength to shape better futures for people and places in a sustainable, long-term way. Scott Sanders, Group CEO of Codi Group, said: “The completion of the merger and transition to Codi marks…

A leading civil engineering firm is advancing a major active travel route across southern Anglesey in a bid to create a healthier Wales. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is delivering a 1.25km shared pedestrian and cycle path from Pen Cob car park to Newborough after being appointed by Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn – the Isle of Anglesey County Council. The scheme will separate users from vehicles on the A4080 for safety purposes, whilst bird watching areas, benches, and cycle stands are being installed in various areas, including the Malltraeth Cob – the local name for the one-mile-long embankment and bridge…

People and projects transforming lives through learning across Wales are being sought for this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards which are now open for nominations. Co-ordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, the annual awards are the nation’s biggest celebration of adult learning. The Inspire! Awards honour exceptional learners and community projects that show how education strengthens Wales’ economy, supports better health and wellbeing and enriches civic and cultural life. From gaining qualifications to discovering new confidence or simply finding joy in learning, winners will demonstrate that the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.…

FABRICATOR Dudley’s Aluminium has secured two new education projects based in Hampshire: North Whiteley Secondary School and King’s Academy Bay House School. Working in partnership with main contractor Kier across both projects, Dudley’s Aluminium will install Metal Technology System curtain walling, windows and doors at each school. North Whiteley Secondary School is a new development that will deliver 900 secondary school places, including a dedicated resource provision to support pupils with special educational needs within mainstream education. The build will feature a modern, three-storey teaching block alongside state-of-the-art sports facilities including a four-court sports hall, multiuse studio and outdoor pitches.…

The Lord’s Taverners Wales’ annual Christmas Lunches, which took place at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on 5 and 12 December 2025, have raised over £43,000, a record amount, for the leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. Bringing together 540 people across the two events, the lunches shed light on the charity’s work in Wales and highlighted the importance of continued support to help provide opportunities for young people. In the last year, the Lord’s Taverners Wales has continued to build on the success of its Wicketz programmes with hubs in Barry, Ely, Llanrumney and Pontypridd, while also continuing to…

A 33-year-old man has been jailed for assisting and encouraging the suicide of others. Miles Cross of Wrexham city, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court yesterday, Wednesday, 7 January, having previously admitted four counts of intentionally doing an act capable of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another, contrary to Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961. He was sentenced to 14 years. Two deaths in the UK were linked to Cross, who was selling a substance to vulnerable people on an online forum. In October 2024, North Wales Police launched an investigation into Cross after Thames Valley Police…

A police led search to locate a man reported to have entered the River Teifi in Cardigan continued yesterday, led by officers from Cardigan, Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn Police, with support from specialist teams and partner agencies. Officers believe the man to be 30 year old Kurtis Brook, who is from the Cardigan area. Police remain in close contact with his family to provide updates and ongoing support. The operation has involved specialist officers, drones, search dogs and the marine unit, with additional assistance from the RNLI and His Majesty’s Coastguard, using their specialist skills to support the search both…

Terrace Road Primary School has been commended by Estyn for creating a happy, caring, and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued, and happy to learn. Inspectors found that nearly all pupils engage well in lessons and develop positive attitudes to learning. Most make good progress from their individual starting points, including those with additional learning needs and pupils learning English as an additional language. This was highlighted as a notable strength. The report praises the school’s commitment to equality and diversity, which is embedded across the curriculum and supported by initiatives such as the ‘Windows and Mirrors’ library.  It…