Author: Rhys Gregory

Uncertainty surrounds the future of one of Wales’ biggest free outdoor festivals after a key funding bid for 2026 was unsuccessful. Newport Live has confirmed that its application to Arts Council of Wales for support towards the 2026 Big Splash festival was not approved, following what it described as a highly competitive process. The popular event, held at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, has become a major fixture in Newport’s cultural calendar, attracting more than 20,000 visitors each year. While the setback has cast doubt over next year’s festival, organisers have stressed that the decision only affects the 2026…

A suspected car thief has been arrested and charged following an investigation into a series of offences in Cardiff. South Wales Police confirmed that Hydam Huq, 34, from Butetown, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday in Rumney. He later appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 20, facing multiple car crime charges linked to incidents in the Penylan area. The charges include theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and three counts of vehicle interference. Huq was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape. 45-year-old Michael Allen, from Port Talbot, was convicted in March of four counts of rape against two separate complainants. Both victims were under the age of 18 at the time of Allen’s offending. Allen has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. Detective Constable Penny Romanello said: “This thorough investigation has shown that Michael Allen is an incredibly dangerous man capable of horrendous sexual crimes against children. “His two victims have been through a dreadful ordeal at his hands; one which we cannot even…

Pupils at Lansdowne Primary School are celebrating after being named a regional finalist in a nationwide Frozen sing‑along competition, putting them in the running for an unforgettable performance opportunity at Disneyland Paris. The competition, which marks the launch of the highly anticipated World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, saw more than 10,000 schools across the UK take part. Schools were invited to rehearse and perform the iconic song “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen, with only 12 schools selected as regional finalists. Year 4 pupils from Lansdowne Primary School impressed judges with a standout, creative performance, praised for its exceptional…

A new 50-space overflow car park has been given the green light in Clydach Vale, aimed at easing ongoing parking pressures around a popular country park and nearby sports facilities. Planning permission for the development, which will serve Cwm Clydach Country Park and adjacent pitches used by Cambrian United FC, was approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Planning and Development Committee on Thursday, April 16. The new facility will be built on land next to the industrial estate road and is designed to support visitors to the area, where demand for parking regularly exceeds capacity during peak times. The issue…

Accountancy and advisory firm MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, has promoted Laura Farrow to Partner in its Cardiff office, strengthening the firm’s leadership team as it continues its growth across Wales. Laura brings nearly 25 years of audit experience, including 18 years with former MHA member firm Broomfield & Alexander. Laura specialises in advising small and medium-sized businesses across South and West Wales in a range of sectors including construction, retail, transport, logistics, technology, hospitality, manufacturing and engineering. An ICAEW-accredited Chartered Accountant, Laura also has significant experience advising UK subsidiaries of international groups. James Dobson, Partner,…

A director of a North Wales estate and lettings agent is marking 25 years with the company. Nicola Blake joined Cavendish at 17 as an office junior, rising through the ranks to become a director almost four years ago. Nicola, who works across Cavendish’s offices in Mold, Ruthin and Chester, said: “I had always been interested in property, so the advert for an office junior sounded perfect when I spotted it in the local paper. “After about five or six years I felt I could make a career in the property sector and new opportunities kept coming along to progress…

In 2019, HBO had the unenviable task of bringing a spin-off to the biggest TV show in the world to life after said show bowed out unceremoniously. Their gambit came in the form of House of the Dragon, needing to recapture the sense of a grand and intricate storyline as well as the stunning visuals that accompanied its predecessor. To achieve this, and in the years since House of the Dragon’s successful landing, the massive American production studio has decided to come to Wales for filming. In doing so, the world of Westeros was brought back to life, even spurring…

Wales really comes alive in summer. The coast feels brighter, the countryside feels more inviting, and even the cities seem easier to enjoy when the days are longer. One of the best things about a summer day out in Wales is the range. You can head for the beach, spend the afternoon walking through green hills, or keep things simple with food, parks, and a relaxed city plan. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means a little preparation goes a long way. The right destination, the right clothing, and a few essentials can make the difference…

Wales is a genuinely good place to begin cycling. You have cities where cycling is becoming a more normal part of daily travel, smaller towns with manageable roads, and countryside routes that let beginners build confidence away from heavy traffic.  Welsh policy has also kept active travel in the conversation, with Transport for Wales explicitly backing the Welsh Government’s aim of making walking and cycling the preferred choice for shorter trips, while recent National Survey for Wales results show active travel remains a live public issue rather than a niche hobby. Just as importantly, Wales gives new riders options. You…