Author: Rhys Gregory

A record crowd packed the town centre to watch the spectacular Parade of Nations pass by, marking another incredibly successful Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. Thousands braved the afternoon’s hot sun and temperatures over 30 degrees to see one of the festival’s most famous traditions brought to life with all its colour and vitality. The latest annual celebration of international friendship, music and culture featured a cavalcade of competitors and performers from across the globe joining local groups in a vibrant procession from the Eisteddfod field through the heart of Llangollen. This year’s festival welcomed participants from Burundi, Bulgaria, Canada, China,…

A secluded West Wales cottage is in such a derelict condition potential buyers are being advised to view it at their own risk. Gemma Vaughan, of Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the property, said: “Although it’s in a dilapidated condition Cwm Grenig Cottage, in the village of Glanamman, near Ammanford, offers a new owner tremendous potential. “The currently derelict detached stone-built cottage is set in approximately a quarter of an acre of land with approximately half an acre opposite which borders on a fast-flowing stream. “The property will require full modernisation and improvement work but could offer excellent potential…

3P Technik UK Ltd, the stormwater treatment and rainwater harvesting experts, and its sister sustainable building supplies company Celtic Sustainables Ltd, have become an employee-owned group, now operating as Celtic House Holdings Limited. Founded in 2000 by its current Managing Director Glyn Hyett, 3P Technik was originally based in Cardiff, before relocating to Cardigan in 2005. In 2008, Glyn established Celtic Sustainables Ltd, when he saw a gap in the market for sustainable building products in the region. The transition to Employee Ownership (EO) brings the two companies together under one group, Celtic House Holdings Limited, from a shared factory…

Volunteers from across South Wales were celebrated at the United Welsh Volunteer Awards 2026, recognising the people who give their time, energy and kindness to support others. The awards celebrated the many different ways residents make a difference – from running coffee shops, games sessions, social groups and community events, to supporting neighbours, shaping services, building confidence and helping bring people together. This year’s nominations told stories of kindness, dedication, resilience and community spirit, with winners and runners-up selected by a panel of residents from across United Welsh communities. The event also highlighted how far the impact of volunteering can…

Diane and Emily Lloyd, long standing supporters of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, officially opened the charity’s new shop in Cardigan town centre on Friday, 10 July. Diane who has worked for Tŷ Hafan for 22 years, and daughter Emily, who has volunteered for the charity for 11 years, cut the ceremonial ribbon on the front door at 25 High Street, Cardigan, opening the next chapter in the charity’s relationship with the town and surrounding areas. Currently Tŷ Hafan supports 22 families whose children and young people have life-shortening conditions in the Senedd constituency of Ceredigion Penfro, with a further 17…

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet has announced that it does not back a congestion charge as the preferred road-user payment option for the city, supporting instead a Workplace Parking Levy. The announcement follows appraisal of the road-user payment initial business case and public engagement and comes on the day that a Road User Payment Scheme Outline Business Case report is published for Cabinet to consider on Thursday, 16th July. A Workplace Parking Levy is a charge to certain businesses for parking spaces on their premises. The Council would use the money raised to improve the quality and frequency of bus services in…

Plans to deliver 60 new council homes in Cathays as part of Cardiff Council’s ambitious Council Housing Development Programme have been unveiled. Proposals to acquire a new housing development on Crwys Road – providing 60 apartments alongside a purpose-built community centre and ground floor retail space – will be considered by Cabinet at its next meeting on Thursday, July 16. The plans form part of the Council’s commitment to deliver more than 4,500 new homes across the city, helping to address unprecedented demand and a limited supply of good quality, affordable housing. Cllr Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and…

Port Talbot and the Afan Valley have been shortlisted for the first ever UK Town of Culture competition. The bid is one of 15 towns from across the UK to be selected for the next stage of the process following 398 bids submitted from across the country. The new UK Town of Culture programme, launched by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, sits alongside the more established City of Culture competition. The winning town will receive up to £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028. Being shortlisted means Neath Port Talbot Council will now…

Families across Rhondda Cynon Taf and beyond are being invited to enjoy an action packed programme of affordable activities this summer as Rhondda Heritage Park Museum launches its Summer of Discovery. Running throughout the school summer holidays from 21 July to 29 August, the programme features a packed schedule of hands on activities, trails, crafts, games and interactive shows inspired by the rich heritage, science and stories of the South Wales Valleys. Each themed week offers a different adventure for visitors of all ages, with Miners’ Fortnight, Prehistoric Wales Week, Space Week, King Coal Week and Bug Week all forming…

Organisations in Merthyr Tydfil are being invited to put projects forward for a new round of UK Government funding. Merthyr Tydfil’s local neighbourhood Board and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will be helping to deliver the government’s Pride in Place Programme, a 10-year investment programme designed to support the regeneration of towns and neighbourhoods through long-term, community-led change. Local groups, voluntary organisations, businesses, education providers, cultural & heritage bodies, and public sector partners are being invited to get in touch with their ideas. Merthyr Tydfil has been selected as one of 75 areas of the country to receive a share…