Author: Rhys Gregory

If you are looking for festive magic this Christmas, Swansea Grand Theatre has delivered it in style with Aladdin, now showing until Sunday 4 January 2026. From the moment the curtain goes up, you are swept away into the mystical world of Swanseabah. The digital and animated set once again plays a huge role, bringing the show to life with bright visuals, fast scene changes and a real sense of scale. It feels modern and immersive, and it instantly grabs the attention of younger audiences, who are completely locked in from start to finish. The cast is packed with experience,…

Wales’s Biggest Panto has returned to New Theatre Cardiff, and this year’s festive favourite is Sleeping Beauty, running until Sunday 4 January 2026. One of the things that makes panto so special is how relaxed it feels. For many younger audience members, this will be their first ever theatre visit, and there really is no better introduction. Cheering, booing, singing along and getting involved is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. A quick look around the auditorium shows just how well that works, with smiles on faces of all ages. Now that our children are getting older, with one already in…

COLEG CAMBRIA welcomed some of North Wales’ most promising young culinary talent to the first-ever Wrexham heat of the Springboard FutureChef competition. Seven budding chefs from Years 9 and 10 took part in the contest – held at the college’s Iâl Restaurant – including two learners from Cambria’s GCSE Hospitality and Catering school links programme. The represented schools were Ysgol Clywedog, Denbigh High School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Rhosnesni High School and The Maelor School in Penley. Competitors were challenged to produce one dish and two portions on a strict £6.50 budget, showcasing impressive technical ability, creativity and calmness under pressure.…

Wales is undergoing a quiet but significant shift in business investment behaviour, emerging as a UK leader in high-value intangible investments, according to a major new study produced by the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC). Commissioned by Economic Intelligence Wales (EIW), the ‘Productive Investment Decisions in Welsh Firms’ report, shows that Welsh businesses are investing more consistently – and more heavily – in people, skills, branding and digital capabilities than firms elsewhere in the UK. The findings show that 87% of Welsh firms invested in staff training or education between 2019 and 2024, compared to 72% across the UK. This makes…

A PROMINENT Flintshire employer feeding thousands of children every day is preparing for a period of significant growth. NEWydd Catering and Cleaning is set to expand into new areas, creating opportunities for jobs, collaboration, and increased recognition of its services. Led by Managing Director Steve Jones, the Mold-based catering and cleaning provider – which has more than 350 employees – is drawing increasing interest from educators and organisations across Cheshire and the Wirral. While deeply rooted in local communities, the team is now poised to take its high-quality, locally sourced services to a wider regional audience. “We’ve been part of…

Eight talented Welsh chefs will cook off in the prestigious 2026 National Chef of Wales final to be held at ICC Wales, Newport early in the new year Both the National and Junior Chef of Wales finals, organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), are being held alongside the Castell Howell Trade Food Service Show at ICC Wales on January 20 and 21. The National Chef of Wales final – the country’s premier culinary competition – will be contested over two heats on January 21. The finalists are Daniel Jones from Abergwaun Hotel, Fishguard; Dion Jones from Rookery Hall…

The Magic Lantern in Tywyn has been voted Cinema of the Year in the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). More than 130 cinemas entered the awards, supported by Kia and voted for by cinemagoers, and in excess of 100,000 votes were cast during the first round of voting. The final five nominees were then selected by a specially appointed jury, taking into account the public vote and the cinemas’ contribution to their community, environmental sustainability and making cinema accessible for all. Following a final round of voting, in which over 19,000 votes were cast, the Magic Lantern was crowned the…

North Wales Police officers executed a series of drug warrants across the Western and Central districts this week. These warrants formed part of our ongoing, proactive response to organised criminality operating across the region. A detailed and long-running investigation has focused on the activities of suspects based in the Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Conwy areas. Officers targeted individuals suspected of engaging in the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis across North Wales. Additional warrants were executed simultaneously in Greater Manchester and Merseyside as part of this aligned policing work. The over-arching operation – planned and undertaken by officers from multiple departments…

Morriston is set to step back in time on Saturday December 13 as the community comes together for Morriston Victorian Day, a festive event designed to celebrate local heritage and support town centre businesses. Running from 10am to 3pm, the event will transform Morriston with a Victorian themed atmosphere as the countdown to Christmas continues. Residents and visitors can expect a full day of festive activity, with local shops offering special deals alongside live music, craft stalls and fayres spread throughout the town. The day will also feature displays and information from local heritage groups, giving people the chance to…

On Sunday, December 21 at 12 noon, residents and visitors are invited to one of Swansea’s most iconic landmarks, Oystermouth Castle, for a free community event filled with festive music and seasonal cheer. Hosted by the award-winning charity group The Friends of Oystermouth Castle, Carols in the Castle promises an afternoon of joyful carol singing in the stunning historic setting of the castle grounds. Guests can enjoy performances from Mal Pope and Mumbles A Cappella, featuring beloved Christmas songs for all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and heritage of the castle while enjoying the spirit…