Author: Rhys Gregory

FILMS made by aspiring creatives from North Wales are now being screened in Vue and Odeon cinemas across the UK – and Clwyd North MP Gill German says it proves local talent can thrive when given the right opportunities. Gill is highlighting the success of TAPE’s groundbreaking Supporting Shorts project, a cinema-focused initiative led by the Old Colwyn-based community arts charity and an example of sector leading inclusive filmmaking. Supported by the University of Leeds, Supporting Shorts is all about young people who are breaking down barriers in the creative industries, bringing new voices to the big screen. The project…

Hay Festival 2026 closed Sunday 31 May after record numbers enjoyed more than 600 events with writers, thinkers and performers over 11 days. Held at the Festival’s free-to-enter site in Hay-on-Wye, the event launches the best new fiction and non-fiction books, while offering insights and debate around significant global issues, world-class comedy and music, and a vibrant programme of pop-up events, workshops, and activities for all ages. In numbers, the Festival saw more than 210K tickets issued, up 5 per cent on last year; 70K books sold, up 35 per cent; and almost 7,500 school pupils attended the free Schools…

GREENFIELD Valley Trust is celebrating the “beating heart” of the historic site as part of National Volunteers’ Week – while encouraging more local people to get involved in shaping its future. The Trust has been hosting a series of ‘Meet the Volunteers’ drop-in sessions throughout this week, giving visitors the chance to speak directly with the volunteers and staff who help keep the much-loved heritage attraction thriving. Held at the Visitor Centre and across the 70-acre site near Holywell, the sessions have showcased the huge variety of volunteering opportunities available – from heritage research, gardening and events to museum care,…

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has opened its second funding round for registered charities helping young people into work. Applications opened on Monday 1st June with a total pot of £150,000 available for UK-based projects focused on employability, children and young people aged 14-25, and areas of economic and social deprivation. The Foundation supports projects that address deprivation or disadvantage, especially among young people. These include social mobility and youth development, such as learning and training. Since 2021, the Foundation has donated over £3 million to good causes. In May, Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Leeds, Newcastle United Foundation and The…

Cardiff Airport has welcomed more than one million passengers over the past 12 months, reaching a major milestone as it continues its strong recovery and growth. The achievement comes as new figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show Cardiff Airport was the second fastest-growing airport in the UK during the first quarter of 2026, recording a 24% increase in passenger numbers compared with the same period last year. The airport says growing demand for flights from Wales, combined with investment from airline partners and the introduction of new routes, has helped drive passenger growth. Over the last year, Cardiff…

Twenty-four nights and more than 80 artists representing the very best of the live music scene globally are set to ensure Cardiff Castle enjoys its biggest ever summer of live entertainment. More than 180,000 tickets have been sold so far for this year’s outing of TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle which kicks off this Saturday with a sold out show from House music tastemaker Chris Stussy. The opening night featuring special guests and supports Chloé Caillet, L.P.Rhythm, Locklead, Lauren Lo Sung and Lewis Taylor marks the start of an exciting season which will see both homegrown and…

North Wales’ largest housing association, Adra, has secured £20m in funding from Principality Commercial to support the organisation’s development programme and continued investment into its existing housing stock across the region. Based in Bangor, Adra provides affordable homes and support services to communities across the region. The organisation is committed to developing high quality, sustainable homes and improving the lives of local people through investment in housing and community initiatives. The new funding facility from Principality will support Adra in enhancing the quality and sustainability of its existing properties, as well as delivering over 200 new affordable homes across North Wales,…

Cymru Football Foundation’s first new, innovative recreational football facility has opened at Grange Gardens in Cardiff. The Cymru Court – a facility that has been designed to bridge the gap between structured club football and recreational play – is now available creating a high-quality, accessible space for people of all ages to enjoy. The six‑figure investment from the CFF has transformed the facility which now boasts a modern, durable playing surface and enhanced features that support year‑round, inclusive activity. The new space in Grangetown now features: A new high‑performance 4G surface Updated rebound fencing and kick boards Improved lighting and…

A major milestone has been reached in the development of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route, with the final section between Ferndale and Tylorstown now open to the public. The opening completes the main 10km walking and cycling route connecting communities from Tylorstown to Maerdy, following years of planning and construction supported by Welsh Government funding. The multi-million-pound scheme has been a long-standing commitment for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and has been delivered in partnership with Transport for Wales, which has provided administration and advisory support throughout the project. Work on the route began in 2023 and has been delivered…

Community groups, schools and third sector organisations across Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen are being invited to apply for funding through the new Community Cohesion Grant 2026. The grant programme aims to nurture and strengthen community cohesion by supporting projects that bring people together, promote inclusion and celebrate diversity across local communities. Successful applicants can receive between £500 and £2,000 per project to deliver activities that encourage participation, tackle discrimination and create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect through shared interests and experiences. The funding is open to projects that: Promote a strong sense of belonging and celebrate…