Author: Rhys Gregory

Football is often described as a universal language, and stadiums serve as its cathedrals. While billionaire owners, elite managers, and superstar athletes dominate the headlines, the true lifeblood of the sport pulses in the stands. Fan culture is the foundation upon which the entire footballing pyramid rests. Without the roaring crowds, the colorful banners, and the deeply ingrained local rivalries, a match is nothing more than twenty-two athletes chasing a ball on an empty stretch of grass. The power of football lies in its ability to forge collective identities. It provides a shared narrative that unites people across different socioeconomic,…

This year saw the largest ever Barry Island 10K descend onto the iconic seaside time for a full Welsh festival of running. More than 4,700 participants registered to take part across both the 10K and junior races, taking in the town’s most iconic spots including Whitmore Bay, the Knap, Romilly Park and Watch House Bay. It was an event extravaganza as the race partnered with Welsh music, culture and arts festival Gŵyl Fach y Fro, for the first time this year. It meant performances were scheduled for both the Saturday and Sunday as runners and spectators took in all the…

Leading recruitment company Acorn by Synergie and commercial law firm Darwin Gray, in partnership with Beam Development and Training, welcomed HR professionals to its latest Wales HR Network event called ‘Why wellbeing isn’t a tick-box exercise’. The event, which took place on May 14 in Cardiff’s Greyfriars House and was hosted by Confused.com, brought together leading voices from across the HR and business community to explore the vital connection between employee wellbeing and professional growth. The discussion focused on moving beyond surface-level initiatives, instead encouraging organisations to take a more holistic and strategic approach. Attendees gained practical insights into how…

Ynys Môn is set to extend a warm welcome to visitors from across Wales and beyond when thousands flock to compete and celebrate at the National Eisteddfod yr Urdd, held at the Anglesey Showground near Gwalchmai next week (23–29 May). For the first time, the Urdd has expanded the festival from six to seven days, in response to a significant increase in competitors and demand for new competitions. The organisation is delighted to report an increase in the number of competitors with additional learning needs (ALN) taking part this year, following the introduction of new ALN competitions. In addition, a…

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has marked a significant clinical milestone with the successful delivery of a pioneering new procedure at The Grange University Hospital – the first time it has been performed in Wales. On 13 May 2026, specialists carried out a Transarterial Musculoskeletal Embolisation (TAME) procedure, an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for patients suffering with chronic hip pain, often linked to GTPS (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome). The procedure was led by Dr Nimit Goyal, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, supported by a multidisciplinary team across the Health Board including Mr Dan Harding (Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist) and Mr Dale Evans (Head…

Drivers parking along parts of Aberystwyth seafront will soon have to pay for on-street parking as Ceredigion County Council introduces new charges from Monday 18 May 2026. The new measures will apply to Victoria Terrace, Marine Terrace and New Promenade, with charges operating daily between 8am and 8pm. Ceredigion County Council says the seafront is one of the county’s busiest parking areas, with the changes aimed at managing demand, improving turnover of short-stay spaces and making it easier for residents, visitors and businesses to access the town centre. Under the new system, motorists will pay £3.50 for up to two…

Ten years on from the UK’s referendum on EU membership, an ambitious effort is underway to create the most detailed map of Brexit voting patterns to date. Researchers at Aberystwyth University are appealing to campaigners, party activists and referendum observers to dig out informal tallies — known as ‘boxcounts’ — recorded when ballot boxes were opened on referendum night. Official referendum results were reported at local authority level, offering only a broad overview of the geography of Leave and Remain support. What these figures conceal, however, are the more fine‑grained patterns within communities: whether suburbs voted differently from city centres,…

THREE years ago, Tomas Ankers was a school leaver who’d just enrolled at Coleg Cambria. Fast forward to 2026, and the 18 year old apprentice is preparing to represent the UK at WorldSkills Shanghai this September. Tomas, who works for Electroimpact UK Ltd in Deeside, will contest the CNC Milling category and is one of only five competitors from Wales to take part in the global competition. His journey to the international stage has been marked by consistent success. In 2024, he was Highly Commended in CNC Milling at the WorldSkills UK finals, before earning a Medallion for Excellence at…

ONE of North Wales’s most recognisable roadside landmarks has been given a dazzling new look. The famous metal bison statue outside Rhug Estate has been transformed into a striking gold feature. And for a sustainable business on a remarkable run of form, it couldn’t be more fitting. Standing proudly outside the award-winning Farm Shop on the A5, near Corwen, for more than 15 years, the much-loved bison statue has become a familiar sight for travellers, visitors and locals alike. Originally finished in a dark metal tone, the sculpture now shines in gold – a bold statement from one of the…

A day filled with vibrant performances, authentic Indian cuisine, wellbeing workshops, colourful market stalls and hands-on cultural experiences awaits visitors at the Swansea Indian Mela 2026. Taking place on Saturday June 6 from 10am to 6pm at the city’s Brangwyn Hall, the event will immerse attendees in the sights, sounds and flavours of India. This will include live dance and stage performances, food stalls, jewellery and craft vendors, Indian clothing, interactive workshops and henna artistry. The family-friendly event promises a full day of colour, culture and community spirit, bringing together people from across South West Wales to experience the richness…