Author: Rhys Gregory

One of Wales’s brightest emerging composers is counting down to one of the biggest moments of his career as he prepares for the world premiere of his new work at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2026. Cardiff-born composer Sam Buttler will premiere his new bilingual work, Greeting the Dawn, as the opening piece of the landmark concert Uniting Nations: One World on Tuesday 7 July. The performance is the culmination of the Eisteddfod’s Harmony Without Borders composition initiative, supported by the Arts Council of Wales, which was created to nurture the next generation of composers while celebrating Wales’s rich musical heritage.…

Phillips Wellbeing is encouraging people across South Wales to lace up their running shoes and take part in this summer’s Show Cancer the V Fun Run in support of Velindre Cancer Charity. The Cardiff-based wellbeing specialist is a Gold partner of the event, which takes place on Sunday 19th July at Bute Park, Cardiff, and aims to raise vital funds for Velindre’s life-changing work supporting cancer patients and their families across Wales. As part of its partnership, Phillips Wellbeing is supporting the event’s wellbeing provision, including the Wellbeing Tent, where participants and supporters will have access to activities and advice designed…

S4C and Am have this week announced the launch of a new Community Film Fund that will support emerging filmmakers across Wales to tell stories from their local communities in Welsh. The scheme will commission 15 films over the next year, with successful applicants receiving £500 each to create a short film exploring any aspect of community life. Three application rounds will be held during the year, with five projects selected in each round, representing a total investment of £7,500. The initiative builds on the success of a previous partnership between S4C and PYST (Am), which provided funding for young bands to…

A man credited with having a “transformative impact” on skills development, hospitality and the food and drink sectors in Wales has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Arwyn Watkins, OBE, by Cambrian Training Company, one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers. The presentation ceremony was held at the company’s annual Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Awards, held at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. Mr Watkins led a management buyout of the company in 2002 and, as managing director and executive chairman, grew the business into one of Wales’ most respected training providers, known for excellence,…

Brecon Carreg has announced an innovative new sustainability partnership with Welsh sports recovery manufacturer LAYR55 that will see plastic water bottles collected at running events transformed into high-performance foam rollers used by athletes. The initiative will launch at the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K, where empty Brecon Carreg bottles will be collected from participants through dedicated recycling bins located in the race village and finish area, as well as by the event’s volunteer plogging team. The collected bottles will then be recycled and used by LAYR55 to manufacture foam rollers using advanced 3D printing technology. The rollers will subsequently be used…

A Bridgend man has been jailed for 15 years for multiple child sex offences. James Carr, 68 from Bridgend was found guilty of 10 counts of sexually assaulting of a boy under 14, two counts of rape of a male under 16 and two counts of buggery after a week-long trial at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court. The offences occurred between 1986 and 1995 and later were reported to police in 2022. He was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on Wednesday July 1 to 15 years in prison. Carr was also made the subject of a lifelong Restraining Order and will…

The family of a 46-year-old man who was sadly found deceased at his home in Wrexham have paid tribute to him. Stuart Davies was found on Thursday, 25 June when officers attended his address at Bryn y Ffynnon, Brymbo, following concerns for his welfare after he had not been seen for several days. His family said: “Stuey had the most infectious smile that will stick with everyone that knew him. “He was a loving son, brother and dad, who doted on his children. We are heartbroken that he was tragically taken away from us and he will be missed by…

James Hughes killed Harold Turner after an argument on Christmas Day last year. A 67 year old St Asaph man who murdered his neighbour after an argument, has today been jailed. James Hughes from The Old Palace Flats, St Asaph, wore a Dictaphone around his neck and sat on top of Harold Turner, 68, recording the altercation, before beating him with his walking stick on Christmas day last year. Mr Turner died as a result of asphyxia and had suffered blunt force trauma to his face and head. Hughes was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court last…

Passengers are being urged to plan ahead this July as Network Rail carries out a programme of essential engineering work between Newport and Shrewsbury to improve safety and reliability of the railway. The work will take place from 00:45 on Saturday 11 July until 05:00 on Monday 13 July, when all railway lines between Newport and Shrewsbury will be closed. During the closure, Network Rail engineers will deliver a range of improvements at locations including Pontrilas, Abergavenny and Ludlow, including: · Track renewals to improve reliability and reduce future delays · Vegetation management to maintain a safe and reliable railway…

Super Furry Animals made history at TK Maxx presents Live At Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday night by performing their groundbreaking Welsh language album Mwng in full for the very first time. Thousands of fans gathered for the landmark show as the Welsh music legends delivered a unique performance celebrating one of the band’s most acclaimed records. The opening half of the concert saw the stage transformed into a striking black and white setting as Super Furry Animals performed Mwng from start to finish. The set featured fan favourites including Ymaelodi Â’r Ymylon, Y Teimlad, Sarn Halen and Gwreiddiau Dwfn /…