Author: Rhys Gregory

Have you ever been in a situation where you were trying to access a particular site on your phone only to discover it was designed for desktops first? How did you feel struggling with the zooming, small buttons and really tiny texts? Annoying, right? That non-responsiveness in web design is exactly why 73.1% of users leave sites. This makes the need for mobile-first designs more urgent now that over 50% of internet users actually access the web using smartphones. Thankfully, many businesses are currently building their websites for mobile first because they understand how crucial this is in satisfying and…

Nestled on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall in Bala is one of Wales’ most exquisite countryside retreats. With its Green Michelin Star recognition, the hotel has now introduced an affordable yet indulgent set lunch menu, offering guests a refined dining experience in the grandeur of the Henry Robertson Dining Room. I was fortunate enough to experience it firsthand, and here’s why I think it’s a must-visit. First Impressions Driving through the grand entrance of Palé Hall, you’re immediately transported to a world of tranquillity and elegance. The sweeping driveway, flanked by stunning Welsh countryside, sets the tone…

GRAMMY Award winning artist, actor and multifaceted entertainer Will Smith is set to head to Cardiff this summer as part of his upcoming Based on a True Story Summer Tour. The global superstar will headline Live at Bute Park on Monday August 25, joined by very special guests disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHIC. The announcement is the latest reveal for the brand-new live music series on Coopers Field which will also see headlining sets from Tom Jones on Wednesday August 20, and Basement Jaxx on Sunday 24. The Based on a True Story Tour announcement comes on the heels…

A 19-year-old aspiring beauty queen will be taking on the ABP Newport Half Marathon as part of her mission to inspire young women to reach their potential. Xantia Hobrough, who will be taking part in the Miss Wales finals in May, will be running the race – part of the ABP Newport Marathon Festival – with her dad Mark to raise money for ‘Beauty with a Purpose’. The Veterinary Medicine student from Sully said: “I really enjoy running with my dad. We’ve run three half marathons together already and we decided to do the ABP Newport Half as my dad…

A LEADING IT company will serve more communities and meet industry demand by building on its connections in Wales. Vigo IT Solutions Ltd is a pioneering provider of IT and related services based in Birkenhead, Wirral. Employing 20 staff and with more than 250 customers, founder and Managing Director Kurt Beaumont-Jones has expanded operations and opened new premises at M-SParc in Gaerwen, Anglesey. Having previously worked as an IT manager for a national energy provider, Kurt launched the firm in 2008, driving around in his car and posting chocolate bars and letters to business owners in the hope they would…

Police searching for missing Cardiff woman Charlene Hobbs have launched a murder investigation. Charlene, 36, from Riverside, Cardiff, has not been seen since July 2024. The last confirmed sighting is a mobile phone photograph taken of Charlene at a property in Broadway, Adamsdown. Charlene’s disappearance is now being treated as murder and the Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell, from South Wales Police, said: “We have always been determined to find Charlene alive and return her…

A man from Swansea has been jailed for child sex offences. Thomas Hearn, 21, from St. Thomas, kissed the child on two occasions. Thomas pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault by touching on a child under the age of 13. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court on March 7. He has been made subject of notification requirements for a period of 10 years, and a restraining order was imposed for 10 years to protect the victim. Detective Constable Joanne Williams said: “We are pleased to see the court outcome following Thomas Hearn’s…

The largest delegation to date of Welsh game developers has arrived in San Francisco for the industry’s key annual gathering this week, with support from Creative Wales, Trade & Investment and the Welsh Government. 30 delegates from 15 Welsh companies will be attending the Game Developers Conference, the world’s largest annual gathering of gaming industry professionals, to showcase new games and form long lasting international partnerships. Meetings with Playstation and Niantic (the studio behind Pokémon Go) are already part of the full itinerary. The global video games industry is estimated at approximate £352bn with a huge potential for growth both…

Just days after announcing that they will be taking over the day-to-day running of the Llangollen Pavilion, the Llangollen Eisteddfod has announced Llanfest 2025, a one-day event with 7 of the best up and coming bands in North Wales and the North West. Llanfest 2025 will take place at the Llangollen Pavilion, on Sunday, 8 June from 2pm until 10.30pm. From rock anthems, to indie tunes and euphoric club classics – there is something for everyone at Llanfest 2025.  The bands come from Llangollen, Corwen, Liverpool, and across North Wales and the North West. Keith Potts, from the festival said, “We’re…

The Welsh Fitness Awards is delighted to announce the nominees for the 2025 Welsh Fitness Awards. Since 2017, the Welsh Fitness Awards have recognised and celebrated the very best of the Welsh fitness community. The 2025 awards are being held at the iconic Hilton Hotel – Cardiff and hosted by one of the UK’s leading MMA and boxing MC’s – Jonathan “Voice of the Vale” Millard. The Nominees for this year’s awards are: Female Athlete of The Year  Gemma Thomas Lauren Wallace Micheala Lewis Melissa Smith Zoe Hodgkinson Male Athlete of The Year Zander Hiller Owen Roberts John Lovell Coach…