Author: Rhys Gregory

After hearing that Tuesday night’s show had been one of the highlights of Lewis Capaldi’s summer tour, I was curious to see whether night two at Blackweir Fields could possibly top it. Judging by the reaction from the crowd, it just might have. The Scottish superstar returned to Cardiff for a second sold out show and, from the moment he walked on stage, there was a real sense that this wasn’t just another stop on the tour. Greeting the crowd, he smiled: “God it’s good to be here, right here in Cardiff. We’re going to have some fun.” Moments later…

Walk through a market in Abergavenny, Brecon or Cardigan on a busy market day and you’ll notice something that wasn’t there a few years back. More stalls now have a card reader sitting next to the till, and more shoppers reach for their phone or card before they reach for their purse. The change has crept in slowly, but it’s real. It’s part of a national pattern too. Cash made up less than 10% of all UK payments for the first time in 2024. A decade earlier, it accounted for nearly half. Let’s take a look at how it’s playing…

One of the most colourful and much-loved traditions of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns on Friday 10 July, as the spectacular Parade of Nations brings thousands of visitors and performers together in a celebration of international friendship, music and culture. The parade will take place between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, with competitors and performers from across the globe joining local groups in a vibrant procession through the heart of Llangollen. This year’s Eisteddfod will welcome participants from Burundi, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Isle of Man, the Netherlands, Norway, Rwanda, Sweden, Uganda, Ukraine and the United States, alongside…

The sole surviving house, in a former mining village razed to the ground due to fears over a ‘moving mountain’, created a storm of interest when posted for sale at auction. The severely fire-damaged, two-bedroom house, in the once thriving now cleared Gwent community of Troedrhiwfuwch, known locally as Troedy, witnessed its people being shifted out almost fifty years ago over the mountain landslip safety fears. Now one of just two remaining properties, in the village known locally as Troedy, the other being the former post office building, sold at auction. The village and almost all of its houses were…

Parc y Scarlets will host the second leg of Cymru’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round One play off against Albania on Tuesday 13 October, with kick off time to be confirmed. Cymru return to Llanelli following a dominant display at the venue in March during the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers. Hannah Cain and Mared Griffiths both scored twice, while Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe also found the net as Cymru secured an impressive victory over Montenegro, giving the Red Wall plenty to celebrate. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson hopes supporters will once again turn out in force…

Food lovers are in for a treat this weekend as the Cardiff Food and Drink Festival returns to Cardiff Bay with three days of street food, local produce, live music and family friendly entertainment. Taking place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 July in and around Roald Dahl Plass, the free event is one of the highlights of Cardiff’s summer calendar, bringing together local food producers, award winning brands and flavours from around the world. Visitors can explore several festival zones, including the Producers Fair, Farmers Market, Street Food Piazza, Crafters Market and the Bandstand, which will host live music…

The countdown continues to the opening of Hollywood Bowl XL at St David’s Cardiff, with the company teasing another glimpse inside its new city centre entertainment venue. After previously revealing the first look at its pioneering e-karting track, Hollywood Bowl XL and St David’s Cardiff have now shared an image showcasing the venue’s bowling lanes as work continues ahead of its opening later this summer. The latest teaser offers another behind the scenes look at the major new leisure destination, which will become Hollywood Bowl’s first XL concept in Wales and its second venue in the capital, alongside its existing…

Following his recent convictions for six shoplifting offences, Phillip James was issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on June 24. James, 58, admitted stealing chocolate, detergents and meat, from Spar, Abergele Road, Trowbridge. He was also jailed for four months. As part of the CBO, James must leave any retail store or public building when asked to do so by a member of staff, security, police or council official. He must not enter any Co-op, Spar or Tesco Express store in Cardiff for the next two years. The aim of a CBO is to prevent crime…

Two new retailers have been introduced to Transport for Wales’ Cardiff Bus Interchange (CBI), welcoming local favourite Kiwis Bowls and the international sandwich specialist Which Wich. The Interchange’s retail lineup expands following the successful opening of Starbucks in April 2025. This highlights Transport for Wales’s (TfW) commitment to creating a vibrant, customer focused transport hub that supports local Welsh and international businesses in Wales. Kiwis Bowls: a beloved brand in Cardiff, will provide its signature premium açaí bowls, smoothies, and ethically sourced coffee to the heart of the city. Which Wich: Making its highly anticipated Welsh debut with two locations. One at the Interchange and another at St David’s…

MamGu Welshcakes has become the latest Welsh food and drink business to achieve Certified B Corporation™ status, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The Pembrokeshire-based company is now one of ten Welsh producers to secure the internationally recognised accreditation, supporting Wales’ ambition to develop sustainable, high‑quality food and drink production. B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet high standards of performance, accountability and transparency across governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Through the process, MamGu Welshcakes has strengthened its sustainability approach, embedding responsible practices across its operations while continuing to celebrate its…