Author: Rhys Gregory

Workers in Wales have revealed they need an annual income of £42,0001 to live comfortably, a figure significantly higher than the regional average salary of £36,0002. This disparity has created a substantial ‘comfort gap’ of £6,000, according to new research. The survey of 5,000 UK professionals, part of Reed’s annual salary guide series, highlights the distinct financial pressures faced by employees across the region. Currently, 15% are unhappy with their pay with salaries not keeping pace with the rising cost of living, being the top reason cited by 33% of respondents. Becky Hole, Regional Director at Reed, commented: “Wales has always had a resilient workforce, but…

Singer Sofia Camara and rapper and musician Jimothy Lacoste are the latest names to be added to the bill for this summer’s line-up at TK Maxx presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle. Sofia joins indie pop greats Bastille to open their headlining set on Friday July 10, while Jimothy will open for celebrated British multi-hyphenates The Streets on Friday July 31. Portuguese/Canadian artist Sofia Camara brings raw truth into 21st Century pop as she taps directly into emotion with each and every performance and song. Opening for Bastille, Cardiff can expect a thrilling performance ahead of special guest Arthur Hill.…

A man from Newport who claimed the serious injuries his daughter’s kitten suffered while in his care were ‘accidental’ has been banned from keeping animals for life after a prosecution by the RSPCA. The kitten, called Moxey, was found with skull damage and tail fractures after spending time at the flat of Andrew John Edwards, who initially claimed that two separate incidents where the cat suffered physical abuse at his hands had been ‘unintentional’. Magistrates disagreed and said his claims were “nonsense”. Edwards, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was sentenced at Newport Magistrates’…

Swansea Building Society has reported another strong year in its performance, driven by continued growth in its total assets, mortgages and savings balances, alongside another excellent level of profitability. Swansea Building Society has continued to grow despite an uncertain economic environment and increased competition within the savings market. During the year it remained focused on supporting both savers and borrowers while investing in its operations to ensure it remains sustainable, scalable and relevant in the future. For the year to 31st December 2025, its total assets increased by £21.4 million to £715.1 million. Its savings balances increased by £16.6 million…

Cardiff is preparing for major road closures and travel changes as Wales take on Italy in the final match of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations at the Principality Stadium tomorrow. The match kicks off at 4.40pm on Saturday March 14, with tens of thousands of rugby fans expected to descend on the Welsh capital for the Super Saturday fixture. Large parts of Cardiff city centre will close to traffic from 12.30pm until 9pm to allow for the safe movement of supporters travelling to and from the stadium. Earlier in the day, Scott Road and Park Street will close from…

Drivers in Wales are being warned of congestion and difficult driving conditions this morning (Friday), with delays reported on one of the main routes into Cardiff and high winds affecting travel in North Wales. According to Traffic Wales, congestion is currently affecting the A470 southbound between Nantgarw and Coryton, with delays possible for commuters heading towards Cardiff during the morning rush hour. Motorists travelling on the A55 at the Britannia Bridge are also being advised to take extra care due to strong winds. Advisory restrictions remain in place for motorcycles and caravans using the bridge until further notice. Elsewhere, some…

Italy’s national rugby team has arrived in Cardiff ahead of their final match of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, with the Azzurri touching down at Cardiff Airport on Thursday afternoon. The squad landed in the Welsh capital to prepare for their Super Saturday clash against Wales at the Principality Stadium this weekend, with fans and airport staff welcoming the visiting side to the city. The match on Saturday 14 March, kicking off at 4.40pm, will see Wales host Italy in the first fixture of the tournament’s dramatic final day. The game will be broadcast on S4C in Wales and across…

Penarth Pier Pavilion Cinema has officially opened full time, bringing a packed programme of films and special screenings to the historic seafront venue. The cinema will now host more than 15 screenings each week across five days, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of films in the iconic Pavilion building overlooking the Severn Estuary. Among the films showing in March are Goat (15–22 March), Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (15–19 March), The Bride! (22 March–2 April), and Hoppers (29 March–9 April). There will also be a special screening of Moulin Rouge! on 29 March to mark the…

Work to transform the Hillsboro South car park in Porthcawl into a vibrant new public space is set to begin soon as part of a £1.3 million public realm improvement scheme. The project will see the existing car park close on 20 March 2026 to make way for a high-quality public space designed to support community activity, events, businesses and improved access between key areas of the town centre and the Metrolink. The larger adjacent Hillsboro North car park will remain open as usual. The new space will also celebrate the site’s heritage and history through the reinstatement of historic…

Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival returns in 2026 with a vibrant programme that puts children at the heart of the action. Packed with hands-on workshops, interactive performances and confidence-building activities from award-winning writers including current Children’s Laureate for Wales, Nicola Davies and former UK Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, the festival invites young audiences to create, question and discover, as well as read. A child speaking to author Rob Biddulph at last year’s Cardiff Children’s Literature Festival. Credit: Cardiff Council Across the festival, children will be encouraged to get involved: solving puzzles, asking questions, designing space missions, creating magical new creatures, drawing…