Author: Rhys Gregory

From flexible floorplans to lower running costs, buyers across Wales are taking a more measured view of what makes a home worth pursuing in 2026. The Welsh housing market has started 2026 on firmer ground than many expected. Confidence has improved, activity has picked up, and forecasts suggest Wales is set for steady rather than dramatic house price growth this year. Cardiff and Newport are among the stronger-performing markets, while other areas are seeing more mixed conditions shaped by affordability, supply and local demand. That steadier backdrop is not producing careless buyers. Quite the opposite. People are still prepared to…

An independent bookshop in Penarth has been named the Wales winner in The British Book Awards 2026 Independent Bookshop of the Year category. Griffin Books was among nine regional and country winners announced today, selected from a shortlist of 76 finalists across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The awards celebrate independent bookshops that continue to bring creative and innovative bookselling to communities while supporting local high streets and the wider creative industries. The Penarth store has now claimed the Wales title for the fourth time in six years, reflecting its continued growth and strong connection with readers in the area.…

Hay Festival has revealed the full programme for its 39th spring edition in Hay-on-Wye, with more than 500 events planned across 11 days from May 21 to 31, 2026. The internationally renowned literary festival will once again bring writers, performers, experts and creatives from around the world to the book town in Powys, offering a packed schedule of talks, performances and debates. Tickets are on sale now for Hay Festival Membership+, Patrons and Benefactors via hayfestival.org/hay-on-wye. Priority booking begins at noon on Wednesday March 11, with general booking opening on Saturday March 14. Hay Festival Global CEO Julie Finch said:…

Transplant patient Dr Joanne Prescott has dedicated her career to ensuring that learners can access the same transformative education opportunities that have changed her life. Now Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing at Wrexham University, Joanne, underwent lifesaving double lung transplant surgery in October 2011. During the long recovery process, higher education became her pathway back into employment and gave her hope for the future. “Studying Criminology gave me purpose and education rebuilt my confidence, restored my identity and gave me a renewed lease of life, said Joanne. “Adult learning gave me my life back. Every day, I strive to…

Disney On Ice is skating back into Cardiff this week, bringing a spectacular family show packed with beloved characters, music and breathtaking ice skating. Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic will glide into the Utilita Arena Cardiff from March 12 to 15, inviting families to step into a world of adventure and imagination inspired by some of Disney’s most popular stories. Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the action packed show takes audiences on a magical journey across raging seas, snow covered mountains and even the colourful Marigold Bridge. The production features favourite Disney characters from Moana, Frozen,…

A Welsh digital consultancy headquartered in Cardiff has appointed a new Managing Director as it prepares for further growth across the UK. Stable has announced that Ryan Lewis has stepped into the role, marking what the company describes as an important moment as it approaches its 25 year milestone and expands its national reach. Founded in 2001, the consultancy has spent more than two decades helping organisations modernise the way they work through secure and people focused digital transformation. As it enters its next phase, the company says it is taking a more outward looking role in supporting Wales’ growing…

Dyfed-Powys Police has released a digitised image of a man whose body was found in a reservoir in October 2024 as efforts continue to identify him. The force has worked with Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University to produce a realistic image of the man’s face following nearly 16 months of enquiries to establish who he is. The discovery of a man’s body at Claerwen Reservoir was reported to police by a walker on October 17, 2024. The unidentified man was wearing a wetsuit, however there were no other items of clothing, jewellery or modes of transport located in…

A new supported employment programme is set to open in North Wales in May 2026, offering tailored employment support to disabled people, people with health conditions and those facing complex barriers to getting into paid, sustainable work. Denbighshire County Council are the Accountable Body and will lead the delivery of the Connect to Work programme in partnership with the other five North Wales local authorities [Conwy, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Ynys Môn and Wrexham]. North Wales will benefit from £12.9m over 4 years to deliver specialist and bespoke employment support to 3555 people who want to work, get back into work or…

Cardiff Council has set out proposals to develop a new ‘green’ crematorium, designed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions while safeguarding high‑quality, affordable bereavement services for residents. A Cabinet Report due to be considered on March 19th, outlines a plan to develop a modern, purpose‑built crematorium using electric cremators – which can cut carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with traditional gas‑fuelled cremation. Solar power and heat‑recovery technology would also form part of the new facility, which would be built on council‑owned land at the former Dutch Garden Centre site near Junction 30 of the M4. If approved…

A former journalism career setback has blossomed into a thriving eco-friendly business after a £50k grant helped transform derelict farm buildings into a modern production hub in Upper Killay. The transformation of Gower Lavender was supported through Swansea Council’s Transforming County Anchor Placemaking Grant, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The support provides a co-ordinated package of grant funding opportunities, available across the whole county of Swansea for areas outside the city centre. In Gower Lavender’s case, the grant has enabled the refurbishment of ruined brick sheds on a 10-acre farm, creating a…