Author: Rhys Gregory

Firefighters have issued a reminder that at least 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by the behaviour of people in our communities, who often start them deliberately or recklessly. The reality check comes as South Wales Fire and Rescue Service released data showing that firefighters responded to 76 wildfire incidents in March 2026 alone. “Wildfires are fast‑moving and unpredictable, burning rapidly through vegetation and threatening homes, infrastructure and communities – particularly across the steep terrain of the South Wales Valleys,” says SWFRS Landowner Engagement Officer, Watch Manager Rhydian Slade-Jones. “A common misconception is that wildfires start naturally. In reality,…

The line up of musical superstars heading to Cardiff this summer just got bigger as global icon Katy Perry has announced she will be joined at her headlining show by magnetic BRIT Award-nominated singer-songwriter Mimi Webb. Katy Perry is headlining TK Maxx presents Cardiff Castle on Tuesday June 30 as one of only two exclusive UK shows this summer. And now breakout pop star Mimi Webb is revealed as the special guest, becoming the 77th artist to be announced for what will be a record-breaking summer for the live music series with 24 headline shows. Mimi Webb’s electrifying, engaging and…

A high-octane circus experience is heading to Cardiff this month as Circus Extreme returns with a brand-new show combining live rock music and death-defying stunts. The production, titled “Rock It Out”, will take place at Cardiff City Stadium from Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 31, promising what organisers describe as their most ambitious show to date. Billed as a world-first, the two-hour spectacle blends contemporary circus performance with a full live rock band, delivering a fast-paced mix of music, acrobatics and high-risk stunts designed to appeal to all ages. The UK has been chosen as the exclusive launch destination…

Residents in Cardiff are being reminded of changes to recycling centre opening hours coming into effect this week. Cardiff Council has confirmed that from Monday, May 4, the opening hours at Lamby Way and Bessemer Close Recycling Centres will change. Both sites will now be open ყოველდღy from 8.30am until 5.30pm. The council has confirmed that the facilities will continue to operate सात days a week, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Opening times for the commercial facility at Bessemer Close will remain unchanged. Residents are also reminded that a booking system remains in place,…

Police have launched a joint investigation following a fatal house fire in Barry. Officers were called to an address on Main Street at 9.05am (May 2) following reports of a fire at a property. Emergency services, including South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and paramedics, also attended the scene. A man was discovered inside the property and was sadly pronounced dead. His next of kin have been informed. A joint investigation is now underway between South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of the fire. No further details have been released at this…

An organised crime gang who burgled several homes across Wrexham and Flintshire have been jailed for a combined total of almost 10 years. Over a five-month period from January last year, three men and a woman conspired together to burgle six homes, mainly targeting vulnerable and elderly residents. The gang would scope out their victims before targeting their homes days later, taking cash, jewellery, and valuable watches. They came up with a cover story believing they would fool some of their elderly victims, claiming they were ransacking their homes in a bid to find their missing cat. Operation Venom, an…

A man has been found guilty of the murder of Shelley Davies in Caerau, Cardiff. Kian Bateman, of Caerau, Cardiff, has also been found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to Shelley’s partner David Bratcher. Emergency services were called to Heol Trelai just before 12.30am on Saturday September 27, 2025, to a report that the driver of a car had collided with pedestrians outside the 4th Glamorgan Home Guard Club. Shelley Davies, 38, from Caerau, was seriously injured during the incident having been run over by the car, and despite critical care, sadly died at the University…

A large audience enjoyed a vibrant and uplifting concert presented by the Ceredigion Music Service at Aberystwyth Arts Centre last Sunday. The memorable event showcased the remarkable talent of young musicians from across the county, alongside distinguished guest performers. The programme featured Ceredigion Music Service Intermediate Orchestra and Choir, who performed a diverse repertoire, ranging from arrangements of traditional Welsh music to works from the classical period and musical theatre. The concert also provided an opportunity to highlight the talents of senior members of the service who will represent the county at a national level when they compete at the…

A leading South Wales-headquartered self-storage operator is continuing its growth across the UK after announcing a new strategic partnership with Pickfords, the UK’s largest and best known removals company, to develop a new self-storage facility in Aberdeen. The UK self-storage sector has reached an estimated annual turnover of £1.3 billion, according to the latest UK Self Storage Annual Report published by Cushman & Wakefield and the Self Storage Association UK this week [29 April 2026], with operators continuing to expand capacity amid what has been described as a growing “container revolution” across the market. The report also highlights particularly strong…

A new chapter is set to begin for one of Wrexham’s most recognisable buildings, as the keys to the ground floor of The Old Library have been handed to a new occupier who will shape its next phase. The building will soon be home to a new business called Queen’s Square Social, a vibrant food, social and creative space on the ground floor that will bring fresh activity into the city centre. The project is led by entrepreneur Steven Hesketh, founder of The SAVVY Collective, who aims to create an everyday “third space” for Wrexham. The venue is designed to…