Author: Rhys Gregory

Entries to the Brecon Carreg CDF 10K are close to selling out – meaning runners don’t have long to claim their place if they want to take part. The event on Sunday 1 September is set to be its biggest yet with 6,000 participants already registered to run. With less than 15% of entries remaining, event organisers Run 4 Wales, are urging keen runners who are yet to sign up, to do so quickly before it’s too late. The race is extremely popular for those looking to take on a sightseeing tour of the Welsh capital, or for those wanting…

A summer of music has resulted in Cardiff bucking UK-wide trends – with historic shopping arcade Morgan Quarter seeing a 10 per cent increase in footfall from 2023. May and June saw the likes of Pink, the Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift all bring huge stadium shows to the capital, having a positive knock-on effect on the Morgan Quarter. Established in 1896, the Morgan Quarter is comprised of the Royal and Morgan Arcades. The Welsh Retail Consortium reported that Wales suffered an overall decline in retail footfall of 4.1 per cent this June, compared to the rest of…

Last weekend, Cardiff’s homegrown DEPOT in the Castle festival took place in sweltering temperatures against the stunning backdrop of Cardiff Castle, delivering an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Anne Marie, the big headline act, wowed the crowd with an energetic set on Saturday, 27th July; and was joined by platinum-selling singer-songwriter Tom Walker, who electrified the grounds of the castle with passionate renditions of his hits ‘Leave A Light On’ and ‘Just You & I.’ Accompanying Anne Marie and Tom Walker were DJ, songwriter, and producer Jax Jones, along with the legendary Garage duo Artful Dodger, whilst local talent shone…

A choir from India delighted residents at a Gwynedd care home when they sang a selection of hymns in Welsh during a visit. The Mizoram Synod Choir are based in the north-eastern state, an area which has close links with Wales, and were making only their second tour to Wales. Among the stops made by the 24-strong choir was a visit to Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home on the outskirts of Caernarfon. During a 45-minute concert they sang a number of songs including popular hymns such as Cwm Rhondda, Diolch i Ti yr Hollalluog Dduw (Thanks for the…

A Port Talbot mother has been inspired to attend university after participating in a widening access programme within her own community. Liz Watkins was accepted into the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Inclusive Education Foundation Degree programme after completing a series of stepping-stone courses offered by the university, which enhanced her confidence and skills, preparing her for higher education. UWTSD’s Widening Access department engages with individuals throughout south west Wales, from primary school children to adults. Their work aims to raise aspirations and remove barriers that prevent people from accessing higher education and further learning opportunities. Donna Williams, a Widening Access…

The highly anticipated Amgueddfa Cymru Food Festival is set to return to St Fagans National Museum of History on the 7th and 8th of September 2024. A beloved highlight on Wales’s foodie calendar, this annual event promises a vibrant celebration of food, drink, and culture, set against the charming backdrop of historic buildings. This year’s festival will feature over 80 food, drink, and craft stalls, showcasing some of Wales’ finest producers. Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of culinary delights, ranging from pizzas and tacos to doughnuts and ice cream, with ample options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s new primary school for 205 pupils with Additional Learning Needs will also help the environment. Named by pupils, Ysgol Llyn Derw is under construction on land near Cosmeston Country Park to meet exceptional demand for this type of provision. It will be a second site for Ysgol Y Deri, the acclaimed school in Penarth that was the subject of a BBC documentary titled A Special School. The £20 million facility is being built over two storeys, with the surrounding landscape functioning as an extension of the school buildings, offering teaching and study spaces as well…

SOME of Swansea’s most picturesque off-road walking and cycling routes are set for a boost, thanks to the council. Swansea boasts more than 120km of walking and cycling routes, many of them in rural, wooded areas away from busy roads and perfect for a family day out for residents and visitors alike. Now the council is planning to spend around £60,000 for new equipment that will help keep some of the paths free from overgrowth, particularly during the summer months. Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services said the purchase of a small tractor and foliage removal equipment was in…

Neath Port Talbot Council is pleased to announce the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has agreed to host one of the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) gateways that forms part of the wider Swansea Bay City Region Digital Innovation Network at its 700-hectare site near Onllwyn. This technology provides wireless connectivity for a range of IoT (Internet of Things or network of connective devices) solutions. The low-cost, battery, solar, or heat powered IoT sensors work with the gateway unit to allow remote collection and monitoring of a wide range of data, which can provide insights to better inform…

A Heritage Trail reconnecting a world-famous mining metropolis to its proud past has opened in Rhondda. Dr John Geraint, the project’s creative director said: The Trail takes visitors and residents on an amazing journey. It leads to twelve iconic locations up and down a valley that fuelled the world. The Rhondda Heritage Trail features places, people and events that made the Rhondda the best known of all Welsh mining valleys… The world’s best steam coal. The struggle for a living wage that led to the infamous Tonypandy Riots. The state-of-the-art stadium which hosted the first-ever Rugby League international match. The women…