Author: Rhys Gregory

Stars of The Other Bennet Sister Ella Bruccoleri and Lucy Briers; award-winning novelist Ali Smith; and journalist Caitlin Moran will speak at Hay Festival in Wales next month, 21–31 May 2026, in a trio of surprise events just added to the programme. Stars of the BBC’s hit historical drama The Other Bennet Sister – Ella Bruccoleri (Mary Bennet) and Lucy Briers (Mrs Hill) – join writer Sarah Quintrell and Bad Wolf producer Jane Tranter to discuss their fresh take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice on Tuesday 26 May at 5.30pm. Journalist Caitlin Moran shares her passion for reading in a My Life in…

Audiences are invited to celebrate everyone’s favourite frog as part of a joyful, family-friendly cinematic experience marking Kermit’s birthday in style. Taking place on Saturday 9 May, The Puppet Folk Experience brings together live music, expert puppetry, and iconic film screenings for a unique event celebrating the legacy of Jim Henson and The Muppets, at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport. The event begins with a lively pre-show performance from musician Andy and puppeteer Liam, who combine acoustic renditions of beloved songs from Muppet films and television with beautifully crafted puppet replicas. Audiences can then enjoy two special…

Uncertainty surrounds the future of one of Wales’ biggest free outdoor festivals after a key funding bid for 2026 was unsuccessful. Newport Live has confirmed that its application to Arts Council of Wales for support towards the 2026 Big Splash festival was not approved, following what it described as a highly competitive process. The popular event, held at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, has become a major fixture in Newport’s cultural calendar, attracting more than 20,000 visitors each year. While the setback has cast doubt over next year’s festival, organisers have stressed that the decision only affects the 2026…

A suspected car thief has been arrested and charged following an investigation into a series of offences in Cardiff. South Wales Police confirmed that Hydam Huq, 34, from Butetown, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday in Rumney. He later appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 20, facing multiple car crime charges linked to incidents in the Penylan area. The charges include theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, and three counts of vehicle interference. Huq was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after he was found guilty of rape. 45-year-old Michael Allen, from Port Talbot, was convicted in March of four counts of rape against two separate complainants. Both victims were under the age of 18 at the time of Allen’s offending. Allen has been sentenced to 23 years in prison. Detective Constable Penny Romanello said: “This thorough investigation has shown that Michael Allen is an incredibly dangerous man capable of horrendous sexual crimes against children. “His two victims have been through a dreadful ordeal at his hands; one which we cannot even…

Pupils at Lansdowne Primary School are celebrating after being named a regional finalist in a nationwide Frozen sing‑along competition, putting them in the running for an unforgettable performance opportunity at Disneyland Paris. The competition, which marks the launch of the highly anticipated World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, saw more than 10,000 schools across the UK take part. Schools were invited to rehearse and perform the iconic song “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen, with only 12 schools selected as regional finalists. Year 4 pupils from Lansdowne Primary School impressed judges with a standout, creative performance, praised for its exceptional…

A new 50-space overflow car park has been given the green light in Clydach Vale, aimed at easing ongoing parking pressures around a popular country park and nearby sports facilities. Planning permission for the development, which will serve Cwm Clydach Country Park and adjacent pitches used by Cambrian United FC, was approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Planning and Development Committee on Thursday, April 16. The new facility will be built on land next to the industrial estate road and is designed to support visitors to the area, where demand for parking regularly exceeds capacity during peak times. The issue…

Accountancy and advisory firm MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, has promoted Laura Farrow to Partner in its Cardiff office, strengthening the firm’s leadership team as it continues its growth across Wales. Laura brings nearly 25 years of audit experience, including 18 years with former MHA member firm Broomfield & Alexander. Laura specialises in advising small and medium-sized businesses across South and West Wales in a range of sectors including construction, retail, transport, logistics, technology, hospitality, manufacturing and engineering. An ICAEW-accredited Chartered Accountant, Laura also has significant experience advising UK subsidiaries of international groups. James Dobson, Partner,…

A director of a North Wales estate and lettings agent is marking 25 years with the company. Nicola Blake joined Cavendish at 17 as an office junior, rising through the ranks to become a director almost four years ago. Nicola, who works across Cavendish’s offices in Mold, Ruthin and Chester, said: “I had always been interested in property, so the advert for an office junior sounded perfect when I spotted it in the local paper. “After about five or six years I felt I could make a career in the property sector and new opportunities kept coming along to progress…

In 2019, HBO had the unenviable task of bringing a spin-off to the biggest TV show in the world to life after said show bowed out unceremoniously. Their gambit came in the form of House of the Dragon, needing to recapture the sense of a grand and intricate storyline as well as the stunning visuals that accompanied its predecessor. To achieve this, and in the years since House of the Dragon’s successful landing, the massive American production studio has decided to come to Wales for filming. In doing so, the world of Westeros was brought back to life, even spurring…