THE FIRST stage of plans to renovate an iconic historic Pembrokeshire seafront hotel has been given the go-ahead by national park planners.

Tenby’s Imperial Hotel, which had an asking price of £2.5million, was sold earlier this year by specialist hotel property adviser, Christie & Co, to Crest Hotels.

Crest Hotels has eight other ‘unique’ hotels in the UK, including the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells and The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow.

The four-storey Grade-II-listed Imperial Hotel has been an hotel for nearly 120 years, opening in 1905.

The 45-bedroom hotel is sited in the town’s conservation area and next to the historic town walls, boasting panoramic sea views over Tenby’s South Beach and across to Caldey Island.

A listed building application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, by Crest Hotels, – the first of several phases proposed –  sought permission for bedroom alterations and refurbishments including the bar/lounge area.

A supporting statement, through agent AT Architects said: “This proposal is phase one with three further potential phases of refurbishment and development.”

It added: “Phase one does not include alterations to the existing building exterior. Phase one consists of the refurbishment of 35 existing bedrooms and ensuites. There will be the creation of two new bedrooms and ensuites formed by splitting two of the existing bedrooms. These works are to take place over ground, first, second, third and fourth floors of the hotel.

“To the ground floor the existing bar / lounge area is proposed to be opened to the enclosed veranda area and then top the main staircase and entrance foyer. The central pier will be removed, and this area is to undergo a total refurbishment. The ground floor room currently an office and reception foyer are to have the existing hallway reinstated and then opened up between the two rooms to form a new kitchen facility to serve the enhanced food and beverage offering.”

The proposals were supported by Tenby Town Council, but Tenby Civic Society objected due to the potential loss of internal fixtures.

An officer report, recommending approval, said: “The proposed scheme is considered in keeping with the character of the listed building, and its setting in terms of design and form. As such, the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

Later stages proposed, still before national park planners, include external alterations and extra facilities such as a spa and cinema room.

The listed building consent for the first phase was conditionally approved by park planners.

JAMES DEAN BRADFIELD, the iconic frontman of Manic Street Preachers and one of the biggest names in Welsh music, completes this year’s line-up at Other Voices Cardigan festival.

The festival organised are thrilled that James will perform special solo set in the intimate setting of St Mary’s Church, Cardigan on Friday night, November 1.

Known for his powerful vocals and electrifying guitar work, Bradfield’s performance promises to be a highlight of the festival which celebrates its fifth Welsh edition this year.

With a career spanning over three decades, Bradfield has captivated audiences worldwide with his blend of rock, punk, and pop influences.

He will play an intimate performance drawn from his acclaimed solo work for lucky ticket winners at the festival. 

Other church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Nadine Shah, Melys, Fionn Regan, Victor Ray, Bill Ryder-Jones, Fabiana Palladino and Georgia Ruth. 

Tickets cannot be bought for church performances but buying a Music Trail wristband will automatically enter bookers into a draw to win tickets. Church performances will be live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan

The performances will be later broadcast on TV and on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player via media partners BBC Wales and RTÉ. The event is presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.

“It’s a huge honour for us to welcome James Dean Bradfield to Cardigan,”said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producer of  Other Voices Cardigan. “He’s one of the greatest artists of contemporary Welsh music and his performance in the church captures what is so magical about Other Voices; bringing incredible performers to Aberteifi.”

Other Voices Cardigan takes place between October 31 and November 2 and will feature an more than 100 performances and conversations taking place across the town. Wristbands are just £50 and are available from www.othevoices.ie and via Mwldan’s box office.

Other Voices Cardigan festival is formed of three core strands. A three-day Music Trail programme around the town showcasing the best of emerging Welsh and Irish talent.

Three days of inspiring discussion as part of the Clebran Sessions and new for 2024, Clebran on the Trail, conversations with the musicians playing the festival.

Two nights of intimate live headline performances in St Mary’s Church from some of the music’s brightest voices, hosted by Huw Stephens and broadcast live online and later on TV.

The full festival schedule is now available to view on the festival App for iPhone and Android, available to download via Apple and Google Play (search ‘Other Voices’). 

St Mary’s Church line-up includes Charlotte Day Wilson, James Dean Bradfield, Nadine Shah, Victor Ray, Fionn Regan, Bill Ryder-Jones, Fabiana Palladino, Georgia Ruth and Melys.

The Music Trail line-up: ADJUA, Big Sleep, Chubby Cat, Cynefin, David Kitt, Don Leisure, DUG, em koko, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Fears, Filmore!, Gillie, girlfriend., Lila Zing, Lleuwen, Megan Nic Ruairí, Melin Melyn, M(h)aol, Minas, Morgana, Mohammad Syfkhan, Mr Phormula, New Jackson, Niamh Bury, Niques, OLIVE HATAKE, Otto Aday, PARCS, People & Other Diseases, Phil Kieran, Po Griff, Rona Mac, Sage Todz, Search Results, Skunkadelic, Slate, Tara Bandito, The Family Battenberg, The Fully Automatic Model, The Gentle Good, Tiny Leaves and Virgins.

Clebran speakers: Billy Mag Fhloinn, Carwyn Graves, Carys Eleri, Christopher Kissane, Darren Chetty, Delyth Jewell, Edwina Guckian, James Dovey, Laura McAllister, Lowri Cunnington Wynn, Makeba Nicholls, Marianne Kennedy, Max Zanga, Noel Mooney, Philip King, Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost, Séan McCabe, The Dingle Druid, Julí Ní Mhaoileóin and Tumi Williams.

Clebran on The Trail speakers: Amy O’Brien, Constance Keane (Fears / M(h)aol), David Peregrine, Archdeacon Eileen Davies, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Gareth Bonello (The Gentle Good), Gareth Stewart, Georgia Ruth, Lleuwen and Phil Keiran.

Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.

Other Voices Cardigan will be filmed for future television broadcast on BBC Wales and RTÉ, and on BBC iPlayer and RTÉ Player.

Visit www.othervoices.ie for more information and to book tickets.

Picture caption:

Manic Street Preachers frontman James Dean Bradfield will perform solo at Other Voices Cardigan.

FAMILIES are invited to dive into some spine-tingling Halloween fun at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids this half-term.

With an exciting blend of puzzle-solving adventures and hands-on creative activities, the action-packed family programme promises a hauntingly good time for all, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the spooky season.

For those brave enough to set sail, a Ghost Ship Trail will run from Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November, inviting families on an unforgettable adventure. Perfect for curious young explorers eager to put their problem-solving skills to the test, the trail invites children to step aboard a mysterious ghost ship, where they’ll unlock treasure boxes to recover the sailors’ lost possessions. Taking part in this eerie, fun-filled experience costs just £4 per child, with a special prize for anyone who completes the challenge.

Younger visitors with a creative streak can look forward to the Spooky Halloween Lanterns Workshop on Wednesday 30 October from 11am to 3pm. During this drop-in session, children will have the chance to design and decorate their own lantern, adding a unique twist to their Halloween celebrations. At just £4 per child, they will leave with a beautifully crafted lantern, perfect for lighting up the darker nights.

In addition to the Halloween activities, Oriel y Parc serves as the perfect hub for anyone looking to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park over half-term. The centre offers helpful advice on places to stay, things to do, and recommended walks, making it an ideal starting point for your adventures. Visitors can also enjoy a range of art exhibitions featuring local and national artists, as well as a gift shop that provides a chance to find the perfect keepsake or unique handcrafted gift.

Further information about winter activities and events at Oriel y Parc can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk.