Entertainment

Digital platforms influencing local leisure and tourism coverage

Published

1 month ago

January 19, 2026

These days, whether it’s a first-time visitor snapping photos by the river or a long-time local searching for something different to do on a Saturday, experiences increasingly run through screens before they ever happen in real life. Flicking through travel apps, scrolling social feeds, reading reviews, most journeys now start with digital guidance.

The numbers add up: Statista found nearly four out of five travellers rely on online resources before making any firm plans. Rather than leafing through a magazine or chasing word-of-mouth rumours on the street, people discover a new noodle shop, outdoor festival, or even a neighbourhood casino with just a few taps.

Video tours, influencer stories, rating apps, algorithm-driven “top 10” lists, these tools nudge which places fill up and which get forgotten almost overnight. Street-level exploration and traditional local coverage don’t always compete well with the speed of the digital economy.

How social media redefines destination appeal

One well-shot reel of a lantern-lit alleyway or a rooftop jazz gig can instantly catapult a spot into the city’s canon of “must-sees.” This isn’t just theory, published research connects visual social posts with genuine shifts in how travelers and locals think about where to go and what’s not to miss.

Browse TikTok, watch a trending Instagram Story, or let YouTube’s autoplay wander from hidden cafes to graffiti tours, these aren’t just eye candy but recommendations that mean something. The likelihood someone actually visits climbs each time a location gets mentioned, especially if the video or photo comes with a personal story or glowing review.

It’s a self-reinforcing cycle, the more a place appears online, the more foot traffic it seems to attract. Local businesses, big and small, are starting to notice, many now actively shaping their own accounts, sometimes partnering with content creators to rise above the chatter.

Shifting focus: digital campaigns and local visibility

Instead of just promoting postcard landmarks, tourism offices and city teams have begun actively managing which neighborhoods and venues get attention. These days, an overlooked park can trend if it lands in the right campaign, or a quiet food market can attract national notice through influencer partnerships.

Some mapping apps highlight off-the-beaten-path walking routes, gently nudging users away from the busiest areas. In parts of Europe, recent digital initiatives put regional cities and lesser-known attractions in the limelight, using interactive features and curated posts.

As social feeds ebb and flow, city agencies react in near real time, spotlighting new districts if the old favorites become crowded or overwhelmed. Tech analysts suggest these deliberate digital nudges shift not just online talk but where people actually go, broadening what counts as part of the city experience. Often, the freshest local tips show up in a traveler’s feed before they ever appear in the local press.

Traditional media, crowded out or evolving?

Reaching for a phone has replaced flipping through guidebooks. “Official” tips from print journalists now sit beside, sometimes under, swirling waves of crowdsourced rankings and real-time updates. Review sites, maps with live comments, and influencer videos are now default entry points.

Most travelers, according to recent data, check these platforms before deciding on what to see or where to eat. Destination managers have noticed, investing heavily in digital-first materials. Editorial decisions that once shaped public interest now often come from online momentum; one viral video can outpace months of careful planning. But places that don’t show up online risk being missed entirely, no matter their appeal.

New gatekeepers and the art of digital reputation

Increasingly, online voices, not official guides, chart local reputations. Influencers, vloggers, and everyday content creators can steer public perception with a single post reaching audiences around the world. These creators’ personalities, tone, and perceived honesty now hold real sway. The upshot? Destinations and businesses must quickly adapt, responding to feedback and sometimes even shifts in mood that unfold by the hour online.

Having good digital “word-of-mouth” makes a difference, and even one rating or livestream can tip the balance in favor of a lesser-known venue. Sharing self-discovery and experiences, travelers amplify places that might once have been invisible.

Responsible gambling as part of the modern leisure mix

With digital platforms spotlighting entertainment like venues, the conversation shifts toward responsible participation. It’s increasingly important for people to set personal limits, stay self-aware, and use any digital tools available to monitor their choices.

Accessible, up-to-date information helps keep behaviors in check, offering a safety net without restricting individual freedom. Destinations and the tech platforms themselves are in a good position to reinforce these messages, supporting users as leisure habits evolve in a digital age.

Entertainment

Blodwen Rocks the Boat sets sail for Torch Theatre

Published

3 days ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

One-woman musical comedy from Newport performer Emily Davis heads to Milford Haven after Fringe success

FOLLOWING a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Newport performer Emily Davis is setting sail on a UK tour with her uplifting one-woman musical comedy, Blodwen Rocks the Boat.

Blending sharp satire, original songs and heartfelt storytelling, the show takes an affectionate look at modern ideas of work, ambition and success — and what happens when we dare to question the path we’re on.

Blodwen believes she’s finally got it all figured out. The job, the city lifestyle, the reassuring sense that she’s “made it.” But when a corporate away day takes her unexpectedly out to sea, something begins to shift. As the tide turns, so too does Blodwen’s understanding of what success really means.

Directed by Paulus the Cabaret Geek and accompanied by musician and composer Andy Campbell Smith, Blodwen Rocks the Boat is a witty and life-affirming reminder that success isn’t always about climbing higher — sometimes it’s about choosing your own direction.

Emily Davis is a Welsh cabaret performer, singer and writer who has built a loyal following for her character-led solo shows. Previous Blodwen productions have enjoyed acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and venues including the Wales Millennium Centre. This latest show marks her most ambitious project yet — a fully original musical developed through Fringe performances, previews and professional collaboration.

Emily said: “My Blodwen has blossomed! This is my biggest show yet and I can’t wait to see how audiences respond. I invite you to spend an evening with me — a Welsh woman who can sing and doesn’t mind making a fool of herself on stage! I promise you’ll also leave feeling very excited about stationery!”

The London Theatre Review described the show as “stunning”, adding: “Emily’s striking and powerful singing contrasts beautifully with the Welsh-accented simplicity of Blodwen’s stories. What an engaging performer.” Cabaret Scenes praised her vocal talent, calling it “her secret weapon.”

Blodwen Rocks the Boat tours the UK this spring and comes to the Torch Theatre on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £15 and the show is suitable for ages twelve and over.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Let the cat out of the bag with the Torch Theatre

Published

3 days ago

February 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

IT MAY feel like Christmas is a long way off, but tickets for the Torch Theatre’s 2026 school pantomime are already selling fast.

This year’s production promises hiss-terical humour, plenty of local references and a whisker of Western adventure as Puss in Boots rides into town. With over 2,000 tickets already booked and some performances sold out, schools are being urged to secure their seats now.

For a limited time, tickets are available at a special early bird price, and schools pay nothing until December. Booking early not only guarantees the best seats in the house but locks in this year’s prices too.

Last year’s Rapunzel welcomed more than 3,000 schoolchildren from across Pembrokeshire. Six schools also received financial support through the Arts Council of Wales ‘Go and See Fund’ to attend. The theatre is hoping to build on that success in 2026.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “For many young people, pantomime is their first experience of live theatre — that first spark of theatrical magic. Our commitment goes beyond the curtain call, with every school receiving a dedicated resource pack to bring the themes of the show into the classroom.

“Regardless of where they live, young people need the arts. We’re proud to support our community’s wellbeing through live performance. Studies suggest that the social connection found at the theatre can even reduce GP visits and hospital stays. Our panto isn’t just a show — it’s part of building a healthier Pembrokeshire. And they do say laughter is the best medicine.”

The Torch is preparing to welcome audiences this December as Puss helps our heroes chase fame and fur-tune in Wild West Wales. Pull on your cowboy boots and join the meow-sical extravaganza — it promises to be the cat’s pyjamas.

A Relaxed Environment performance will take place on Saturday 19 December at 2:00pm, and a BSL-interpreted performance on Tuesday 22 December at 6:00pm.

For more information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Community

Festival of the Sea to return with free family day at Milford Waterfront

Published

6 days ago

February 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastal groups, artists and charities unite at Sybil House to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s marine life and community spirit

MILFORD HAVEN is set for a splash of colour, music and marine discovery next month as the Festival of the Sea returns with a full day of free activities for families.

Organised by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the event will take place at Sybil House on Sunday, March 1, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, bringing together conservation groups, artists, performers and community organisations to celebrate the county’s coastline and the people whose lives are tied to it.

The Herald understands the festival proved popular last year and has been expanded for 2026, with organisers moving into the larger indoor venue to allow more stalls, workshops and performances.

Visitors can expect a packed programme of hands-on activities and entertainment aimed at all ages. Highlights include a marine wildlife touch tank hosted by the Field Studies Council, children’s art and clay workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, live music and sea shanties, and walkabout pirate performers bringing a bit of theatre to the waterfront.

Throughout the day, local choirs and musicians will perform, creating what organisers hope will feel like a relaxed, community celebration rather than a formal exhibition.

Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, said: “The Festival of the Sea was really popular last year, and I’m really pleased it’s coming back in the bigger venue of Sybil House.

“The marine environment of Pembrokeshire is internationally important for wildlife as well as for employment and energy. The festival is a fun way to celebrate all the great work being done for our seas, and it’s a great opportunity to engage young people through art workshops, face painting and street theatre.”

A wide range of organisations will host information stands and activities, including the RNLI, Sea Trust, Project Seagrass, The Crown Estate, Car-y-Môr, Marine Conservation Society, Marine Energy Wales and the Port of Milford Haven.

Together, they will showcase projects ranging from marine wildlife protection and habitat restoration to renewable energy and sustainable seafood, highlighting the economic and environmental importance of the Haven and surrounding coastline.

Food and refreshments will also be available, including local produce from Pembrokeshire Beach Food, giving visitors a taste of Pembrokeshire’s growing reputation for coastal cuisine.

Entry is free, and organisers say people are welcome to drop in for a single activity or spend the whole day exploring what is on offer. A full schedule of talks and workshops will be released closer to the date.

For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/festival-of-the-sea.