Entertainment
Get ready for the return of ‘Kingdom of the Elves’ at Bluestone this Christmas

BLUESTONE National Park Resort is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of its festive event, Kingdom of the Elves. Making a comeback for the first time since 2019, the magical Christmas experience will run from 4th November to 2nd January, transforming the resort into a winter wonderland with new seasonal experiences for all the family to enjoy.
Guests visiting this year’s Kingdom of the Elves can dive into a range of complimentary activities, including the Jingle Jive, a fun-filled celebration with Christmas characters, festive games, a disco, and singalongs. Little ones can also enjoy Polar Postal, where Santa’s elves will collect their special letters, and Christmas Countdown, a daily celebration with the elves as the big day draws nearer.
Extra activities on offer include Santa’s Lodge, nestled in the trees, and the Elf School Journey, where guests can learn festive skills, uncover Christmas secrets, and graduate with festive joy. The fun can begin with the Elf Breakfast, a lively buffet featuring singing, dancing, and plenty of fun alongside the playful elves who bring the Kingdom of the Elves to life.
Recently voted the third-best resort in the UK and Wales’ top resort by Which?, Bluestone is a five-star self-catering destination spread across 500 acres of the Pembrokeshire countryside. Known for its seasonal makeovers, the resort promises to offer guests of all ages a magical Christmas, calling it the ‘ultimate Christmas experience.’
The festive magic will extend throughout the resort, with elves spreading cheer across the Blue Lagoon water park and the Serendome, the UK’s largest ‘umbrella’ and entertainment hub. Alongside the festive activities, Bluestone’s popular adventure offerings will still be available, and for those seeking a peaceful escape, the award-winning Well Spa will be open throughout the season.
Rebecca Rigby, Operations Director at Bluestone, said: “The Bluestone team is thrilled to welcome Kingdom of the Elves back to the resort. Our ‘Christmasland’ event was hugely successful over the last few years, but Kingdom of the Elves has always held a special place in our guests’ hearts.
“This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make the festival even more magical. With exciting new events and mischievous elves spreading festive cheer from the moment guests arrive, it’s the perfect way for all ages to embrace the Christmas spirit. We can’t wait to turn on the Christmas lights and let everyone experience the magic.”
Last year, the resort added 80 new platinum lodges to its accommodation lineup, each designed to house up to eight guests and offering complimentary access to an electric buggy. Bluestone is looking forward to welcoming even more multi-generational families this festive season with these spacious new lodges.
In addition, Bluestone has enhanced its sustainability efforts with the launch of a new solar farm in September 2024. Set to provide 30 percent of the resort’s annual electricity, it will help power this year’s magical Christmas lights for the first time.
For those looking to book a Kingdom of the Elves stay, a four-night midweek break starts from £360, while a three-night weekend break starts from £495 (based on a two-bedroom lodge, sleeping up to four people).
To find out more or to book your Kingdom of the Elves break, visit: www.bluestonewales.com.
Entertainment
DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025
AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.
From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.
A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.
Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.
Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

Entertainment
Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role
THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.
A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.
“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”
Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”
During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.
She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.
“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.
As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.
“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”
Entertainment
Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday
THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.
Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.
Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.
A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”
Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.
The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.
Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.
“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.
No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.
The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.
-
Crime3 days ago
Gran ‘attacked with rock near school gates’, court told
-
Crime3 days ago
Four jailed after Milford Haven drugs raid uncovers £20,000 haul
-
Crime3 days ago
Two women sent to Crown Court over attempted knife robbery at Milford Haven shop
-
Crime4 days ago
Carmarthen link to baby manslaughter case: Couple camped on wasteland behind Tesco
-
Charity4 days ago
Swimmer with 1% chance of survival returns to Newgale to thank lifesavers
-
Health3 days ago
Whistleblower says capacity test was used to silence him after media exposure
-
Crime3 days ago
Driver filmed himself speeding at 85mph in Audi TT on Pembrokeshire road
-
Community6 days ago
Beating of the Bounds brings colour and community spirit to Haverfordwest