Entertainment
James Dean Bradfield completes the Other Voices Cardigan line-up
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.
Entertainment
Newport Winter Wonderland is the ideal treat for the family this Christmas holiday
THERE is still a chance to attend the Newport Winter Wonderland and experience a magical winter experience. Located next to Friars Walk Shopping Centre (NP20 1UH), the festive attraction opened its doors on Thursday, November 21, and will run until Sunday, January 5, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Visitors can look forward to a real ice rink under cover, ensuring skating fun whatever the weather. Alongside the rink, a large Christmas funfair offers thrills and entertainment for all ages, while stalls serving various Christmas foods promise festive treats to keep everyone warm and satisfied.
For those looking to unwind, a fire pit provides a cosy spot for roasting marshmallows, and a licensed bar offers seasonal drinks to enjoy. Entry to the Winter Wonderland is free, with tickets required only for specific attractions.
Families can also meet Santa Claus himself, making it a perfect outing for creating cherished holiday memories.
For more details, including ticket bookings and opening hours, visit www.newportwinterwonderland.co.uk.
Make sure to wrap up warm and head down to Newport Winter Wonderland for a truly festive day out this Christmas season.
Festive fun: Newport Winter Wonderland features an ice rink, funfair, and Santa Claus (Pic: Herald).
Entertainment
Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration
THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.
Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.
The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.
Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.
In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”
To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.
Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.
The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.
As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.
Entertainment
Does Deal or No Deal need to attract more Welsh players?
With ITV’s reboot of Deal or No Deal now in full swing, fans have noticed that some of the most exciting moments have involved Welsh contestants. With viewers highlighting the charm and entertainment value of Welsh players, we’ve discussed why the hit game show could benefit from getting more locals involved.
The popularity of Deal or No Deal
The initial run of the UK’s Deal or No Deal was broadcast on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016 before quietly being axed. In 2023, a new revival returned to ITV with a slightly altered format. With viewers flocking to the series in droves, the broadcaster was quick to renew the show for another season this year.
As the game is entirely luck-based, it has made it a great source of inspiration for online gambling games. This includes multiple online slots and even live dealer game shows with Deal or No Deal branding. These are featured at several quality sites that offer UK casino bonuses to new players in Wales, including 888Casino. Until the Welsh get more representation on the show, this is one of the best ways for players to experience being a contestant.
Welshman centre of memorable episode
During the early weeks of the series’ revival in 2023, an episode featuring Portsmouth-based Welsh player Simon inspired a passionate response from viewers after he played a comically bad game. Simon was adamant that his case contained £100,000, only to watch his chances at fortune slowly dwindle.
His confidence ultimately saw him make poor decisions after poor decisions, turning down strong offers and even inspiring viewers to back the Banker in frustration. The game culminated with Simon opening his case to win 10p. Despite his poor efforts, the episode generated widespread online conversations, leading us to believe that more Welsh players deserve a go at the jackpot.
The case for more Welsh players
After Simon’s disastrous performance, it seems fair that another Welsh player is invited along to do their country proud. In the final episode of the series’ ITV broadcast in 2023, Welsh player Jamie Foulkes from Cefn Mawr became an audience favourite after displaying the natural charming and quick wit characteristic of our locals.
His gameplay saw him nicknamed “mystic Jamie” for his ability to correctly guess case amounts, and after an extended moment of consideration, accepted a life-changing Banker’s offer of £14,850. This is a considerable amount when considering the top prize in the relaunched edition is £100,000 rather than the previous £250,000 offered.
The revival series is produced in Salford’s Media City complex, making it only a short drive away from residents in Northern Wales. This was one of the reasons that Foulkes applied for the show, so there’s no reason why more Welsh players couldn’t be selected.
Welsh players bring something special
Whether it’s the captivating yet frustrating performance of Simon or the charming run of Jamie Foulkes, Welsh players have already made a splash on the revived series of Deal or No Deal. We hope that the future season will showcase more local players to display our unique charms across the UK.
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