Entertainment
Exciting new addition for Welsh Wildlife Centre approved
PLANS for a new play area at the Welsh Wildlife Centre near Cardigan have been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales sought permission for a children’s play area comprising timber play equipment and associated ground works at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales (WTSWW) is the fourth largest Wildlife Trust in the UK, managing 110 nature reserves, including Skomer and Skokholm island.
The Welsh Wildlife Centre, within the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, provides a range of facilities including a visitor centre with shop and display rooms, café and WTSWW offices, together with a visitor car park, play area, walking trails, bird hides and a cottage for self-catering guests.
The site of the proposed play area is located on an informal grassland meadow recreation area to the northwest of the visitor centre, using Robinia hardwood logs and sawn timber, ropes and hand-woven nets manufactured using steel reinforced polypropylene, with the appearance of traditional hemp cordage, the applicants say.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said the design proposal, produced by Earth Wrights Ltd, is about “increasing play value and creating a place inclusive for everyone”.
It added: “The additional visitors and users of the play equipment would generate minimal and localised noise impacts, confined to the Welsh Wildlife Centre complex itself, with no impacts upon residential properties or other sensitive receptors, given the extensive separation distances to neighbouring development.”
Local community council Cilgerran has raised no objection to the scheme.
Recommending approval, an officer report said the scheme would also introduce four bird boxes within the woodland to the west of the site and replace the existing bug hotel located near the visitor centre, with a larger, upgraded model.
The proposals were conditionally approved by planners.
Entertainment
Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire
Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release
FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.
The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.
Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary
Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.
Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.
Local interest and economic boost
The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.
The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.
Entertainment
Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas
Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun
CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.
The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.
Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!
Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.
With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment
Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto
CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.
The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.




Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.
A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.
Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.
Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.
-
Crime6 days agoMan denies causing baby’s injuries as police interviews read to jury
-
Crime1 day agoDefendant denies using Sudocrem-covered finger to assault two-month-old baby
-
Crime7 days agoMan denies injuring baby as jury hears police interview in ongoing abuse trial
-
Crime16 hours agoPembroke rape investigation dropped – one suspect now facing deportation
-
News16 hours agoBaby C trial: Mother breaks down in tears in the witness box
-
Crime2 days agoDefendant denies causing injuries to two-month-old baby
-
Crime7 days agoMilford Haven man jailed after online paedophile sting
-
Crime1 day agoLifeboat crew member forced to stand down after being assaulted at Milford pub





