Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Entertainment

Paddle steamer Waverley returns to Pembrokeshire ports this summer

Published

on

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverley, is set to steam back into South West Wales this summer, with scheduled stops in Tenby, Fishguard, and Milford Haven.

Waverley will sail the Bristol Channel from June 2 to June 25, offering a series of scenic day trips and evening cruises. Among the standout voyages is the Pembrokeshire Islands Explorer Cruise departing Milford Haven on Monday, June 2, taking passengers around Skokholm, Skomer, and Ramsey islands — a rare chance to take in some of Wales’ best wildlife and coastal scenery from the deck of a historic steamship.

Tenby residents will want to mark Tuesday, June 24, in their calendars, as Waverley makes her only appearance in the town this year. The day includes a cruise from Penarth to Tenby’s picturesque harbour, followed by an evening sailing past Caldey Island and along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline en route to Milford Haven.

Waverley will round off her Welsh visit on June 25 with her first public sailing from Fishguard in more than three decades — a momentous occasion for the port town.

Other highlights in the packed itinerary include three trips to the remote Lundy Island (June 3, 15, and 17), where passengers can enjoy time ashore exploring the rugged island where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic.

As part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations, Waverley will also link up with three heritage steam railways — the West Somerset, Brecon Mountain, and Lynton & Barnstable lines — offering passengers a unique opportunity to combine steamship travel with a nostalgic train ride.

This season also sees more evening cruises than ever before. On June 9, passengers can enjoy a tranquil evening journey up the River Severn from Penarth, passing under its iconic bridges. Another evening cruise, taking in the Holms islands on June 20, will help raise funds for the restoration of the historic Motor Vessel Balmoral.

On June 18, the Captain’s Choice Cruise sails from Porthcawl to Minehead before tracing the dramatic Exmoor coastline to Ilfracombe. Passengers from Porthcawl will also have the option to take the West Somerset Railway or explore the towns of Minehead and Ilfracombe — or even head over to Lundy.

While on board, passengers can experience the magic of steam travel — hear the ship’s telegraph ring, peer into the Engine Room, and watch the paddles turn through portholes. With full catering on board, guests can enjoy anything from a light snack and afternoon tea to a hot meal in the saloon or a drink in one of Waverley’s period-style lounges. A souvenir shop is also available for those looking to take home a memento.

The iconic vessel is currently in Glasgow receiving over £1 million worth of maintenance and upgrades ahead of the 2025 season, which also marks 50 years since Waverley was saved for the nation and began sailing in preservation.

Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley’s skipper, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic schedule for South West Wales so that both locals and visitors can enjoy a trip on this unique vessel. I’m especially looking forward to cruising the Bristol Channel again — it’s one of my favourite stretches of water.”

To help make sailings more accessible, coach pick-up points have been arranged at various locations including Bridgend and Chepstow.

Special ticket deals are available throughout the season, including ‘kids for £1’ (ages 5–16), free travel for under 5s, and free companion tickets for seniors on selected dates.

Cruises start in Scotland on May 16 before Waverley heads south to Wales.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked via www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling 0141 243 2224.

 

Entertainment

One Night in Dublin returns to the Torch with a brand-new show

Published

on

ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN is heading back to the stage at the Torch Theatre with a lively new production fronted by renowned Irish singer Danny Muldoon.

Tickets are already selling fast for the feel-good celebration of Irish music, which promises two hours of songs, stories and plenty of craic.

Backed by an award-winning five-piece band, Muldoon leads audiences through a packed set of sing-along favourites including Galway Girl, Tell Me Ma, The Irish Rover, Dirty Old Town, Whiskey in the Jar, The Wild Rover and The Galway Shawl, along with many more well-loved classics.

The show recreates the atmosphere of a bustling Dublin pub, complete with fiddle, whistle, guitars, banjo, bodhrán, accordion and driving drums, transporting the audience straight into “Murphy’s Tavern” for an unforgettable night of live entertainment.

Fans can also expect hits from Irish legends including The Pogues, The Saw Doctors, The Dubliners, The Fureys, Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys.

One Night in Dublin comes to the Torch Theatre on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm.

Tickets cost £26.50. Visit the theatre website or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267 to book.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

New appeal in search for missing Manic Street Preachers musician

Published

on

Family and charity issue fresh appeal for information about guitarist 31 years on

THIRTY-ONE years after the disappearance of Richey Edwards, a new public appeal has been issued urging anyone with information to come forward.

Edwards, guitarist and lyricist with Manic Street Preachers, vanished on January 31, 1995, in a case that has become one of the most enduring mysteries in British music history.

Missing for over 30 years: Richey Edwards

The then 27-year-old was last seen at the Embassy Hotel Bayswater in west London, where he had been staying ahead of a promotional trip to the United States. He checked out of room 561 but never reached his destination.

Despite numerous reported sightings over the years, none have ever been confirmed. Edwards was officially declared presumed dead in 2008, though his family continue to mark the anniversary of his disappearance and keep hope alive that answers may still emerge.

Anniversary appeal

The charity Missing People has released a statement in collaboration with Edwards’ sister Rachel, asking the public to remember the case.

In a social media post, the organisation said: “It is 31 years since Richard went missing, please keep his family in your thoughts.”

They also repeated key identifying details from the time he vanished. Edwards was described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, slim, with brown eyes and a shaved head. He had several distinctive tattoos, including a rose with the words ‘Useless Generation’, the phrase ‘I’ll surf this beach’, and a scar on his lower left arm where he had scratched the words ‘4 REAL’.

Unanswered questions

His car was later found near the Severn Bridge services, close to the Welsh border, prompting widespread searches but yielding no firm clues about what happened next.

At the time of his disappearance, the band were on the brink of international success. Edwards’ intense, literate songwriting and striking image had already made him a defining figure in Welsh rock music. More than three decades later, fans still hold vigils, create murals and share tributes across Wales and beyond.

Police say the case remains open.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Service on 101 or use their online reporting service, quoting reference CONNECT REF 01/764429/24. Missing People also operates a free, confidential helpline on 116 000.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Turner and Constable brought to life on the big screen at the Torch Theatre

Published

on

ART lovers in Pembrokeshire will have the chance to experience the lives and rivalries of two of Britain’s greatest painters when a new documentary, EOS: Turner & Constable, arrives at the Torch Theatre this March.

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, the film explores the intertwined stories and enduring legacies of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable alongside Tate Britain’s major new exhibition. Exhibition on Screen has been granted exclusive behind-the-scenes access, bringing their extraordinary art and personal histories vividly to the cinema screen.

Born just a year apart, Turner and Constable helped redefine landscape painting in Britain – and were fierce competitors. Both captured a nation in transition, yet their styles could not have been more different. Turner’s dramatic skies, blazing sunsets and atmospheric scenes from his travels contrasted sharply with Constable’s gentle, nostalgic portrayals of the English countryside and familiar rural life.

Their opposing visions divided critics and audiences alike, famously described at the time as a clash of “fire and water”.

The documentary offers rare, intimate access to sketchbooks, letters and personal artefacts, alongside insights from leading curators and art historians. It also ties in with Tate Britain’s landmark exhibition, running in London from November 2025 to April 2026, which reunites the two masters’ works side-by-side.

This cinematic event gives audiences the chance to see their masterpieces in stunning detail and discover unexpected sides to two artists whose rivalry shaped British art history.

Turner and Constable will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, March 15 at 4:30pm.

Tickets are £13. For bookings, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

 

Continue Reading

Crime5 hours ago

Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live...

Crime12 hours ago

More rape and sexual assault survivors to get right to challenge dropped cases

New review scheme to be rolled out across CPS Cymru-Wales following successful pilot SURVIVORS of rape and serious sexual assault...

Crime1 day ago

Man spared jail after admitting child abuse image offences

Police seized devices after intelligence linked Pembrokeshire address to illegal cloud storage accounts A 23-YEAR-OLD Pembrokeshire man has avoided immediate...

Community1 day ago

Cleddau at heart of major water reforms as ministers promise ‘fundamental reset’

New regulation plan aims to tackle pollution, sewage spills and ageing infrastructure COMMUNITIES along the River Cleddau could see tighter...

Crime2 days ago

Man caught in hotel sting after trying to meet girl, 13

Laugharne defendant confronted by paedophile hunters at St Clears Travelodge before suspended jail term at Swansea Crown Court A LAUGHARNE...

News2 days ago

Princess of Wales visits historic Pembrokeshire woollen mill

Catherine the Princess of Wales visited Melin Tregwynt, a historic family-owned woollen mill, today, highlighting the enduring traditions and skills...

Crime2 days ago

Arrest made after Carmarthen park stabbing investigation

Police thank community and media following public appeal to trace suspect AN ARREST has been made following last week’s stabbing...

Crime2 days ago

Search continues for attempted murder suspect after Carmarthen park stabbing

Police expand searches across riverbank and woodland as public urged to come forward with information DYFED-POWYS POLICE say their search for...

Community2 days ago

Flood alert issued for Pembrokeshire coast this evening

Pembrokeshire residents are being urged to prepare for possible flooding along the coastline between St Dogmaels, Cardigan and Amroth, after...

News3 days ago

Tributes paid to Pembroke Dock Councillor and former Mayor Pamela George

It is with great sadness that the Pembroke Dock community mourns the passing of Councillor Pamela George. Pamela, affectionately known...

Popular This Week