Entertainment

Poetry and pacifism: Welsh war film ‘A Pack of Five’ premieres in Carmarthen

Published

1 month ago

May 11, 2025

TEGRYN village provides haunting backdrop for First World War drama inspired by poet Hedd Wyn

A POWERFUL new short film set during the First World War and filmed in a remote corner of north Pembrokeshire is set to make its premiere later this month, bringing with it a poignant message of peace and remembrance.

The film, A Pack of Five, will debut at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival on May 19, and has already drawn attention for its evocative storytelling and strong local connections. Inspired by the life and work of renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, the film depicts a fleeting moment of calm shared between five soldiers amid the chaos of the Battle of the Somme.

Hedd Wyn, born Ellis Humphrey Evans in Trawsfynydd, was a pacifist poet who was killed in Flanders on July 31, 1917 – the first day of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele. He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Chair at the National Eisteddfod for his poetry, a ceremony famously marked by an empty seat draped in black.

The film delves into the emotional and psychological landscape of war, using Hedd Wyn’s poetry as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, loss, and the fragile humanity shared between soldiers. Two of the soldiers are portrayed by local actors Rhodri Evan of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn, with the cast capturing a delicate balance between camaraderie and trauma.

Filming took place in Tegryn, a small village in the Preseli Hills, chosen by director John Parr for its raw, elemental landscape. “The wildness of the wind and the grey skies while we were filming gave the film a special edge,” said Mr Parr, a Grammy-nominated filmmaker whose work often explores historical and cultural themes.

“Hedd Wyn’s message of peace is more relevant than ever in today’s world,” Parr added. “The small comfort of a pack of five cigarettes, gallows humour and soldiers’ banter create a perfect setting for the quiet wisdom of his poetry.”

The film, written and directed by Parr and produced by Simon Howlett and Delyth Lloyd, is already being hailed as a moving tribute to the poet’s enduring legacy. Contributions from distinguished Welsh bards Alan Llwyd and Ceri Wyn Jones enrich the script, while the Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Harry Secombe Youth Musical Theatre Company provide a rich musical dimension.

Though short in duration, A Pack of Five is layered in meaning. As soldiers reflect on lines of verse amidst the mud and fear of the trenches, the viewer is reminded of the stark contrast between artistic beauty and the brutality of war. “His is a voice and a message that should be heard today and always,” said Parr.

Following its premiere, the film will become available to the public. It is anticipated to resonate with audiences not only in Wales but across the UK, where interest in First World War history and Welsh cultural heritage remains strong.

Entertainment

Programme unveiled for Fishguard Festival of Music 2025

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

International stars and Welsh talent set to perform across the region

THE 2025 Fishguard Festival of Music will run from July 18 to 31, bringing a packed programme of classical and contemporary music to venues across Fishguard, Goodwick, and beyond.

The festival will open with a performance by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL, featuring celebrated soprano REBECCA EVANS CBE as the soloist.

Now in its 53rd year, the festival continues its mission to showcase international excellence alongside emerging and homegrown talent, with concerts taking place at locations including THEATR GWAUN, BETHEL CHAPEL, NEUADD Y DDERWEN, RHOSYGILWEN, and open-air performances on THE PARROG in GOODWICK.

Artistic Director GILLIAN GREEN MBE said: “It’s a pleasure to share this year’s programme, which draws inspiration from our past and looks boldly to the future. Audiences will experience a rich variety of classical music performed by some of the finest artists working today.”

The line-up features names from across the UK and further afield, including the AQUARELLE GUITAR QUARTET, harpist MARED PUGH-EVANS, and percussionist DELIA STEVENS alongside harmonica virtuoso WILL POUND.

The festival also includes talks by composer and broadcaster GERAINT LEWIS, and a special appearance by the NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF WALES, who will close the festival at ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL on July 31.

This year’s full programme includes:

Friday, July 18 – Welsh National Opera Orchestra with Rebecca Evans, St David’s Cathedral
Saturday, July 19 – Delia Stevens & Will Pound, Theatr Gwaun
Sunday, July 20 – Free open-air performances, The Parrog, Goodwick
Monday, July 21 – Ryan Vaughan Davies & David Doidge, Neuadd y Dderwen, Rhosygilwen
Tuesday, July 22 – Aquarelle Guitar Quartet, Bethel Chapel
Wednesday, July 23 – Mared Pugh-Evans (harp), Bethel Chapel
Thursday, July 24 – WNO Chamber Ensemble, Neuadd y Dderwen
Friday, July 25 – Kosmos Ensemble, Theatr Gwaun
Saturday, July 26 – Geoff Eales Trio, Theatr Gwaun
Sunday, July 27 – Geraint Lewis talks at Twr y Felin and St Peter’s Church, plus Young Music Makers of Dyfed at Theatr Gwaun
Monday, July 28 – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Bethel Chapel
Tuesday, July 29 – Saints and Stones Tour, various locations
Wednesday, July 30 – Laura van der Heijden & Jâms Coleman, Neuadd y Dderwen
Thursday, July 31 – National Youth Orchestra of Wales, St David’s Cathedral

More information and tickets are available through the festival’s official website.

Entertainment

Movie motors and muscle cars roar into Haverfordwest Airport

Published

3 days ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Runway closed as high-octane driving experience arrives in Pembrokeshire

HAVERFORDWEST Airport has been transformed into a race track this weekend as nearly 30 iconic cars roll into town for a special Driving Experience Day.

The event, organised by Car Chase Heroes, kicked off on Saturday (June 21) and features a fleet of high-powered supercars, classic motors, and famous film vehicles — including a replica of the Italian Job bus and a police interceptor.

Petrolheads young and old are being given the chance to take the wheel, with the company allowing children as young as 10 to drive some of the cars, even without a licence.

Among the standout vehicles are a Porsche 911, Mustang GT350, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Jaguar E-Type, and a Bond-style DBT. Prices start at £49 for a driving session, which includes a spin in a chosen supercar and a high-speed passenger ride with a professional racing driver.

The event is taking place on the main runway of the privately-operated airfield, which was recently taken over from Pembrokeshire County Council by Haverfordwest Airport Limited. The runway is closed for the duration of the event, from 5:00pm on Friday (June 20) until 8:30am on Sunday (June 22).

Organisers described the venue as a “stunning airfield circuit” and said they were thrilled to bring their popular experience to West Wales.

Entertainment

Thousands mark 40 years of Pride in the Welsh capital

Published

3 days ago

June 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Cardiff comes alive with colour, music, and celebration as Pride Cymru commemorates historic milestone

THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Cardiff on Saturday (June 21) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the city’s first ever gay rights march.

The annual Pride Cymru parade brought a wave of colour and celebration to the capital as it made its way through the city centre, ending near Cardiff Castle.

This year’s event holds particular significance, marking four decades since LGBTQ+ campaigners first marched through Cardiff to demand equality and recognition.

Crowds gathered from early morning to cheer on the vibrant procession, which featured community groups, charities, drag queens, floats, and flag-waving supporters from across Wales and beyond.

Hundreds of people travelled up from Pembrokeshire to take part in the celebrations, arriving by bus, car, and train to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and mark this historic occasion.

Among the headline performers this weekend are singer Ella Henderson, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, and dance duo Booty Luv, entertaining festival-goers at the main stage.

Organisers say the event not only celebrates diversity but also reflects on how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in Wales since 1984 — while acknowledging the challenges that still remain.

The parade kicked off at 11:00am and continued throughout the day, with live music, speeches, and street parties across the city. Rainbow flags adorned shops and buildings as Cardiff stood united in a show of pride and solidarity.