Entertainment

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

Published

12 months 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

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

16 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

19 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Entertainment

Dinosaur adventure stomps into Milford Haven

Published

20 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FAMILY dinosaur show 65 million years in the making is heading to Milford Haven this summer.

Dinosaur Adventure Live: Danger on T-Rex Mountain will headline the Torch Theatre on Thursday, July 30.

The interactive stage show promises storytelling, puppetry, humour and science as young audiences join a team of rangers on a mission to recover a data crystal, restore power to the island and save the dinosaurs.

Children will be encouraged to stomp, roar and swish their tails as they meet baby dinosaurs, learn “Dino-Facts” and come face-to-face with a roaring T-Rex.

Created by Mike Newman, the producer behind Exciting Science, the show is now in its fifth year and is aimed at families with children aged four and over.

The performance lasts one hour, with no interval, and there will be a meet-and-greet after the show.

Tickets are available from the Torch Theatre.