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Local author’s ‘beautiful rebellion’ wins acclaim as Skrimsli launches in paperback

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A beloved tiger sea captain returns in an epic tale of resistance, nature, and courage from award-winning local writer Nicola Davies

A YOUNG adult eco-fantasy written by Pembrokeshire-based author Nicola Davies is set for paperback release this July, after scooping multiple major literary nominations and being named Wales Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Skrimsli, described by its author as an “act of beautiful rebellion”, traces the early life of the tiger sea captain who first captured readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. With its themes of loyalty, identity, friendship, and the fight for a better world, Skrimsli has already been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing and nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Speaking ahead of the paperback release on July 3, Davies said: “I turned to writing fantasy fiction because non-fiction didn’t allow me to say the things about what’s wrong with the world that I wanted to. Skrimsli lets me shine a light on the roots of our environmental crisis, deep in colonialism and capitalism. But it’s also an exciting adventure that encourages children to think, imagine, and maybe even start rebellions of their own – through art, music, or storytelling.”

The tale follows Skrimsli and his companions Owl and Kal as they escape a cruel circus master, try to halt a war, and attempt to save an ancient forest. Along the way, they are helped by a desert princess and her eagle, a chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a golden-hearted horse, and the crew of a very unusual ship.

Publisher Penny Thomas praised the book’s unique vision: “Nicola’s imaginative grasp on how humans and animals might communicate makes for powerful storytelling. I’m so glad Skrimsli gets to tell his own story in this thrilling prequel.”

With internal illustrations by renowned artist Jackie Morris and a striking new cover by Jane Matthews, Skrimsli promises to inspire a new generation of readers. Davies, a former presenter of The Really Wild Show, has written more than eighty books and now lives and writes from her home in west Wales

Skrimsli is published by Firefly Press, which recently won the Wales Small Press of the Year Award for the fourth time

Entertainment

DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

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Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025

AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.

From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.

A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.

Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.

Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

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Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

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Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.

A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.

“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”

Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”

During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.

She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.

“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.

As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.

“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”

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Entertainment

Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

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Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday

THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.

Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.

Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.

A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”

Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.

The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.

Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.

“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.

No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.

The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.

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