Entertainment

Sarah Waters and star guests for 2025 Llangwm Lit Fest

Published

11 months ago

July 27, 2025

Literary celebration returns to the banks of the Cleddau, 8–10 August

THE MUCH-LOVED Llangwm Literary Festival returns this summer with another packed programme – and one of its biggest-ever literary stars.

Organisers say they are “thrilled” to welcome award-winning novelist Sarah Waters OBE back to Pembrokeshire. The acclaimed author of Fingersmith and Tipping the Velvet grew up in Neyland and attended Milford Haven Grammar School.

“Sarah is an amazing role model for anyone wanting to become a writer,” said festival director Michael Pugh. “She’s gone on to win multiple awards and been shortlisted for many more – and we’re so excited she’s joining us in her home county.”

Sarah will be in conversation with her former teacher Mr Tanguay, discussing her bestselling books, her writing process, and how Pembrokeshire shaped her career.

Also returning is David Wilson, a much-admired figure in Llangwm, who will launch his new memoir An Unlikely Photographer. The book charts his journey from total paralysis at 18 to a remarkable life in photography and family.

Music remains a key part of the festival, with performances by the legendary Boo Hewerdine, who will launch his new album Things Found in Books, and celebrated Scottish singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon. Boo is inviting concertgoers to bring along oddities and surprises they’ve discovered tucked inside books over the years – from old letters to shopping lists.

There’s no shortage of local and regional talent. Historian Angela John will speak about her new biography of Philip Burton, the man who mentored Richard Burton. Angela, who served as a consultant on the film Mr Burton, promises rare insights into this unique relationship.

Children’s author and wildlife campaigner Nicola Davies returns with a family-friendly session on whales and wildlife, while Julia Horton-Mansfield will lead a foraging walk along the Cleddau, and John Roach will delight younger readers with a session on his Red Dragon books.

Travel writing titan Colin Thubron will take audiences on a journey through Russia and Central Asia – “a far safer option than going there,” jokes Pugh – while Ben Aitken, known for The Gran Tour, will lift the lid on some of Britain’s least-loved towns in his irreverent new book Shtty Breaks*.

Aspiring writers will also have the chance to put pen to paper during the three-day Write it with Ryan workshop. “We want to encourage more people to get writing – not just talking about it,” said Pugh.

The festival is also offering internship opportunities this year for students interested in arts and event management.

The Llangwm Literary Festival 2025 takes place from 8 to 10 August. For the full programme, visit:
🌐 www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk

Entertainment

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show

Published

17 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE HAWKSTONE FARMERS’ CHOIR, winners of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform at the 2026 Royal Welsh Show.

The choir will sing in the main ring on the afternoon of Monday, July 20, the opening day of the show at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Formed by Jeremy Clarkson as part of an advertising campaign for his Cotswolds-based brewing business, the choir has since grown into a national success story, using its platform to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community.

Aled Rhys Jones, chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to the Royal Welsh Show.

“Their performance on the Monday in the main ring, in front of thousands of visitors, will be a truly special occasion.”

He added that it would be the choir’s first official performance in Wales since winning Britain’s Got Talent, and said many choir members had strong links with the Royal Welsh.

Lead soloist Rosie Jones, a beef and sheep farmer from Mid Wales, said: “What an honour to be invited to sing at the Royal Welsh Show 2026.

“This fairytale journey just keeps growing, but the greatest thing to come from it is the community we’ve built within the choir and beyond.”

The Royal Welsh Show is one of Europe’s leading agricultural events, celebrating Welsh farming, food and rural life.

Picture caption:

The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir (Pic: Britain’s Got Talent / ITV).

Entertainment

Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

Staff Writer

In many cases, online gambling is a harmless hobby. However, for others, gambling can become problematic without the right considerations. Thankfully, there are many ways to keep gambling habits restrained to prevent addiction. With that in mind, here are some safe online gambling tips to help you stay in control and keep gambling fun.

Set Financial Limits

Licensed operators must offer tools that allow people to set personal budgets. And from 30 June, they must also provide customers with an opportunity to set deposit limits, which refers to the amount a customer pays into their account over a set duration. These kinds of tools can be invaluable for people who struggle knowing when to stop or have a habit of chasing losses.

Similarly, most reputable casinos also have time limits, to ensure you aren’t spending too much time gambling. Additionally, if you feel you’ve lost control entirely, you can also self-exclude yourself from all sites by registering for an account with Gamstop Online.

Avoid Gambling Under the Influence

Gambling under the influence, after consuming alcohol for instance, can impair your judgement and lead to impulsive decisions. It’s essential that you only gamble while sober and when you’re not experiencing any particularly strong emotions, so you can make more informed, level-headed decisions.

This is especially true when using the fastest payout casinos or high intensity games, as it can be easy to get caught up in the fun, lose money fast, or make more impulsive decisions.

Know the Signs of Problem Gambling

When you gamble, you are taking a risk. Not just financially, but emotionally too. It’s important that you recognise the signs of problem gambling, so you can address any problems early to prevent further harm.

Some of the common signs of problem gambling include:

Frequently chasing losses
Using money intended for savings or essential expenses for gambling
Borrowing money from friends or relatives to gamble
Feeling agitated, angry, or anxious when not gambling
Having a preoccupation with gambling
Feeling out of control or impulsive when gambling
Not engaging in other hobbies or withdrawing from social activities
Concealing or lying to loved ones about gambling habits

Maintain Gambling Best Practices

To prevent your gambling habits from becoming a problem. Be sure to set yourself financial and time limits, avoid gambling when under the influence or when experiencing strong emotions, and get to know the early warning signs of problematic behaviour so you can address any issues quickly.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

2 days ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.