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Bank holiday events at Cadw sites across Wales

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CASTLES and historic sites across Wales will be brought to life this bank holiday weekend with a packed programme of events organised by Cadw.

From medieval festivals and reenactments to guided tours and children’s trails, visitors will be able to step back in time and experience Welsh history in unique and engaging ways.

Beaumaris Castle

Castles come alive

At Beaumaris Castle, a full-scale medieval festival will run from Saturday (Aug 23) to Monday (Aug 25), featuring knights, jesters, musicians, lords and ladies. Over at Denbigh Castle, families can enjoy a Medieval Reenactment Weekend, with archery, squire training and knight dressing demonstrations from Friday (Aug 22) through to Monday (Aug 25).

Castell Coch will host the “Really Wild Bank Holiday Weekender” from Saturday to Monday, offering nature-themed displays, scavenger hunts and crafts. Meanwhile, Raglan Castle will stage its “Odyssey” event on Sunday and Monday, with live demonstrations exploring the castle’s rich history.

Family-friendly trails

For younger visitors, Tretower Court and Castle is running a summer trail until Sunday (Aug 31), encouraging families to solve clues while exploring the grounds. Caerleon Roman Baths continues its daily children’s trail until the end of August.

At Castell Caernarfon, a “Mini Medieval Museum” will showcase armour helmets and the evolution of head and neck protection during the Middle Ages, alongside appearances from the Castle Garrison and Red Dragon Archers on Saturday and Sunday.

Reenactments and performances

Other highlights include HMS Wales Reenactment Society at Kidwelly Castle, bringing naval life to the medieval site, and Ardudwy Knights at Castell Harlech, both running across the weekend. Castell Cricieth will host “The Water Maid” on Sunday and Monday, while Tintern Abbey will present “The Greatest Knight” from Saturday to Monday.

Visitors to Llanthony Priory can experience “The Medieval Mountain” between Friday and Sunday, while Tretower Court and Castle will also welcome The Harrington Companye from Saturday to Monday.

Guided tours

Cadw will also run expanded guided tours at selected sites, including Castell Oxwich and Castell Cilgerran on Saturday (Aug 23).

Membership benefits

The events are part of Cadw’s wider summer programme of immersive workshops and activities at historic sites across Wales. Cadw membership includes free entry to all events and unlimited access to 132 sites, with children going free under an adult membership.

Further information and tickets are available at cadw.gov.wales.

 

Entertainment

Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir to perform at Royal Welsh Show

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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).

 

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Entertainment

Safe Online Gambling: Tips for Staying in Control

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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. 

 

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Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

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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.

 

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