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Entertainment

Fishguard jazz festival returns for a bank holiday celebration

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Five days of music, workshops, parties and parades for Aberjazz 2025

FISHGUARD is getting ready to swing into action as the 22nd Aberjazz Jazz ‘n’ Blues Festival returns this August bank holiday weekend, promising five days packed with music, workshops, parades and good company.

The much-loved festival runs from Thursday, August 21 to Monday, August 25, bringing a packed programme of events to venues across Fishguard and the surrounding area.

For more than two decades, Aberjazz has drawn music lovers from near and far, and this year’s celebration promises to be one of the best yet.

“Aberjazz would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone, locals and visitors alike, to our annual Jazz & Blues Festival,” said the organisers.

“Once again, we’re proud to present a brilliant line-up of artists – from Welsh homegrown talent to internationally renowned musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast, a blues devotee, or just here to soak up the atmosphere, we hope you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”

This year’s programme includes over twenty ticketed events – many of them double bills – plus a lively Aberjazz Fringe with free performances throughout town, a series of creative workshops (most free to attend), and a New Orleans-style street parade with a uniquely Welsh twist.

Things kick off at 1:00pm on Thursday, August 21 with a double bill at the Ffwrn featuring Dave Speight, followed by the Brian Rawson Band. Acts across the weekend include J4, Dale Storr, Ma Bessie’s Speakeasy, Gareth Evans, Cluster Funk, The Jay Azzolina Quartet, Seven Steps (playing the music of Miles Davis), Yeti and many more.

This year’s headliners are the acclaimed Alice Armstrong and the Cinelli Brothers.

The popular Aberjazz parade takes place on Sunday afternoon (August 24), led by festival mascot Idris the dragon and the brass band Mr Wilson’s Second Liners. The crowd will follow them through town to the rear of the market, where the celebrations continue with the Aberjam open mic, workshops, street food and a bar.

Workshops cater to all interests and ages – from dance and singing to instrument skills – and even include a session where you can learn some Welsh through music.

The free Aberjazz Fringe will bring live music to pubs, restaurants, and clubs throughout the weekend, giving the whole town a festive feel.

The festival ends with a bang on Monday evening (August 25) as The Connections bring the party to a close at Ffwrn.

Organisers have thanked the Arts Council of Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council, Agritrader, and all other sponsors and supporters who make the festival possible.

For tickets (ranging from £10 to £22.50), full programme details, and the latest updates, visit www.aberjazz.com or follow the festival on Facebook at facebook.com/aberjaz.

“All of us at Aberjazz hope everyone, young and old, will be part of the musical magic,” added organisers. “Enjoy the music, the company, and the spirit of Aberjazz – this festival belongs to all of us.”

 

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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