Entertainment
Spooky family fun at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill this October half-term
CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill are preparing for another spellbinding October half-term, with a full week of family-friendly Halloween adventures set within one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric historic landmarks.
From Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of spooky storytelling, interactive trails, and thrilling tours — perfect for witches, wizards, and brave explorers of all ages.
The Pumpkin Patch Adventure invites younger visitors to explore the Castle grounds in search of hidden pumpkins. This self-led trail runs daily from 10:00am–4:00pm and costs £2 per child, plus standard admission.
Back by popular demand, the Creepy Mill transforms the dark and shadowy Tidal Mill into a haunted house-style experience, filled with eerie decorations and ghostly surprises around every corner. Open daily from 11:00am–5:00pm (last admission 4:30pm), entry to the Creepy Mill is included with standard admission and is recommended for ages four and up.
From Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 October at 1:00pm, families can take part in a new fantasy adventure with best-selling immersive author Oliver McNeil. The Storymaster’s Tales: Castle of Blood invites participants to shape their own quest in a live, interactive show packed with creatures, challenges, and chilling choices. Suitable for ages six and up, tickets are £6 per person (Castle admission not included). Booking is recommended at www.storymasterstales.com/live.
Those seeking ghostly thrills can join the Halloween Ghost Tour, running from Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 October, 4:30pm–5:30pm. This atmospheric guided walk through the Castle promises strange sightings and eerie encounters. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children (ages five and up). Advance booking is essential at www.carewcastle.com.
On Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October at 11:00am and 2:00pm, children aged four to eight can take part in Fantastic Beasts and How to Rescue Them! — a one-hour interactive quest with storytelling, crafts, and mythical creatures. Tickets are £5 per child (Castle admission not included) and must be booked in advance.
The Nest Tearoom will be open throughout the week, serving seasonal treats and cosy refreshments — the perfect way to warm up between adventures.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “October half-term at Carew is one of the highlights of our year. The Castle really comes to life with families exploring, laughing, and creating memories – all with just a hint of Halloween magic. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re brave enough for the Creepy Mill or prefer a pumpkin hunt in the sunshine.”
For full event details and to book tickets, visit www.carewcastle.com.
To discover more events taking place across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.
Entertainment
The Hidden Risks of Fast-Paced Casino Games
Casino games are inherently risky, no matter what style of game or the speed of play. However, fast-paced casino games are often considered riskier because people tend to place a higher number of bets, have less self-control, and find them more engaging which can increase the amount of time spent gaming.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the risks of fast-paced casino games and what options are available out there to encourage slower, more thoughtful gameplay.
The Risks of High Speed Gaming
Reduced Control
When gambling slowly, there’s more opportunity to place thoughtful and strategic bets. Whereas when playing at speed, it’s easy to make more impulsive decisions. It may also be harder to stop gambling during fast games, increasing the time spent on gambling, and therefore the amount of money placed on bets.
Increased Enjoyment
A lot of people gamble because they find it thrilling. A fast paced game can add to that, making gambling even more enjoyable and desirable. While this may sound like a good thing, the enhanced enjoyment can make it harder to step away when needed.
How to Manage the Risks
While there are risks, they can be managed. Here are just some of the ways to handle the risks that come with high speed gaming.
Set Strict Limits
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and fail to realise how much time or money you’ve spent while playing. One of the most effective ways to ensure you keep your spending to a minimum is to set yourself time limits – and actually stick to them. This way you can maintain control over how much time and money you’re putting into gambling.
Consider Using Bank Blocks
Most banks allow you to block all gambling transactions, preventing you from spending any money on these platforms.
Turn Off Auto-Fill
A great way to slow down is to turn off auto-fill, whether that be for payment cards or passwords. This can help prevent impulsive decisions and keep your gambling to a more manageable level.
Always Gamble Responsibly
Most casino sites, such as MrQ Casino, have a wide range of games, including those that are fast paced and highly engaging. But it’s important to remember that while they can be fun, they do pose a significant risk and it’s crucial to keep safe and responsible gambling in mind at all times.
Entertainment
Green Man names five finalists for Rising competition
FIVE emerging acts have been shortlisted for this year’s Green Man Rising final, with the winner set to open the Mountain Stage at the sold-out Welsh festival.
The final will take place at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on Tuesday, June 2, hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens.
Now in its seventeenth year, the competition gives new artists from across the UK the chance to perform at Green Man, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival.
This year’s finalists are Brighton school friends Glasshouse Red Spider Mite, Leeds dance-punk duo Kiosk, Heist or Hit signees The Slow Country, Tall Child — the project of London-based Nigerian/Indian musician Zha Gandhi — and bilingual English-Welsh band Cyn Cwsg.
Organisers said a record number of entries were received for the 2026 competition. The shortlist was chosen by an industry panel featuring representatives from Clash, DIY, NME, Dazed, Wonderland, The Quietus, So Young and BBC Radio Wales.
The winning act will secure the opening slot on Green Man’s Mountain Stage later this summer, along with a week of studio time at Prah Recordings and a physical vinyl release with Dinked Edition.
The runners-up will also appear on the Green Man Rising Stage, which has previously hosted acts including The Last Dinner Party, English Teacher, Westside Cowboy, Silver Gore, Adult DVD and Keo.
Each shortlisted artist will also receive a professional recording at the festival to help showcase their music to labels, agents and promoters.
Green Man managing director and owner Fiona Stewart said: “Launching talent is at the heart of Green Man and our incredible five finalists were chosen from a record breaking number of acts.
“When Rising was launched 18 years ago we could never have imagined how many artists have been supported in their early careers. Our industry panel will choose which band will open the Mountain Stage at Green Man 2026.”
Free tickets for the Green Man Rising final are available via Dice. Those attending will also be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the sold-out Green Man 2026.
Entertainment
Contemporary art exhibition to mark reopening of Tenby Museum gallery
A CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION featuring work by well-known local artists and craftspeople will mark the reopening of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery’s temporary exhibition space.
The exhibition will run from Monday, May 18, to Friday, September 4, following the completion of an extensive renovation project at the museum.
Organisers say the collaborative exhibition will celebrate the creative talent of Pembrokeshire and the cultural importance of Tenby.
Curator Anita Schwartz said: “We are so excited to bring together such an inspirational collection of original pieces to showcase the creative talents of our local community.
“The artists featured exemplify the continuing cultural importance of this vibrant Pembrokeshire town.”
Artists exhibiting include Naomi Tydeman RI, John Cahill, Kim Carlow, Ivan Black, Guy Manning, Tom Sloan, Graham Hadlow, Alex MacDonald, Anna Warchus, Alec Lewis and Abigail Blaylock-Squibbs.
The exhibition will open with a private view on Friday, May 15, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, giving visitors the chance to meet the artists and view the museum’s recently refurbished galleries.
The event is open to all, but guests are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] by 10:00am on Thursday, May 14.
Works on display will include John Cahill’s North Pembrokeshire Landscape, which was awarded first prize in the Welsh Prize category at the Wales Contemporary Exhibition at Chelsea Barracks, London.
Other featured works include Anna Warchus’ Seaside Plate, Tom Sloan’s Tenby, Guy Manning’s Castle Hill and Naomi Tydeman’s Blue Moon, Newgale.
The exhibition takes place at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BP.
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