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Festive magic returns to The Silver Mountain Experience in Mid Wales

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THE SILVER MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE is busily preparing for the return of their most beloved visitor, Santa Claus, for the festive season.

The popular visitor attraction, located just outside Aberystwyth on the A44 to Llangurig, is undergoing a spectacular transformation ahead of its Christmas event, running on selected dates from December 13 to 23.

With a whole host of activities and festive fun, there will be something for all the family to enjoy.

The Silver Mountain’s historic Victorian mine buildings have been transformed into bustling Elves’ Workshops and a magical Santa’s Grotto. Visitors will join the elves on an enchanting walk through the festive factory, discovering where the Christmas magic is made and hearing all about preparations for the big day.

Highlight for every child will be meeting Santa himself. Each family or group receives an exclusive, private visit with Santa, giving children the chance to share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift for being on the ‘nice list’ and create memories that will last a lifetime.

But the festive fun doesn’t end there! A mischievous resident deep within the mines is determined to cause trouble this year. A certain well-known green character has set up home in one of the mine tunnels and is plotting to steal Christmas!

Families can embark on a heart-warming quest to melt his frosty heart and also explore his underground home!

Alongside the Elves’ Workshops, Grotto experience and the underground Christmas adventure, the site is bursting with all-day activities included in the ticket price. Guests can enjoy cookie decorating, the Rudolph and Patches’ Treasure Trail, the Fossil Dig, play areas and much more.

The beautifully decorated site, complete with the return of the Gingerbread House and Victorian Sweet Shop, offers countless photo opportunities to capture the perfect festive family moment.

Booking is essential, as this event sells out every year. Visitors are encouraged to secure their preferred time slot early to avoid disappointment by booking at www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/festive/

 

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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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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