Entertainment

Youth theatre members sprout on stage with Sycamore Gap drama

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2025

A POWERFUL real-world event that shocked the nation is being brought to the stage by Torch Youth Theatre in a new production inspired by the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.

The iconic sycamore, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, made international headlines in 2023 after it was illegally cut down. Believed to be one of the UK’s most recognisable trees, its destruction caused widespread anger and disbelief.

That moment now forms the starting point for Sycamore Gap, Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production, sponsored by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Set on the morning after the tree has been felled, the play centres on a group of young people from a secondary school eco-club. As questions swirl around what happened and who is responsible, tensions rise. Friendships are tested, long-held grudges emerge and the group finds itself racing against time — and the police — to uncover the truth.

As the story unfolds, the young characters wrestle with suspicion, blame and moral responsibility, all while navigating the pressures of modern teenage life. The play mixes mystery with sharp humour and wordplay, asking whether the eco-club is really getting to the root of the problem — or barking up the wrong tree.

The production follows a run of successful Torch Youth Theatre shows, including The Bangers and Chips Explosion, Ravers and The Wind in the Willows.

Tim Howe, Torch Theatre’s senior manager for youth and community, said he was excited to begin rehearsals.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on this production, and we cannot wait to bring this story to life,” he said. “Anyone who has seen Torch Youth Theatre productions will know they celebrate young people and everything they are capable of.”

He added that the new play tackles some of the biggest issues facing young people today.

“This is a fearless piece of theatre,” Tim said. “It links environmental activism with cancel culture and explores how teenagers are grappling with toxic masculinity and power structures. Our young people are already having fierce and essential conversations about these themes, and they’re eager to bring them to the stage.”

Looking ahead, Torch Youth Theatre has also announced a second major production for 2026.

“The Sycamore Gap tree isn’t the only Robin Hood connection we’ll be sharing next year,” Tim said. “In July, all of our youth theatre members will perform a brand-new version of Robin Hood, written especially for them. It promises to be an epic adventure.”

Torch Youth Theatre presents Al Smith’s Sycamore Gap this February as part of the National Theatre’s NT Connections programme.

Sycamore Gap will be performed at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday (Feb 25) to Friday (Feb 27), 2026. Tickets are priced at £10, with concessions at £8.

The Robin Hood production will run from July 20 to July 22, 2026, with tickets going on sale in the spring.

For more information, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the box office on (01646) 695267.

Entertainment

Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.

The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.

Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.

The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.

James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.

“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.

“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”

Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.

The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.

Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.

Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.

A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.

The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.

Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

4 days ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

5 days ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.