Entertainment

Digital platforms influencing local leisure and tourism coverage

Published

3 months ago

January 19, 2026

These days, whether it’s a first-time visitor snapping photos by the river or a long-time local searching for something different to do on a Saturday, experiences increasingly run through screens before they ever happen in real life. Flicking through travel apps, scrolling social feeds, reading reviews, most journeys now start with digital guidance.

The numbers add up: Statista found nearly four out of five travellers rely on online resources before making any firm plans. Rather than leafing through a magazine or chasing word-of-mouth rumours on the street, people discover a new noodle shop, outdoor festival, or even a neighbourhood casino with just a few taps.

Video tours, influencer stories, rating apps, algorithm-driven “top 10” lists, these tools nudge which places fill up and which get forgotten almost overnight. Street-level exploration and traditional local coverage don’t always compete well with the speed of the digital economy.

How social media redefines destination appeal

One well-shot reel of a lantern-lit alleyway or a rooftop jazz gig can instantly catapult a spot into the city’s canon of “must-sees.” This isn’t just theory, published research connects visual social posts with genuine shifts in how travelers and locals think about where to go and what’s not to miss.

Browse TikTok, watch a trending Instagram Story, or let YouTube’s autoplay wander from hidden cafes to graffiti tours, these aren’t just eye candy but recommendations that mean something. The likelihood someone actually visits climbs each time a location gets mentioned, especially if the video or photo comes with a personal story or glowing review.

It’s a self-reinforcing cycle, the more a place appears online, the more foot traffic it seems to attract. Local businesses, big and small, are starting to notice, many now actively shaping their own accounts, sometimes partnering with content creators to rise above the chatter.

Shifting focus: digital campaigns and local visibility

Instead of just promoting postcard landmarks, tourism offices and city teams have begun actively managing which neighborhoods and venues get attention. These days, an overlooked park can trend if it lands in the right campaign, or a quiet food market can attract national notice through influencer partnerships.

Some mapping apps highlight off-the-beaten-path walking routes, gently nudging users away from the busiest areas. In parts of Europe, recent digital initiatives put regional cities and lesser-known attractions in the limelight, using interactive features and curated posts.

As social feeds ebb and flow, city agencies react in near real time, spotlighting new districts if the old favorites become crowded or overwhelmed. Tech analysts suggest these deliberate digital nudges shift not just online talk but where people actually go, broadening what counts as part of the city experience. Often, the freshest local tips show up in a traveler’s feed before they ever appear in the local press.

Traditional media, crowded out or evolving?

Reaching for a phone has replaced flipping through guidebooks. “Official” tips from print journalists now sit beside, sometimes under, swirling waves of crowdsourced rankings and real-time updates. Review sites, maps with live comments, and influencer videos are now default entry points.

Most travelers, according to recent data, check these platforms before deciding on what to see or where to eat. Destination managers have noticed, investing heavily in digital-first materials. Editorial decisions that once shaped public interest now often come from online momentum; one viral video can outpace months of careful planning. But places that don’t show up online risk being missed entirely, no matter their appeal.

New gatekeepers and the art of digital reputation

Increasingly, online voices, not official guides, chart local reputations. Influencers, vloggers, and everyday content creators can steer public perception with a single post reaching audiences around the world. These creators’ personalities, tone, and perceived honesty now hold real sway. The upshot? Destinations and businesses must quickly adapt, responding to feedback and sometimes even shifts in mood that unfold by the hour online.

Having good digital “word-of-mouth” makes a difference, and even one rating or livestream can tip the balance in favor of a lesser-known venue. Sharing self-discovery and experiences, travelers amplify places that might once have been invisible.

Responsible gambling as part of the modern leisure mix

With digital platforms spotlighting entertainment like venues, the conversation shifts toward responsible participation. It’s increasingly important for people to set personal limits, stay self-aware, and use any digital tools available to monitor their choices.

Accessible, up-to-date information helps keep behaviors in check, offering a safety net without restricting individual freedom. Destinations and the tech platforms themselves are in a good position to reinforce these messages, supporting users as leisure habits evolve in a digital age.

Entertainment

Shakespeare’s ‘mistaken identities’ to appear on outdoor Pembrokeshire stage

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Following the success of last year’s spellbinding production of The Tempest, SPAN Arts is thrilled to welcome back The Festival Players for another evening of open-air Shakespeare in the stunning grounds of Lampeter House, near Narberth.

Featuring one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ follows two sets of twins, twin brothers and their twin servants, separated by a shipwreck. When they unknowingly arrive in the same town on the same day, a whirlwind of confusion unfolds.

Mistaken identities lead to comic chaos: husbands appear to fall in love with the wrong people, debts go unpaid, and servants lock their masters out of their own homes. As the confusion builds, the play explores themes of identity, family and belonging.

The Festival Players bring this lively farce to life with original live music, fast-paced storytelling, traditional costume and plenty of humour, as part of their 2026 (and 41st) open-air summer theatre tour.

Lampeter House provides the perfect stage for this unforgettable evening. Nestled amongst towering trees and gardens full of character, the intimate amphitheatre setting promises a truly atmospheric experience.

So whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his work, this performance offers the chance to enjoy world-class theatre under the open skies.

Make your evening complete with a delicious pre-show supper. A hot summer cawl with bread and cheese will be available to pre-order for just £6 while vegetarian and other dietary options are available by simply selecting your preference when booking online or over the phone. A fully stocked bar and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening.

A limited number of mats and ground seating will be provided, but audiences are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for maximum comfort. As the performance will proceed come rain or shine, please dress appropriately for the weather.

This year’s production takes place on Friday June 12, with the doors opening at 6pm and the performance commencing at 7pm.

Tickets can be reserved on 01834 869323.

Entertainment

Torch Youth Theatre takes aim with Robin Hood adventure

Published

1 day ago

April 28, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OVER 50 young actors will take to the Torch Theatre stage this summer for a new version of the classic Robin Hood tale.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed by members of Torch Youth Theatre across three nights in July, promising adventure, excitement and a few unexpected twists.

The production will feature the familiar ingredients of the much-loved story, with Robin Hood robbing from the rich to give to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham causing trouble, and Maid Marian presented as a spirited heroine.

Director Tim Howe said: “All the elements of the story we know and love will be there. Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor, the Sheriff of Nottingham is up to no good, and Maid Marian is exactly the feisty heroine we all need.

“But it wouldn’t be a Torch Youth Theatre production without some things you won’t be expecting, and we can’t wait to share those surprises with you.”

Youth theatre success

The show follows the record-breaking success of Sycamore Gap and forms part of a busy year of activity for young people at the Torch.

Torch Youth Theatre provides weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18. All members are able to take part in the summer production, with no auditions required.

Tim added: “We provide weekly sessions during school term time for young people aged seven to 18, all of whom are able to take part in the summer production – there are no auditions – and booking is now open.

“We also offer activity in the summer when young people can join us for a full week of workshops and rehearsals to create a production which is shared in our studio for their families and friends. So there’s loads of ways to join in with us.”

The Torch Youth Theatre’s sessions and productions aim to develop young people’s theatrical skills while also giving them a space to find their voice, build confidence and learn more about themselves and each other.

Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Monday, July 20, Tuesday, July 21 and Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30pm.

Tickets cost £10, or £8 for concessions, and are available from torchtheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Music at the Manor to strike a chord with return to Scolton

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG musicians from across Pembrokeshire will take centre stage next month as Music at the Manor returns to Scolton Manor.

Pembrokeshire Music Service is inviting music lovers to enjoy an evening of live performances in the grounds of the manor on Friday (May 8).

The event will showcase the talents of scores of young musicians from across the county, with performances from Pembrokeshire Music Service’s county ensembles.

These will include the County Orchestra, Wind Band, Brass Band, Training Orchestra with Second Steps, Rock and Pop Band, and Big Band.

There will also be performances from the Community Choir and this year’s Secondary Valero festival winner, drummer Ryan Block from Ysgol Bro Preseli.

Gates open at 4:30pm, with the music starting at 6:00pm.

Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/pembrokeshire-county-council