Entertainment
Wales risks long-term cultural damage without new law, warns commissioner
WALES risks suffering “long-term damage” to its cultural life unless the next Welsh Government introduces new legislation to protect the sector, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has warned.
Derek Walker said falling funding levels and growing inequality of access were pushing culture towards crisis, with the potential to undermine Welsh identity, language and community cohesion for future generations.
The warning comes as a new Green Paper report highlights how sustained financial pressures have reduced provision, increased job insecurity and limited opportunities to take part in cultural activities across Wales.
Mr Walker is calling for a dedicated Culture Bill to place culture on a statutory footing — similar to protections already in place for the Welsh language and active travel — ensuring public bodies prioritise cultural wellbeing in decision-making.
Funding pressures and inequality
Since the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act was passed, public funding for culture has fallen by around 17%, according to the Commissioner’s office.
Mr Walker warned that without intervention Wales could face a “two-tier” system in which access to cultural opportunities depends increasingly on income or location.
He said: “Without decisive action, we risk long-term damage to a sector that contributes £1.64 billion to our economy each year and supports 37,000 jobs.
“Culture is not just about performances and institutions; it is the stories, places and traditions that bind us together as a nation and shape how future generations understand what it means to be Welsh.
“Seven in ten people in Wales take part in arts and cultural activities. This is not a niche issue — it is integral to our daily lives, our mental and physical wellbeing, and our sense of belonging.”
Calls for legal protection
The proposal builds on recommendations made in the Future Generations Report 2025, which urged Welsh Government to introduce a Culture Bill during the next Senedd term between 2026 and 2030.
Jane Richardson, Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, told the Senedd’s Culture Committee that legislation should focus on public access rather than institutions themselves.
She said: “A Culture Act isn’t about protecting institutions of Wales. It’s about safeguarding the cultural access and enjoyment of Wales within the context of future generations.”
International experts have also supported the approach. Alexandra Xanthaki, United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, said embedding cultural rights in law would help ensure both dominant and marginalised communities could participate fully in decision-making.
Next steps
The Commissioner is inviting public bodies, organisations, businesses and communities to respond to the Green Paper findings before a deadline of April 1.
A practical guide for public bodies on working with freelancers in the cultural sector has also been published to support the initiative.
Mr Walker said legislation would help ensure culture is treated as essential infrastructure rather than an optional extra.
Entertainment
Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis
PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN
A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.
The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.
The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.
The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.
The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.
Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.
“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.
“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”
The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.
Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.
Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.
November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.
The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.
Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.
Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.
“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”
Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.
Entertainment
Torch Youth brings fresh twist to Robin Hood legend
More than 50 young actors will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre this July for a new version of one of Britain’s best-loved stories
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight has been written especially for Torch Youth Theatre and will run for three nights, from Monday, July 20 to Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30pm.
The production promises adventure, comedy, romance and mystery, while giving the classic tale a fresh Pembrokeshire stage treatment.
Director Tim Howe, who is originally from Nottingham, said the legend had been part of his life since childhood.
He said: “I grew up surrounded by the legendary tales of Robin Hood and his merry men — stories filled with bravery, rebellion and mischief.
“Add to that the brilliantly funny Maid Marian TV series with Tony Robinson, which kept me glued to the TV throughout my childhood, and you can imagine how deeply rooted all the versions of the Robin Hood stories are for me.
“It’s been great to explore them and reimagine them with our young people in mind.”
The story of Robin Hood has been told, retold and reinvented since the 1300s, and the Torch version keeps many familiar ingredients — green-clad heroes, robbing from the rich to give to the poor, a damsel in distress and a power-hungry ruler.
But this new production also changes the legend in unexpected ways.
Tim said: “You’ll find that Prince John has been replaced by his mother, the ruthless Queen Eleanor, and there’s a mysterious Black Knight who keeps popping up.
“We’ve also had a lot of fun developing some of those key members of the gang — Will Scarlett loves to dress up in disguises, and Allan-a-Mor is a musician desperate to find the perfect four-chord song.
“So, it’s the classic legend… sort of!”
Tim described the play as “adventurous, hilarious and heartfelt”, adding that the production had been designed to give every young performer a meaningful moment on stage.
He said: “With large ensemble action-filled moments, to quieter character-driven scenes, there’s space to suit everyone’s skills.
“Torch Youth Theatre aims not just to develop the young people’s acting skills, but also their confidence, teamwork and imagination, and large-scale productions like this are the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Robin Hood: The Legend of the Black Knight will be staged 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 can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Community
Step into West Wales history this Half Term with CADW
FAMILIES across Wales can look forward to an action‑packed May half term, as Cadw unveils a jam-packed programme of events at castles, abbeys and historic monuments across the nation.
Running from Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 31, the wide range of events invite visitors to step into Wales’ past through immersive experiences, interactive workshops and hands‑on activities designed to spark curiosity and bring Welsh history to life.
With activities ranging from knight school and jester workshops, to adventure trails and bubble animals there is something for all ages to enjoy this May half-term.
Chief Executive of Cadw, Kate Roberts, said: “May half term is the perfect chance for families to get out and explore the incredible history on their doorstep in Wales. This year’s programme has been designed to be hands-on, engaging and genuinely fun, giving visitors of all ages the chance to connect our nation’s past and spend quality time together outdoors.
“With children going free with any adult membership, it’s a great-value option for families planning a few days out over the holidays. Cadw members enjoy unlimited access to over 130 historic locations across Wales, alongside a range of exclusive benefits, making it easier than ever to discover something new.”
With over 20 events across the school holidays, highlights from the half term line up will include the Strata Florida Abbey Craft Fayre when the abbey will host local arts, crafts and produce, alongside family-friendly activities, guided tours and more.
Also taking place is the Rainbow Gecko Bubbleman at Laugharne Castle on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31 between 11am and 4pm when Bubbleman and the Bubble Faerie will bring a playful dose of magic to the day with their fully interactive bubble performances, featuring giant bubbles, bubble animals and even frozen creations. Visitors of all ages can join in the fun, learn a few tricks and take home their own bubble‑filled memories.
For those looking to take advantage of the events available during May half-term, a Cadw membership offers free event entry and unlimited access to over 130 historic places across Wales, offering a unique way to explore Wales’ rich heritage. Children also go free with any adult membership.
A selection of Cadw’s most fascinating historic places will also be open for guided tours throughout the summer.
To find out more, visit https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on/guided-tours-cadw
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