Entertainment
Top UK soul band confirmed at Ascona Child of Wales awards
One of the UK’s most successful soul and acid jazz bands – The Brand New Heavies – will be performing at this year’s Ascona Group Child of Wales Awards.
They will be headlining the red carpet-style evening on October 2 at the Swansea Building Society Arena, with sponsors firmly on board for its milestone fifth year.
The announcement comes at a time when a number of live events across the UK are facing cancellation due to sponsorship shortfalls, making the continued growth of the Welsh awards even more significant.
Rising to prominence in the 1990s with hits including Midnight at the Oasis, Dream On Dreamer and Never Stop, The Brand New Heavies have sold millions of records worldwide and remain one of Britain’s most recognisable live soul acts. But their influence extends well beyond their own releases. Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson has credited the band with shaping his early musical direction, describing their impact on his career as transformative.
BBC TV presenter Gethin Jones will be returning for the fifth time as host of the annual black-tie awards, which recognise the remarkable achievements and courage of children and young people from across Wales.
He will be joined by 700 guests, including winners and their families, sponsors, celebrities, sporting stars, influencers and members of the media, who will hear the winners’ stories and see The Brand New Heavies perform.
Founder and organiser Blanche Sainsbury said, “Reaching our fifth year feels incredibly special and to have sold every table so far in advance, while welcoming The Brand New Heavies to help us celebrate, is both humbling and heartwarming.
“What began as a vision to recognise extraordinary young people has grown into something woven into the fabric of Welsh business and community life and we’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, many of whom have supported us since the beginning, and to the new businesses joining us this year.
“At a time when events across the UK are facing uncertainty, the continued backing we receive here in Wales speaks volumes about the commitment to celebrating and investing in our young people.”
Headline sponsor Ascona Group returns for 2026, alongside a strong line-up of corporate partners including Azets, BDP Wales, Blue Tiger, Bluestone Wales, Browne Jacobson, Cariad Occasions, Castell Howell, CJCH Solicitors, Gower College, Green Hat Consulting, JCP Solicitors, LBS Building Merchants, Lunar 3D, Owens Group, Route Media, Simply Elegant, Sinclair Group, Swansea Building Society, Swansea City FC, Team Wales, Thomas Carroll, Trade Centre Wales, Ultra Evo Group and Westacres. The awards choir will once again be led by Mark Jermin.
Nominations for the 2026 awards opened in January and organisers say they have already received powerful and inspiring stories from across Wales. The nominations window remains open until June 30, and members of the public are encouraged to put forward someone they believe deserves recognition.To nominate, visit: Nominate | Child of Wales Awards.
Entertainment
Where to find reliable gambling insights online
WHEN looking at new online gambling sites, it’s important to do your research to ensure the site is legitimate, enjoyable, and safe.
However, finding trustworthy gambling insights isn’t always easy. It’s not uncommon to come across ‘reviews’ that are biased, affiliate-heavy, and even misleading, and it can make finding a suitable online gambling site feel almost impossible.
Luckily, there are a few ways to separate impartial guidance from promotional waffle so you can make a more informed decision – here’s how.
Stick to Independent Review Platforms
Platforms that prioritise transparency over promotion typically offer more than a simple star rating and instead use an analytical approach. Insights from Gambling Insider, for example, are in-depth, rating online slots by taking factors such as game quality and usability, payment methods and withdrawal, and licensing and player safety into account.
Cross-Reference Expert Analyses
Game analyses can provide useful context for users, especially when it comes to things like user experience and withdrawal processes. However, not all content written by ‘experts’ is as trustworthy as it may seem.
Since many review sites operate on paid promotion or affiliate models, it’s important to double check their claims with independent sources, particularly if a review seems overly positive.
Use Official Records
Verifying licensing and legitimacy should be your top priority when it comes to choosing a gambling site. Platforms that don’t have a license, or use an unverified one, may be fraudulent, meaning the risk of scams or data breaches is much higher.
Even if you find a trusted review site, it’s important to confirm that a site is legitimate using official records. The UK Gambling Commission, for example, has a directory of sites that are legally authorised to operate in Britain, which includes details on what license they hold. These insights can help you make a more informed decision on your next gambling destination.
Gather Evidence From Multiple Sources
When looking for genuine gambling insights to inform your next gambling destination, it’s best to look at more than one source. Independent review platforms can offer excellent insight into things like overall enjoyability and bonuses, and offer valuable information like what payment methods are available. But it’s always important to cross-reference the claims made with other independent sources, and complete a final verification using official records.
By making an informed choice, you can ensure you’re using safe online gambling sites and have a more enjoyable experience.
Entertainment
Yourythmics brings Eurythmics classics to the Torch
Full-band tribute show led by award-winning Annie Lennox lookalike Stacy Green promises a night of eighties nostalgia in Milford Haven
THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven is inviting audiences to celebrate one of the biggest acts of the 1980s with a night of unforgettable hits and nostalgia.
Taking fans on a journey back in time, Yourythmics brings the music of Eurythmics to life with favourites including Love is a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Would I Lie to You?, Right by Your Side and, of course, the chart-topping Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).
Yourythmics promises the ultimate full-band tribute to the legendary duo, combining energetic musicianship, striking costumes and plenty of audience participation. Leading the show is Stacy Green as Annie Lennox.
Stacy has already earned recognition as the UK’s number one Annie Lennox tribute and lookalike, an honour awarded by the National Agents Association. She has also been recognised by Annie Lennox herself.
The production promises an evening of singing, dancing and classic songs that are sure to have audiences on their feet and joining in.
Yourythmics comes to the Torch Theatre on Saturday, June 20 at 7:30pm.
Tickets are £25 and can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the Box Office on 01646 695267.
Entertainment
Chitty set to fly into Torch Theatre in 2027
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society unveils musical director Angharad Sanders as work begins on next big production
MILFORD HAVEN Amateur Operatic Society has announced the first member of the creative team for its 2027 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Torch Theatre.
The society revealed this week that Angharad Sanders will join the production as Musical Director, as preparations begin for the much-loved Ian Fleming musical to arrive in Pembrokeshire in March 2027.
In a post shared on social media, the group said it was “absolutely thrilled” to unveil part of the production team for the show, describing Sanders as bringing “a wealth of knowledge from the West End to Pembrokeshire”.
The appointment comes after the society’s recent sell-out production of Evita, with members saying they were delighted to be working with her again.
The society added that rehearsals for the new show are due to begin in September, with Sanders expected to lead the cast musically as preparations gather pace over the coming months.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang remains one of the best-known family musicals, featuring songs that have delighted audiences for generations and a title role that is always a major draw for theatre-goers.
The announcement is likely to build excitement among local performers and audiences alike, with the Torch Theatre once again set to host a major amateur production on its stage.
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society said details on how people can join the society and take part in the audition process will be released in due course.

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