REBECCA FERGUSON, Craig Charles, DJ Fat Tony and Catrin Finch are among the names confirmed for this year’s Big Retreat Festival in Pembrokeshire.

The four-day event will return to Lawrenny, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25, bringing together live music, wellbeing, food, talks and outdoor experiences.

Organisers say the 2026 festival will feature more than 300 experiences designed to help visitors relax, recharge and reconnect, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the restorative feel of a wellness retreat.

Leading the announced line-up is chart-topping singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, alongside BBC 6 Music favourite Craig Charles, blues guitarist Jack Broadbent, and DJ Fat Tony.

Festival-goers can also expect performances from harpist Catrin Finch, Rick Parfitt Jnr’s Big Rock Show, and Women In Rock, an all-female collective celebrating some of the biggest rock anthems.

Emerging artists including Chloëbeth and DJ Ladyshift are also set to appear across the weekend.

Wellbeing and culture

Beyond the music stages, The Big Retreat will once again host a broad programme of speakers, instructors and experts.

Highlights include wellness expert and author Jules Von Hep, dance psychologist Dr Peter Lovatt, chef and broadcaster Tonia Buxton, and fertility expert Professor Joyce Harper.

The festival, set against the riverside landscape of Lawrenny, has become known for its mix of live music, yoga, wild swimming, creative workshops, talks, food experiences and family-friendly activities.

Organisers describe the event as one of the UK’s most uplifting and immersive festivals, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a long weekend of music, movement and wellbeing in one of Wales’ most scenic locations.

The full line-up, including acts, instructors and speakers, is available on The Big Retreat Festival website.

Tickets are on sale now.

Safe and contents stolen during break-in on Birch Mead estate

A 31-YEAR-OLD man has admitted breaking into a property on the Mount Estate and stealing a safe containing valuables.

Daniel Fairlie, of Observatory Avenue, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today charged in connection with a burglary at a property in Birch Mead.

The offence took place on October 30, 2023.

The court heard that a safe was taken from the address during the break-in, along with items contained inside it.

Fairlie entered a guilty plea during the hearing.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

CAREW CASTLE will host its annual Classic Car Show on Monday, May 4, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The popular event, one of the highlights of the local spring calendar, will see classic and vintage cars, motorbikes and military vehicles on display against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle.

Vehicles from across south Wales are expected to take part, with the show again offering a day out for motoring enthusiasts, families and visitors to the castle.

There will also be live music throughout the day from local folk band Razor Bill, along with a mini funfair run by Pembrokeshire Attractions.

Food and drink will be available on site, with Nest Tearoom serving light lunches, homemade cakes and coffee. Fresh bacon rolls will also be on sale in the Walled Garden.

Families visiting over the Bank Holiday weekend can also take part in Time Traveller’s Quest, a new treasure hunt running daily from Saturday, May 2, between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

The self-led activity invites children and families to explore Carew Castle’s past, travelling from the Iron Age through the Medieval and Elizabethan periods and into World War Two.

Using a smartphone, participants can uncover clues and secrets hidden within the castle walls as part of an interactive journey through history.

The treasure hunt costs £2.50 per child, with normal admission fees applying. It is bilingual in Welsh and English and includes stepped access.

The manager of Carew Castle, Daisy Hughes said: “The Classic Car Show is always one of the most anticipated events in our calendar.

“It brings together a wonderful mix of heritage, community and family fun, and there is always a fantastic atmosphere on the day.

“With live music, fairground rides and plenty to explore around the site, it promises to be a brilliant Bank Holiday day.”

No advance booking is required.

The event is weather dependent and may be cancelled in poor conditions.

For the latest updates, visit www.carewcastle.com or follow Carew Castle and Tidal Mill on Facebook.

Caption:

Classic day out: Carew Castle will host its annual car show on Monday, May 4 (Pic: Carew Castle).