Entertainment

Global spirit fills the Pavilion at Llangollen Eisteddfod

Published

9 seconds ago

July 9, 2026

A celebration of Welsh talent, international rhythm and youthful choral excellence brought the Pavilion to life

THERE are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that turned the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a “Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude”. It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to.

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number. At the same time, their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was polished, energetic and exhilarating.

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching “Straight Outta Llareggub” T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the crowd, but the humour never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight and confident set full of technical skill and infectious enthusiasm.

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and entirely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales’s contemporary music scene.

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations went to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival’s most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate exceptional young choral talent from around the world.

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level.

Opening with the title track from his latest EP, Aros I Fi Yna, Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately showing that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family’s griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences.

His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales’s brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why.

Throughout a set featuring Nadjeli, When I See You, Ti a Fi, Demousolini, Balafô Douma and Tama, he demonstrated remarkable versatility. The shimmering sound of the balafon intertwined effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

There was a particularly poignant moment during Balafô Douma, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto an international stage.

It was a performance rooted in heritage, but entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of it all. Kouyaté’s infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along.

Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism running through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain. They bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert. It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world.

From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N’famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

Entertainment

Swing and big band classics heading to Torch Theatre

Published

1 day ago

July 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

The Story of Swing will bring the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams to Milford Haven this summer

A CELEBRATION of swing and big band music is coming to Milford Haven this summer.

The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of a UK tour taking in venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and trumpet player Gareth John, the show takes audiences on a musical journey through decades of swing, from the golden era of The Rat Pack to modern-day crooners.

The programme features songs made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, along with numbers associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Gareth John will be joined on stage by the SOS Big Band, bringing the full sound of brass, rhythm and big band arrangements to the Torch Theatre.

Promoters say Gareth is known for his showmanship, passion for the genre and strong rapport with audiences. He has previously shared the stage with acts including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The Milford Haven performance will also feature Frankie Mack as a special guest.

The show has received praise from a number of musicians and broadcasters. Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle described the arrangements, performance and concept as “fantastic”, while Dennis Rollins MBE called it “big band and swing music the right way”.

Other dates on the 2026 tour include Lytham St Annes, Lowestoft, Christchurch, Barry, Edinburgh, Solihull, Rhyl, Newark, Eastbourne, Wirral, Taunton, Clacton-on-Sea and Aberdeen.

Tickets for The Story of Swing at the Torch Theatre are available from storyofswing.com.

Caption: Gareth John and the SOS Big Band will bring The Story of Swing to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Entertainment

Why checking an online casino’s licensing should be your top priority

Published

2 days ago

July 7, 2026

Staff Writer

STAYING safe when gambling online is critical. With so many scams and fraudulent behaviour out there, you need to be doing everything you can to protect yourself when using a new online casino.

One of the best ways to reduce your chances of having a negative experience is by using a licensed and regulated casino. But why does this make such a difference and how do regulators keep players safe? Let’s explore.

Why Use Licensed Casinos

Licensed operators are much more likely to offer fair games, secure payments, and responsible gambling tools as they’re under strict regulation from the government.

Unlicensed casinos often seem more appealing, as they typically offer more incentives and look like the best payout online slots, but the lack of protection and security can leave you vulnerable to hackers. It may also be more difficult to make a complaint, dispute unfair gameplay, or receive your money if the site refuses to pay out.

How Regulators Protect Players

GDPR and Data Protection

Using operators that adhere to strict security measures to protect sensitive data and knowing how your data is being online, especially when giving up your financial and personal information, is crucial.

Licensed operators must follow GDPR and data protection laws, and are required to report any data breaches or account compromises, making them much safer to use.

Responsible Gambling Tools

It’s just about protecting yourself financially, but also about safeguarding your mental wellbeing.

Gambling is notoriously addictive, so it’s important to use online casinos that provide responsible gambling tools to ensure your habit remains under control. Time outs, deposit and spending limits, and self-exclusion options are all necessary to help you maintain your wellbeing.

How to Check for Licenses

To see if a site has a license, you can:

Check for a licence number – most legitimate sites display their licensing information clearly in the footer or a page that is easily accessible for visitors
Verify the license – you can confirm a site’s legitimacy by looking them up on the UKGC’s public register

Both are these are quick and easy to do, so it’s always worth checking just to be on the safe side.

Stay Safe Online: Stick to Licensed Casinos

Regulated casinos offer greater security and prioritise your wellbeing to ensure gambling remains fun and safe. By sticking to licensed online casinos and verifying their legitimacy, you can improve your chances of staying safe when gambling online.

Entertainment

Crymych Arms to host weekend of local music, food and drink

Published

3 days ago

July 6, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A COMMUNITY-owned pub in north Pembrokeshire is set to welcome visitors for a weekend celebrating local music, food and drink, with all proceeds from voluntary donations supporting charity.

The Crymych Arms will stage its annual free-entry festival on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, transforming the pub’s car park into an outdoor entertainment space complete with performance areas, seating, outside bars and food stalls.

Organised by the pub’s volunteers and committee, the event will showcase a line-up of local musicians alongside Pembrokeshire and Welsh beers, craft gins and street food. While admission is free, organisers will be collecting donations throughout the weekend in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities.

Music gets underway at 5.30pm on Friday with Chris Kelly, followed by the Tom Collins Band Duo at 7.30pm and Rosanna at 9.00pm.

Saturday’s programme begins at 2.00pm with Alex English before performances from Hari Harmonies, Gwen Fel ‘Na Mai, Garfield, The Collective, and Tin Man Revolution, who take to the stage at 9.00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, although seating will also be available on site.

A selection of street food will be served from outdoor counters throughout the event, while outside bars and gin trailers will offer a range of locally produced drinks.

The Crymych Arms reopened in 2023 after being purchased by the local community through a share offer that attracted investment from 285 people. The former village pub underwent a major refurbishment before reopening as a community-owned social enterprise and now also serves as the clubhouse for Crymych Football Club.

The venue has since become a focal point for community events, with the annual music weekend highlighting local performers and producers while raising money for good causes.