THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN is urging members of the public to stay away from Ward’s Yard in Milford Haven and Criterion Quay in Pembroke Dock due to ongoing concerns over public safety.

Despite enhanced security measures, individuals continue to access both sites illegally—damaging fencing and ignoring prominent warning signage in the process.

Both Ward’s Yard and Criterion Quay (also known locally as the offshore jetty) are privately owned by the Port of Milford Haven. The Port has warned that any unauthorised entry constitutes trespassing, and incidents involving criminal damage could result in prosecution.

Niall Yeomans, Head of Health, Safety and Security at the Port of Milford Haven, said:
“Safety is our key priority. Members of the public are continuously putting themselves—and our staff—at risk of serious harm by trespassing in these areas.

“Both locations are isolated and lie adjacent to deep water, making them particularly hazardous. There is a serious risk of slips, trips, and falls.”

The Port is asking anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at either site to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately by calling 101.

THE SENEDD has passed landmark legislation to ensure that every child in Wales has the opportunity to confidently speak Welsh, regardless of their background or the language medium of the school they attend.

The Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Bill, passed today, aims to close the gap in Welsh-speaking ability among pupils from different schools. It supports the Welsh Government’s goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050 by strengthening the role of the Welsh language within education.

The Bill’s overarching ambition is that all pupils attending maintained schools in Wales will be able to use Welsh independently by the time they leave school.

Welsh Language Secretary, Mark Drakeford, said: “The Welsh language belongs to us all. This Bill gives children and young people a greater opportunity to become confident Welsh speakers and brings us closer to our national goal of one million speakers.

“As a Senedd, we have passed an important and far-reaching Bill that will empower every child to use the Welsh language with confidence. I look forward to continued collaboration as we implement it.”

The legislation introduces three Welsh language categories for maintained schools, each with a minimum required level of Welsh language education. It also mandates action to expand access to intensive Welsh language immersion education across Wales, supporting learners of all ages — including those who may not currently use Welsh in everyday life.

Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, said: “Our approach to late language immersion is unique. This Bill builds on the excellent work already happening across Wales and ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn Welsh, use it, and benefit from it.”

Government support for implementation

To support the ambitions of the Bill, the Welsh Government is:

• Continuing grant schemes to increase the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and teaching assistants.
• Offering free Welsh lessons to all school staff.

Additional initiatives include:

• Transition Scheme: Supports Welsh speakers in primary schools or those teaching outside Wales to become secondary teachers in Welsh-medium schools.
• Iaith Athrawon Yfory Incentive Scheme: Offers £5,000 incentives to students training to teach through the medium of Welsh or to teach Welsh as a subject.
• Retention Bursary: Provides a £5,000 bursary to secondary teachers who have taught Welsh or through Welsh for three years since 2020 and remain in post during their fourth year.
• Expanding alternative routes into teaching, including the Open University’s programme and new accredited models like the Cardiff Metropolitan University scheme.
• A wide range of free Welsh language training courses for practitioners, including the sabbatical scheme, provided by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Key provisions of the Bill:

• Provides a statutory foundation for the 2050 target of one million Welsh speakers.
• Requires targets to be set for Welsh language education and broader usage, including in workplaces and social settings.
• Establishes a standard method to describe Welsh language ability across all age groups, based on international frameworks (CEFR).
• Defines three school language categories, with minimum Welsh language education requirements:
  • Primary Language – Welsh (80% of curriculum)
  • Bilingual (50%)
  • Primary Language – English, partial Welsh (10%)
• Sets language learning goals for each school category.
• Requires local authorities to take steps to provide intensive Welsh language immersion education for children aged 7 and over wishing to attend a Welsh-medium or bilingual school.
• Introduces a national system for Welsh education planning, covering national, local, and school levels.
• Establishes a National Welsh Language Learning Institute, tasked with:
  • Supporting Welsh language learning across all age groups.
  • Ensuring the education workforce can learn Welsh and improve their Welsh skills.

Special showcase ahead of KT Tunstall’s orchestral performance

BBC RADIO CYMRU presenter and Welsh music pioneer Rhys Mwyn will host a special showcase of three standout Welsh artists at this year’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

The outdoor event, “Rhys Mwyn yn Cyflwyno / Rhys Mwyn Presents”, takes place on Thursday 10 July from 4:30pm to 7:00pm and leads into the evening’s headline concert by BRIT Award-winning, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter KT Tunstall. Tunstall will perform her iconic debut album Eye to the Telescope in full with orchestral backing for the first time.

Rhys Mwyn will introduce performances by Pedair, Mared and Buddug – three trailblazing artists at the forefront of modern Welsh music.

Pedair is a supergroup formed by four of Wales’ most acclaimed folk artists, blending traditional roots with contemporary flair. Mared brings powerful vocals and poetic songwriting inspired by Welsh landscapes and culture, while Buddug offers a bold fusion of folk, pop and electronica, redefining the possibilities of Welsh-language music.

Rhys Mwyn said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to present such incredible Welsh talent at this year’s Eisteddfod. Pedair, Mared and Buddug are pushing creative boundaries and bringing new energy to the Welsh music scene. It’s an honour to be part of this landmark festival, which has always stood as a beacon of cultural celebration. I can’t wait to showcase these exceptional artists on what’s expected to be one of the festival’s biggest days.”

Morgan Thomas, trustee of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, added: “We’re delighted to partner with Rhys Mwyn and BBC Radio Cymru for this unique event. Rhys’s passion for Welsh music and commitment to nurturing talent is invaluable. This collaboration broadens our cultural offering and connects us to new audiences locally and internationally.”

The bilingual event celebrates Welsh culture, language and musical innovation. Entry is just £5, with free admission for those holding tickets to the KT Tunstall concert. Food and drink will be available on-site, making it the perfect pre-show experience.

Event details
What: Rhys Mwyn Presents – Pedair, Mared, Buddug
When: Thursday 10 July, 4:30pm–7:00pm
Where: Llangollen International Eisteddfod site
Tickets: £5 / Free with KT Tunstall concert ticket
Website: www.llangollen.net

Supported by BBC Radio Cymru, the Arts Council of Wales and Visit Wales, this promises to be an unforgettable celebration of contemporary Welsh music in the heart of one of the country’s most cherished festivals.

Book tickets now:
https://boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ChooseSeats/74421