CRYMYCH’S popular community music festival, Gwyl Fel Na Mai, is set to take place this Saturday (May 3, 2025) — and organisers are expecting glorious sunshine, according to the weather forecast.

The festival, now in its fourth year, is held with the kind support of Frenni Transport, who generously allow the use of their site at Parc Gwynfryn, Crymych. Everyone is welcome to attend, and full details are available at www.felnamai.cymru. A camping field will also be available for tents, campervans, and caravans.

This year’s musical offering promises to be one of the best yet, with a large number of well-known names from the Welsh language scene performing across two stages.

Among the headline acts is Mali Haf, whose infectious energy and impressive stage presence have made her a rising star. Recently reaching the final of the prestigious ‘Emerging Talent’ competition at Glastonbury Festival 2025, Mali’s appearance is eagerly anticipated.

The Foel Drigarn Stage will open from 1:15pm, featuring performances from local talents including the Bro Preseli School Choir and Cilgerran School Choir. Dewin, winners of the Best New Band title at the Ail Symudiad 2025 competition, will showcase their unique sound, followed by the exciting folk rock group Taran.

Heavy rock favourites Mattoidz will then take to the stage, ahead of Mali Haf’s lively set. As evening falls, Meinir Gwilym and her band will entertain the crowds, before fan-favourites Gwilym return by popular demand. The night will close with a headline performance by Yws Gwynedd and his band.

Meanwhile, Y Frenni Fawr Stage will run from 1:35pm to 7:10pm. Highlights will include the first appearance of Côr Rocesi’r Fro, led by Einir Dafydd, and a set by Llandjango bringing a taste of Django Reinhardt’s musical style. Danny Sioned, winner of the individual prize at the Ail Symudiad Awards, will perform, followed by 70s rock favourites from Cleif Harpwood. Contemporary band Lavant, who have developed a strong following over the past year, will inspire audiences before popular psychedelic group Pysen Melyn bring the stage to a close.

This year’s festival will also feature an expanded kids’ area, a variety of local food stalls, and a licensed bar run by Crymych Rugby Club.

Haverfordwest Youth 54 – Narberth Youth 24

IN a thrilling Pembrokeshire Youth Cup Final Haverfordwest Youth cemented their dominance by completing the league and cup double with a commanding 54-24 victory over Narberth Youth. From the outset, the Young Blues showcased their class, but Narberth fought valiantly, showing the heart and determination their coach, Jason Jennings, had called for.

Haverfordwest set the tone early, racing to a 14-0 lead within the opening quarter. No. 8 Kieran Harries and scrum-half Alfie Thomas were the first to cross the line, both tries converted by the reliable Rio Phillips. However, Narberth responded with resolve, as a well-worked try in the left corner from Ashton O’Riorden, following a clever pass from Sam Morris and Owen Woof, got them on the scoreboard.

But Haverfordwest weren’t about to let their lead slip. Harries, who was a standout performer throughout, quickly added his second try after powerful work up front from captain Iori Curtis, Logun Young, and Zac Shaw. Phillips converted, and Young was again involved in the build-up as Haverfordwest extended their lead to 28-5 at the break.

The second half saw little let-up in Haverfordwest’s relentless pressure. Left-winger Harry Lawrence touched down for the fifth try of the match, with Phillips converting again to make it five successful kicks from five attempts. A rare miss followed, but Harries, ever the workhorse, completed his hat-trick with another outstanding solo effort.

Narberth, however, had no intention of going down without a fight. Their resilience was rewarded with a well-deserved try from No. 8 Callum Goeman, which brought cheers from the sidelines. Haverfordwest’s prop Cruz Findlay and Young responded with tries of their own, but Narberth weren’t finished yet. A late brace from hooker Charlie Reynolds, coupled with a conversion by outside half Gethin Llewellin, ensured they ended the match with their heads held high.

Despite the spirited late rally from Narberth, there was no denying Haverfordwest’s quality on the day. Steve Parry’s side were undoubtedly the standout team of the season, and as joint captains Iori Curtis and Devin Williams proudly lifted the Youth Cup, it was clear that this was a well-deserved double.

APPLICATIONS for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.

EMA in Wales provides eligible learners aged 16 to 18 with £40 per week to help cover education-related costs such as transport, meals, and learning materials. In comparison, EMA is available at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and was discontinued in England in 2011.

More learners are now eligible as income thresholds have been raised:

• Households with one dependent child: income of £23,400 or less
• Households with two or more dependent children: income of £25,974 or less

Raonaq, a learner at Fitzalan High School, said: “EMA has helped me to focus a lot more on school. Without it, I would have had to get a part-time job, which would have made it harder to study and revise for exams. It has helped me cover the cost of stationery, transport to and from school, and entering writing competitions. I don’t think I would have been able to afford these without EMA.”

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “EMA is a vital support system that helps young people continue their education without financial barriers. Learners have told me about the positive impact EMA has had on their educational journey by helping them with everyday costs.

“I was delighted to announce the extension of the eligibility range earlier this year, ensuring that more students have access to this support. I strongly encourage all 16 to 18-year-olds and their families to check if they are eligible, even if they weren’t previously.”

New and continuing learners can check their eligibility and apply online [here] or speak to their school or college for help with applications.