News
Rhys Ifans brings star appeal to new kids show
FAMILIES in west Wales will be treated to a very special performance when the first ever Welsh language production of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf (Pedr a’r Blaidd) arrives at Theatr Mwldan on Wednesday, March 5 at 6.30pm – complete with Hollywood star appeal!
Ensemble Cymru’s 30-piece orchestra will bring this much loved children’s classic to life, live on stage featuring the voice of Rhys Ifans, on-screen illustrations by Marc Vyvyan Jones, and a very special introduction by S4C’s Dona Direidi.
Talking about being part of the first Welsh language recording of Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’, Rhys Ifans said, “I’m surprised there hasn’t been a Welsh language version before so it feels very special to be chosen. My mum’s also very pleased!”
The Welsh actor enjoyed the experience of working with an orchestra as he explains, “The story is quite simple and domestic, but when the orchestra kicks in, it conjures up what you’d imagine a great story does in a child’s mind – the music creates this huge landscape around these simple words and the marriage of these two mediums is really magical.”
Rhys Ifans generously agreed to donate his time on this project for free and for his royalties to be re-invested back into Ensemble Cymru’s work with schools and children, there will also be a schools performance at Mwldan on Thursday, March 6.
Peryn Clement-Evans, Ensemble Cymru’s Artistic Director said: “We’re so excited to be bringing this show to Cardigan as it’s a brilliant opportunity for children to experience a live orchestra performance. It’s a story that’s captured the imagination of children for many years and we hope this new production will both entertain and inspire children in Wales.”
This is Welsh language production is also suitable for Welsh learners; an English language version of the script along with a vocabulary list and other resources to assist Welsh learners are available on www.pedr.org
Tickets for Ensemble Cymru’s production of Prokofiev’s ‘Pedr a’r Blaidd’ are priced £7 full price (£6 concessions) £6 each for groups of 4+ and are available now from Theatr Mwldan’s Box Office on 01239 621200, on-line at www.mwldan.co.uk or via smartphones.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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