News

Travelodge confirms Tenby as one of the key locations for firm’s expansion

Published

7 years ago

March 12, 2019

TRAVELODGE has announced that it is actively looking for seven new hotels sites across Wales and Tenby has been chosen as one of the key locations. This will be Travelodge’s first hotel to open in Tenb, the firm said.

The other six locations to make the Travelodge Wales expansion programme are: Aberystwyth, Penarth, Pwllheli, Swansea, Torfaen/Blaenau and Wrexham.

Collectively this expansion programme represents an investment of £45 million for third party investors and will create 200 new jobs which include 25 in Wrexham.

Tenby has been identified as a key target area, as it is growing from strength to strength and attracting record visitor numbers. However there remains a shortage of good quality, low cost accommodation.

Opening a Travelodge hotel in Tenby would represent an investment of around £7 million for third party investors and create 25 new jobs.

The new hotel would also help attract new visitors to the area and boost the local economy, as Travelodge research shows its customers spend, on average, double their room rate with local businesses which equates to a multimillion spend annually.

This expansion programme was announced today at the official opening of Rhyl Seafront Travelodge, the hotel company’s 576th hotel and it’s 27th in Wales.

Rhyl Seafront Travelodge is the company’s first hotel in Rhyl and it is the first branded hotel to open by the beach. The hotel represents a £5 million investment for the landlord, Denbighshire County Council and has created 25 new jobs. Rooms are available from £29.

Tony O’Brien, Travelodge Development Director said: “As Wales’ first branded budget hotel chain we are delighted to celebrate 32 years of trading in Wales by opening our first hotel in Rhyl and announcing plans to open a further seven hotels including our first in Tenby.”

Tony O’Brien continued: “During the last three decades we have become symbolic in Wales for offering great value. However, with locations such as Tenby growing from strength to strength there is a shortage of good quality and low cost accommodation to fulfil demand. Therefore we are looking to expand our portfolio in Wales with a further seven hotels, this will boost our presence to 34.”

Collectively this investment represents an investment of £45 million for third party investors, and would create 200 new jobs. The other locations are: Aberystwyth, Penarth, Pwllheli, Swansea, Torfaen/Blaenau and Wrexham.”

This expansion is also great news for the Welsh economy, as our research shows Travelodge customers spend double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which equates to a multimillion spend annually.

Tourism into Tenby is continuing to grow thanks to the area being the most iconic seaside town in Wales, rivalling places like Mevagissey and Polperro for quaintness and charm.

Community

Milford Haven EarthCam back online after brief technical issue

Published

1 minute ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN’S popular EarthCam is back in action following a brief technical issue.

The camera, positioned on top of the Pembrokeshire Herald building at 11 Hamilton Terrace, provides panoramic views across the town, marina and the Milford Haven Waterway.

The live feed captures shipping movements and changing weather conditions along the Haven, with striking views towards the refinery and energy terminals further upstream.

Viewers can also follow the progress of the new block of flats being constructed on Charles Street, on the former Motorworld site.

The camera has proved popular with residents, former Pembrokeshire residents living further afield, maritime enthusiasts and visitors keen to check conditions around the town and waterway.

WATCH THE MILFORD HAVEN EARTHCAM LIVE

Entertainment

Torch Theatre reveals full Sunset Cinema line-up for summer 2026

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Outdoor screenings will take place at waterfront and historic locations across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, St Davids and Pembroke Castle

DECKCHAIRS, blankets and picnics will be at the ready as the Torch Theatre’s popular Sunset Cinema returns for another summer of outdoor screenings.

The 2026 season will take audiences from Mackerel Quay in Milford Haven to Saundersfoot Harbour, Tŵr y Felin in St Davids and the spectacular surroundings of Pembroke Castle.

Working with media partner Pure West Radio, the Torch Theatre will tour Pembrokeshire with a large LED screen designed to provide a clear picture in daylight and in changing weather conditions.

This year’s programme includes family favourites, Hollywood classics and blockbuster adventures, with screenings of Finding Nemo, Back to the Future, Shark Tale, Jaws, Jurassic World, The Greatest Showman, How to Train Your Dragon and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.

The season begins at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with a double bill. Finding Nemo will be shown at 2.30pm, followed by Back to the Future at 7pm.

The following evening, Saundersfoot Harbour will host a premiere screening of Near and Distant Things, a new film by local filmmaker Emily Batty that was shot in and around Saundersfoot.

Sunset Cinema programme

Friday, July 17, Mackerel Quay, Milford Haven

Finding Nemo at 2.30pm
Back to the Future at 7pm

Saturday, July 18, Saundersfoot Harbour

Emily Batty’s Near and Distant Things at 7pm

Saturday, August 8, Saundersfoot Harbour

Shark Tale at 2.30pm
Jaws at 7pm

Saturday, August 15, Tŵr y Felin, St Davids

Jurassic World at 7pm

Friday, August 21, Milford Haven Port Authority

The Greatest Showman at 7pm

Friday, August 28, Pembroke Castle

How to Train Your Dragon at 2.30pm

Saturday, August 29, Pembroke Castle

Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet at 7pm

The Torch Theatre’s Sunset Cinema season will run from Friday, July 17, until Saturday, August 29.

Tickets can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

Community

Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

Published

2 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success.

Crowds lined the streets on Saturday, July 11, as a colourful parade made its way through the town before the celebrations continued at Neyland RFC.

Organisers said the day had exceeded expectations, with families turning out in the sunshine to support the parade, musicians, stalls and activities.

***Carnival King and Queen: Malcolm and Margaret***

Posting after the event, Neyland Carnival said: “Yesterday certainly didn’t disappoint. What a fantastic day we had.

“We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. It’s always great to see how well the carnival is supported.

“Thank you to all that entered the parade and to everyone that lined the streets.”

Organisers also thanked Margaret and Malcolm, who served as the town’s King and Queen, along with everyone who entered the parade and helped create the floats and costumes.

Audrey John donated fabric to help decorate the Prince and Princess float, while Becki Lorch provided hair styling for the princesses.

Sinclair Neyland supplied the vehicle used by the town’s King and Queen, with John Gidman acting as driver.

Neyland RFC provided the use of its pitch, with members of the junior section helping with the clean-up. The Hub and its staff were also thanked for hosting and supporting the event.

Green Light Traffic Management provided vehicles and helped manage traffic, supported by Valero volunteers and other volunteers working on the gates and road closures.

The carnival’s three main sponsors were Ron Skinner & Sons, Community Interest Care and Neyland Town Council.

Further sponsorship was provided by Hart Windows & Doors, The Plaice to Eat, No Mercy Wrestling and Cleddau Memorials.

Organisers also thanked Rob Hymers for providing the stage, Communic8 for equipment hire, Phil Haskett-Smith for photography, Junk Monkey for skip hire and Pro Scaffolding Pembrokeshire.

Rose and Willow helped keep children hydrated during registration, while Arthur Day managed the carnival field.

Thanks were also extended to all of the musicians, stallholders and volunteers who supported the event, including those who returned on Sunday morning to help with the clean-up.

Stuart Rice was thanked for helping with advertising.

The parade was judged by Neyland Mayor Peter Hay, Pembroke Dock Mayor Tony Wilcox and Neyland East county councillor Simon Hancock.

Organisers said the strength of support from residents, businesses and volunteers had once again shown the community spirit behind one of Neyland’s most popular annual events.