News

Sir Bryn Terfel to lead BBC Cymru Wales’ St David’s Day celebration

Published

5 years ago

February 24, 2021

Celebrate a St David’s Day like no other with the world renowned singer and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales on Monday 1 March at 7pm on BBC Two Wales along with a host of other programmes on the BBC.

The Grammy Award-winning opera singer, Sir Bryn Terfel, has performed all over the world and this St David’s Day the Welsh bass-baritone will be celebrating in the Welsh capital. He’ll be joining the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff for a special concert packed-full of Welsh classics and favourites that will be broadcast on BBC Two Wales, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.

Looking ahead to the concert Sir Bryn Terfel said: “Singing is in my people, as sight is in the eye” is a quote from “How Green Was My Valley”. It costs us nothing to sing along and even though there are only three million of us, we are certainly not afraid to use our voices. This concert has many of our cherished songs and folk tunes and to perform live again with our incredible BBC National Orchestra of Wales fills my heart with gladness”.

The special concert is just one part of BBC Wales’ extensive range of output on St David’s Day. A brand new series The Story of Welsh Art with Huw Stephens will take viewers on a breath-taking visual tour of the nation, from stunning bronze-age artefacts to award-winning cutting edge contemporary pieces.

Comedian and presenter Tudur Owen takes a look at how the people of Wales have celebrated the day over the years – from delicious dishes to questionable dancing – as he explores the BBC archives for a St David’s Day special of Tudur’s TV Flashback.

St David’s Day at the BBC celebrates with classic performances drawn from the BBC’s music archives and includes performances from Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia, Feeder, Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones.

In addition to broadcasting the St David’s Day concert with Bryn Terfel, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru will be asking listeners what little things they’ll be doing that bring them joy this St David’s Day, as well as celebrating the day with a host of special guests and content.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Cymru Wales said:

“Despite the challenging circumstances for everybody, St David’s Day is always worth celebrating and this year we’re pulling out all the stops.

“We’re thrilled that Sir Bryn Terfel is joining the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for what will be a rousing concert of Welsh music and song, and who better than Huw Stephens to share the Story of Welsh Art with audiences right across the UK. It promises to be a day – and a night – to remember and a timely reminder of the extraordinary talent Wales produces.”

BBC Four will be kicking off the celebrations early with a Friday night of Welsh music icons on Friday 26 February. Programmes include Katherine Jenkins at 40, St David’s Day at the BBC, Tom Jones’s 1950s: The Decade That Made Me, Electric Proms featuring Shirley Bassey and Radio 2 in Concert featuring The Stereophonics.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

4 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

10 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

24 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.