Entertainment

‘In It Together Festival’ sets new standard for events in Wales

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2022

THIS past weekend, the In It Together festival made a bold and welcome debut, and has already established a new standard for events in Wales. It’s the result of an experienced team that simply wanted a big old celebration for all the family and all types of people after a difficult couple of years, and boy, do they deliver.

The location at Old Park Farm in Port Talbot, near to Margam Park, is like an infinite playground, complete with fire breathers, wild and colourful characters, hay bail stacks, endless food trucks, a variety of drinks, and plenty of extra entertainment. This features a circus tent, children’s performers, a funhouse, a gigantic Guess Who, Connect 4, beanbags, and a bouncy castle to give them all a weekend to remember.

Adults have an almost limitless number of musical alternatives to choose from. On Friday, Gabrielle stole the show with some incredible sunset vibes, while the circus came to town and Armand Van Helden performed an epic set of New York house at the renowned Panchaia. The eager crowd ate up every beat, and the production was fantastic, with great-looking stages, huge lights, lasers, and, of course, powerful sound systems.

There are numerous camping alternatives available, catering to everyone from families with young children to people who are unlikely to sleep much. It’s comfortable and well-equipped, so you’ll have plenty of time to unwind before heading out on days two and three.

After beautiful weather on the first day, the rest of the weekend was marred by wind and rain, but it didn’t damper spirits. The crowd erupted in applause for Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds, who sang along to all of the key choruses and rocked out to Noel’s massive riffs. Other noteworthy sets included Two Door Cinema Club and a stunning sunset session from the one and only Gabrielle, and the sound delivered them all loud and clear.

On a big screen, seeing Wales play Ukraine in a crucial World Cup qualifier will be one of the best experiences. It was a friendly and community minded moment that really summed up the special togetherness vibe of this new and vital addition to Wales festival landscape.

Entertainment

Tenby steams up in spectacular style as crowds flock to festival

Published

6 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Colourful parade, towering creations and Victorian flair bring town centre to life

TENBY was transformed into a vibrant Victorian fantasy on Saturday (Mar 21) as hundreds of visitors descended on the town for the annual Steampunk Festival.

The highlight of the day came with the much-anticipated Peacock Parade, which saw elaborately dressed participants wind their way through Tenby’s narrow streets, drawing large crowds of spectators.

Residents and visitors lined the route, many stopping to take photos as performers in eye-catching costumes passed by. From brass goggles and top hats to military-inspired uniforms and elegant gowns, the outfits on display reflected the creativity and theatrical spirit of the steampunk scene.

Among the most striking sights were the towering pink flamingo creations, which rose high above the crowds and became an instant talking point. Musicians in period costume added to the atmosphere, playing lively tunes as they marched through the town.

Families were out in force, with children and adults alike enjoying the spectacle. Many visitors had travelled from across Wales and beyond to attend the event, which has grown in popularity in recent years and is now firmly established as a key date in Tenby’s events calendar.

The Herald understands that local businesses also benefited from the influx of visitors, with cafés, pubs and shops seeing a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

In addition to the parade, a range of activities were taking place across the town, including markets, performances and themed entertainment centred around the De Valence Pavilion.

Organisers have worked to create an inclusive and welcoming event, with many people choosing to dress up while others simply come along to enjoy the unique atmosphere.

The festival continues on Sunday, with further events planned as Tenby remains firmly in the grip of steampunk fever for the weekend.

Photos: Colourful characters take part in the Peacock Parade through Tenby on Saturday (Pic: Gareth Davies).

Entertainment

St Patrick’s night celebration at Giraldus Centre

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

GET ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style this Friday at the Giraldus Centre in Manorbier.

The community venue is hosting a lively evening of music, dancing and Irish-themed fun, with entertainment from popular local group The Slipway Ukes.

Doors open at 7:00pm on Friday (Mar 20), with free entry for all. A fully licensed bar will be open throughout the evening, serving drinks and snacks with an Irish twist.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to “unleash their inner leprechaun” and enjoy a night on the dance floor.

There is no need to book—just turn up and join in.

Donations on the night will be gratefully received in support of the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event takes place at the Giraldus Centre, Manorbier, SA70 7TN.

Entertainment

Met Opera’s Tristan und Isolde comes to the Torch Theatre

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Lise Davidsen leads star cast in Wagner’s epic tale of love and death in special cinema broadcast on Sunday (Mar 22)

AFTER years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives in cinemas worldwide as the electrifying Lise Davidsen takes on one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano – the Irish princess Isolde – in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde.

Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-struck Tristan in what promises to be a powerful and emotionally charged performance.

The production also marks the arrival of a new staging at the Metropolitan Opera by Yuval Sharon, making his Met debut. Sharon has been hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and was the first American to direct an opera at the famous Wagner festival in Bayreuth.

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin also leads Tristan und Isolde at the Met for the first time in this landmark production.

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprising her acclaimed portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as Kurwenal following his celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländerand the Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke.

Reviewing the production for The Observer, Fiona Maddocks described it as a “glorious production” and “well worth catching”, adding: “This was one of those rare and blissful nights when dropped jaws silenced noisy opinion in the queue for coats afterwards.”

The recorded broadcast of Tristan und Isolde will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday (Mar 22) at 4:00pm.

For further information visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

ENDS