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Entertainment

An exhibition celebrating Welsh music goes on tour

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LAST MONTH a new exhibition – ‘Record: Folk, Protest and Pop’ opened at the Riverside gallery, Haverfordwest. The exhibition explores the musical tradition of Wales throughout the centuries – from the crwth to Catatonia – using various items from The Welsh Music Archive and Screen and Sound Archive located at The National Library.

‘Record’ will explore why Wales is often described as the country of song, where our musical tradition began and how it developed.

The exhibition looks at the early folk music traditions in Wales through the medium of manuscripts such as Melus-seiniau Cymru, one of the most important collections of Welsh folk songs, collected by Ifor Ceri. The influence of individuals such as Meredydd Evans and his wife Phyllis Kinney in the field of folk music and light entertainment is acknowledged, through newly acquired items from their archive. Highlights from their collection include a previously unseen letter from Richard Burton to Merêd discussing Welsh folk melodies.

‘Record’ also explores how independent labels and Welsh groups have worked to produce revolutionary protest and pop music in recent decades. Bringing the story to life are various archives, including material relating to Y Blew and Super Furry Animals. Early pop magazines such as Sŵn, an extensive collection of gig posters from the 1960s to the 1990s and Malcolm Gwyon’s pop art portrait of Dafydd Iwan are also on display in the exhibition.

Pedr ap Llwyd, Chief Executive and Librarian of the National Library of Wales said: “Record: Folk, Protest and Pop is a colourful and diverse celebration of the musical tradition in Wales. It is a pleasure to be able to share the exhibition with new audiences outside of Aberystwyth by taking the exhibition on tour to the Riverside gallery in Haverfordwest, and demonstrate the richness of our collections which represent the development of the tradition across the centuries, using a combination of the collections of The Welsh Music Archive, the Screen and Sound Archive; and items from our visual collections. There is something for everyone in this exhibition, from the past to the present, and it is sure to stimulate memories among its visitors.”

Mari Elin Jones, Curator of ‘Record: Folk, Protest and Pop’ added:
“Curating this exhibition has been a lot of fun, and it’s been great to be able to put the collections of the Welsh Music Archive and Screen and Sound Archive, which are so varied and fascinating, centre stage. I hope ‘Record’ will inspire visitors to explore the National Library of Wales’s music collections further, as well as go to their local record shop to pick up a Welsh album or two!”

Nia Mai Daniel, Head of Archives, Manuscripts and Contemporary Records Section, and The Welsh Music Archive Coordinator said:
“The exhibition is a taste of the folk and pop music collections held at the National Library of Wales, and is an opportunity to celebrate some of our recent donations, such as the Merêd and Phyllis Kinney archive and a Super Furry Animals scrapbook. If anyone has further material to donate, such as posters, photographs, or letters, then please get in touch. Our work continues to ensure that our collections reflect the history of Welsh music from its roots to the present day.”

Showing alongside the Record exhibition is Pembrokeshire: Past and Present, a permanent exhibition focusing on the history, culture, and landscape of Pembrokeshire. Both exhibitions will run until Saturday 18 February 2023.

The Riverside is a flagship cultural centre in the heart of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Opened in December 2018, it features a 21st century library, visitor information, coffee shop and a national government indemnity gallery space which showcases collections from The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. This high quality facility is unusual and pioneering and is already playing a central part in regenerating the town and wider area of Pembrokeshire.

For more information visit:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/the-riverside
• Pembrokeshire Libraries Facebook page, or
• call Glan-yr-afon/The Riverside on 01437 775244.

Entertainment

Join TV and radio presenter Hester Grainger live at the Torch

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THIS June, the Torch Theatre welcomes ADHD coach, speaker and former Wright Stuff presenter Hester Grainger to the stage with her powerful and uplifting show, ADHD: Unmasked.

Expect an evening of open conversation, laughter, and refreshingly honest insights into life with ADHD. In a supportive and inclusive space, Hester invites everyone—whether living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or simply curious—to share stories, connect, and feel seen.

A well-known voice in the neurodivergent community, Hester is a regular podcast guest and media contributor. Her appearance on ADHD Chatter with Alex Partridge went viral, with clips from the episode racking up over 22 million views.

ADHD: Unmasked is an interactive, dopamine-filled evening where Hester shares how to embrace a fast-paced mind, practise self-compassion, and tap into the strengths of neurodiversity. She’ll also speak candidly about family life—raising two autistic/ADHD teenagers and living with her autistic/ADHD husband—as well as navigating ADHD in the workplace, friendships, relationships, and late diagnosis.

Audience participation is welcome, with opportunities to ask questions throughout. Whether you’ve received a diagnosis or are just starting your journey, this event offers connection, laughter, and a sense of belonging. You’ll leave feeling empowered, informed—and most importantly—reminded that you are not alone.

Hester began her media career on Channel 5’s The Wright Stuff, going on to work with Loose Women and Today with Des and Mel. She has featured on BBC Radio 2, Radio 4, Radio 5 Live, and hosted her own show on BBC Radio Berkshire.

She has appeared on leading podcasts such as ADHD Chatter, The Hidden 20%, and ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, and her writing has been published by HuffPost, Evening Standard, Reader’s Digest, and Arabian Business.

Alongside her husband Kelly, Hester co-founded Perfectly Autistic, a neurodiversity consultancy providing training, talks, and coaching to support neurodivergent employees. Both were diagnosed with ADHD in their forties, after Kelly’s earlier autism diagnosis.

Hester says: “I’m so excited to tour the UK talking about ADHD—something I’m truly passionate about. Being diagnosed in my forties finally gave me the answers I’d been searching for my whole life. With growing awareness, so many people have questions and want to understand more. This evening will be fun, entertaining, and honest—and nothing’s off limits.”

ADHD: Unmasked comes to the Torch Theatre on Friday 6 June at 7:30pm.
Tickets: £26
Book online at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

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Entertainment

Easter at Milford Waterfront: Family fun with chocolate trails, markets, and more

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MILFORD WATERFRONT will be bursting with Easter fun this April as it hosts a variety of free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season.

Over the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April, a spring-themed market will take place from 10:00am to 4:00pm, offering seasonal treats, crafts, and local produce. Children can also meet Rascal the Easter Bunny, who will be making a special walkabout appearance on Saturday (Apr 5) from midday until 2:30pm.

On Wednesday 16 April, families are invited to visit Milford Haven Museum to discover the town’s rich maritime history. Afterwards, youngsters can collect a free Easter trail map and set off on a chocolate-themed treasure hunt around the waterfront’s shops and attractions. Completed trails can be exchanged for a small Easter egg. More details are available at www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk.

Throughout the Easter season, visitors can indulge in seasonal delights from a range of independent businesses, including artisan chocolates at Trwffl and Dilly’s, or natural skincare gifts from Akamuti. The waterfront is also home to a selection of boutique clothing and gift shops—perfect for finding something special this spring.

Adventurous visitors can make the most of the season by getting out on the water, with Milford Beach Activity Centre offering stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking experiences. And for those looking to dine out, the waterfront’s many restaurants will be unveiling their new spring menus, featuring locally sourced seafood and family favourites with marina views.

Stay by the sea this Easter

Right at the heart of the action is Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, which is offering a special Easter Escapes bed and breakfast deal. Guests can enjoy on-site family activities such as oversized board games, cinema screenings, and an Easter trail. Standard rooms for two start from £89 per night, with family rooms from £131 per night, including breakfast. Offer valid for stays between 4–27 April. Book at www.ty-hotels.com.

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Entertainment

Top Welsh acts to perform at Fel ‘Na Mai Festival in Crymych

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ONE of Wales’ most anticipated music festivals is returning to Crymych next month – with a packed line-up of top Welsh talent already confirmed.

The Fel ‘Na Mai Festival will take place on Saturday (May 3) at the Frenni Transport site in Parc Gwynfryn Estate, marking its fourth year of bringing live music and family-friendly fun to the Preseli area.

Organisers say this year’s programme is one of the strongest to date, with a wide range of acts spanning folk, rock, psychedelic and contemporary music set to appear across two main stages.

The Foel Drigarn Stage will run from 1:15pm until late, opening with performances from the choirs of Ysgol Bro Preseli and Ysgol Cilgerran. They will be followed by Dewin, winners of the Best Group category at the 2025 Ail Symudiad Awards.

Festival newcomers Taran, an energetic folk rock group, will make their debut before heavy rock band Mattoidz take over the stage. Mali Haf, known for her vibrant and charming performances, will also appear.

As dusk falls, popular singer-songwriter Meinir Gwilym and her band will perform, followed by the much-requested return of Gwilym. The night will conclude with a headline set by Yws Gwynedd and his band.

The Y Frenni Fawr Stage, running from 1:35pm to 7:10pm, offers an equally strong line-up. Côr Rocesi’r Fro, led by Einir Dafydd, will open the stage before a set by Llandjango, inspired by the sounds of Django Reinhardt.

Danny Sioned, winner of the Individual Prize at the Ail Symudiad Awards, will take to the stage, followed by a performance from retired rocker Cleif Harpwood, who will revisit some favourites from the 1970s. Rising contemporary group Lavant and psychedelic rock band Pys Melyn from Pen Llŷn will round off the programme.

Both stages will be hosted by local presenter and musician Mari Grug.

In addition to live music, organisers say the festival is a day out for the whole family, with a dedicated children’s area offering a range of activities for younger visitors.

A licensed bar will be provided in partnership with Crymych Rugby Club, and this year sees the introduction of a new gin bar from In The Welsh Wind. Local food vendors will also be on site throughout the day.

Parking is available at the Frenni Transport site and nearby locations within the Parc Gwynfryn estate. Facilities are also in place for those wishing to camp or stay in motorhomes during the event.

Tickets are reported to be selling fast. For more information or to book, visit: felnamai.cymru

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