Entertainment
An exhibition celebrating Welsh music goes on tour

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
DJ Yoda brings the ’80s back to life at The Queens Hall, Narberth

Legendary scratch DJ to perform ‘80s Mixtape Live on Saturday 22 November 2025
AWARD-WINNING turntablist DJ Yoda is heading to Narberth this autumn for a night of pure nostalgia, bringing his acclaimed DJ Yoda’s ’80s Mixtape Live to The Queens Hall on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
Known for his innovative audio-visual mashups, Duncan Beiny—better known as DJ Yoda—will take audiences on a journey through pop culture’s most iconic decade. Expect a wild mix of classic hip-hop, chart-toppers, retro video games, vintage movie clips and everything in between, all delivered in his signature glitched-out style.
From A-Ha to Alan Partridge, this is no ordinary DJ set. It’s a live performance of the mixtape that started it all—How To Cut & Paste: 80s Edition—celebrating 25 years since its original release.
A pioneer of modern turntablism, DJ Yoda has spent more than three decades performing around the world, from global festivals to exclusive venues. Named “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die” by Q Magazine, he’s collaborated with artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg to Damon Albarn, Diplo and Mark Ronson. In 2015, he was one of a select group of performers invited to appear at Banksy’s infamous Dismaland.
Whether you lived through the ‘80s or just love the sound and style of the era, DJ Yoda’s 80s Mixtape Live promises a high-energy, genre-defying experience not to be missed.
Tickets are available now at thequeenshall.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01834 861212.

Entertainment
Torch Theatre welcomes new community reviewer Emma Cox

Pembrokeshire graduate brings passion for arts, music and storytelling to the role
THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the newest addition to its team of Community Reviewers — Pembrokeshire native and recent Bath Spa University graduate, Emma Cox.
A former pupil of Pembroke School, Emma holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Publishing and brings with her a unique blend of creativity, cultural insight and musical curiosity. Deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts — especially music — Emma is excited to lend her voice to the Torch’s programme of live performance, film, and music events.
“The Torch is a huge part of the creative life of Pembrokeshire,” she said. “It helps keep local arts and culture thriving, and it’s incredibly exciting to be even a small part of that.”
Emma’s interest in storytelling has always gone hand in hand with her love of music, particularly the raw energy and cultural dynamism of 1970s rock and soul. She said: “I’ve always been drawn to the music of the ’70s — it’s an era full of experimentation, honesty, and cultural shift. That really shows up in both the music and the films of the time. I find it endlessly inspiring.”
During her degree, Emma built a wide-ranging creative portfolio, writing on topics including fashion, culture, international affairs, and the arts. Her work has explored the influence of music and subcultures, including the emergence of a new wave of punk in Pembrokeshire, where local bands and young people are reviving the spirit of early punk to address today’s social issues.
She has also contributed to projects linked with Bristol Pride and Bath Carnival, and taken part in wider conversations around media representation and diversity. Through social media marketing and magazine design, Emma developed a passion for the evolving role of creative platforms in shaping public discourse.
“I see publishing as a powerful storytelling tool — one that continues to evolve alongside digital platforms and social change,” she said.
As she embarks on her new role, Emma aims to bring a fresh, music-loving perspective to her reviews, combining thoughtful critique with an eye for the cultural and creative significance of each performance.
“This is a new venture for me,” she said. “While I polish my reviewer’s voice, I hope to bring you along for the ride with thoughtful and exciting reviews.”
Entertainment
Flu-like outbreak forces Eisteddfod cancellation amid public health scare

Emergency declared as festival-goers fall ill — site cleared to reopen Thursday
THE LLANGOLLEN International Musical Eisteddfod was forced to cancel its headline event on Wednesday evening (July 9) after a sudden outbreak of illness prompted the Welsh Ambulance Service to declare an extraordinary incident.
Multiple attendees fell ill with flu-like symptoms, leading to the cancellation of the evening concert — which was set to feature Sir Karl Jenkins conducting One World, his symphonic celebration of peace.
Festival organisers said the nature and scale of the incident meant it was the first time in the Eisteddfod’s history an event had been cancelled in this way.
A spokesperson confirmed: “Following Public Health Wales advice, the incident related to a flu-like outbreak and affected multiple people at one time. We take the safety of our audience, performers and volunteers extremely seriously.”
Medical teams on site were supported by the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed the declaration of a public health incident due to the number of people affected simultaneously.
The festival had been running as normal throughout the day, with over 4,000 performers from 35 countries taking part in cultural performances, parades, and competitions.
Just hours before the cancellation, organisers had sent out a schedule for what was expected to be the busiest day of the event so far, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Despite the disruption, organisers have now confirmed that the site has been declared safe to reopen on Thursday (10 July) from 9:00am.
“We are pleased to report our site has been cleared to reopen,” the Eisteddfod said in a further statement issued late Wednesday evening.
No further details have been released about the cause of the illness, but Public Health Wales is continuing to monitor the situation.
The Herald understands that stewards, medical staff and volunteers acted quickly and professionally to contain the incident and support those who were unwell.
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