Entertainment
Giant puppet of Dewi Sant to make a comeback at the Pilgrim Parade in St Davids
ST DAVIDS is all set to celebrate its annual Pilgrim Parade on May 29, with the return of the much-loved giant puppet of Dewi Sant. The event promises to be a spectacular one, with a medieval marketplace, traditional skills demos, guided walks, film screenings, and performances.
The parade is part of the Ancient Connections project, which celebrates the historical and future links between north Wexford and north Pembrokeshire. The project is coming to a close, and the parade will also mark the launch of the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way.
Last year, the St David puppet stole the show at the parade, and this year, the 3m-tall puppet will make its way through the town alongside a new 6m-long sea monster. Created by Small Theatre, the giant puppet is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
According to Rowan Matthiessen, Ancient Connections Project Manager, “The Fayre is going to be an absolute feast for the senses and should be a fantastic bank-holiday day out for all the family. Small World Theatre never fails to disappoint in creating something fun and engaging for all.”
The medieval event will showcase some of the finest wares the area has to offer, including award-winning food and drink made from locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can also look forward to surprise pop-up performances by mischief makers, meandering minstrels, and holy relic sellers.
The parade will be led by colourful costumes created by pupils from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, and will culminate at the grounds of St Davids Cathedral. Along the way, Saint David will visit the giant bee skeps created by artist Bedwyr Williams.
Other highlights of the event include guided pilgrim walks, a massed choir performance in the Cathedral led by Span Arts’ choir Côr Pawb, a traditional skills demonstration marquee run by the Tywi Centre, and a programme of artists’ films and documentaries screened in the vaults of the Bishop’s Palace.
The day will end with an open-air concert of ancient music from Wales and the Celtic nations, performed by renowned folk musicians Julie Murphy, Ceri Rhys Matthews, and Jess Ward.
Ancient Connections is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme and led by Pembrokeshire County Council, together with partners Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Visit Wexford.
Entertainment
NoFit State Circus set to thrill Pembrokeshire this summer
NoFit State Circus is set to captivate Pembrokeshire once again this summer, as they bring back their thrilling big top show, Sabotage.
Returning to Haverfordwest from June 13th to 30th, NoFit State promises an experience unlike any other traditional circus. With no sad animals or tired tricks, Sabotage offers a fusion of circus and music, presented by a supremely talented troupe that leaves audiences in awe.
Described as “another full-on, boisterous, and audaciously fierce performance with the NoFit State signature style,” Sabotage introduces a darker, grittier, and more subversive edge to the troupe’s renowned contemporary circus.
“Back in the big top with incredible new acts, original music, new apparatus and a more theatrical feel, Sabotage challenges the status quo,” shares NoFit State. “This is an energising, uplifting, and socially relevant contemporary circus production.”
The show delves into themes of separation and belonging, with each scene narrating stories that range from poignant and heart-tugging to utterly joyful.
“We’ve had a hard time keeping this a secret, but we are finally ready to fill you in,” announced NoFit State yesterday. “Tickets for our big top show Sabotage are now on sale for Pembrokeshire, back in the place where we performed Sabotage for the first time ever back in 2022!”
Pembrokeshire holds a special significance for the troupe, and they invite audiences to witness how the show has evolved since its debut. This year, Pembrokeshire is the sole Welsh location where Sabotage will be performed, with an early bird offer granting spectators 20 per cent off their tickets until midnight on May 6th.
Sabotage will grace Pembrokeshire from June 13th to 30th, with ticket prices starting at £18. “More locations in the tour to be announced soon,” assures NoFit State. “Until then, enjoy your summer in Pembrokeshire in a shiny silver Big Top Tent with us.”
Education
Pupils take centre stage for dance competitions
MORE than 230 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in exciting dance competitions at primary and secondary school levels.
Sport Pembrokeshire hosted the primary school dance competition on March 19th at Fishguard Leisure Centre.
Seven schools from across the county and more than 160 pupils took part, including both boys and girls from school years 3-6.
All style and street dance were the categories that teams, solos and duos could enter. There were 55 solo performers entering the street dance solo category.
Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun performed a group dance and some performed brilliant solos for the primary pupils to watch.
Finola (FF Dancers), Kelly (Kelly Williams School of Dance) and Lowri (Lowri Jones School of Dance) judged the high standard of competitions with dance coaches Lucy Kerrison and Kelci Francis helping out during the day.
They are all thanked for their help and expertise as putting on an event of this nature would not be possible without their valuable input.
Forty eight medals, 22 trophies and numerous certificates were presented, including awards for stand-out performers.
The atmosphere was great and it was brilliant to see the pupils taking part, getting creative and showcasing their skills, all with a smile on their faces.
The secondary schools dance competition was hosted on Thursday, 29th February at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.
In total 77 girls from school years 7-11 competed in various categories such as teams, duos and solos. These included street, all style, freestyle, jazz and cheer.
Finola and Kelly judged the day with the help from Lucy and Kelci. Kelci, a former Ysgol Harri Tudur pupil, also gave showstopping performances.
It was a great day with a fantastic atmosphere and very rewarding to see so many girls taking part in sport and enjoying every minute.
Some of the schools who attended are now through to the UDOIT Dance Competition in Cardiff.
Hundreds of pupils have enjoyed school dance competitions over recent weeks.
Entertainment
Coastal adventures and home revelations: BBC Wales’ exciting new lineup
BBC WALES is set to enchant viewers with a fresh slate of programming that spans a rich tapestry of Welsh culture, lifestyle, and adventure. Leading the charge are Wales’s beloved presenters, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page, who will take audiences on a scenic journey with their new show, Wynne Evans and Joanna Page: Lost at Sea. This program promises to be a celebration of the Welsh coastline, packed with culinary expeditions, musical interludes, and the spirit of discovery aboard their motor yacht.
Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, expressed excitement over the diverse array of new and returning series that aim to mirror contemporary Welsh life in all its vibrancy. From the nuances of cooking and music to the intricacies of interior design and the rustic charm of sheep shearing, there’s an offering for every palette.
Lost at Sea will see Evans, celebrated as 2023’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, and Page delving into Wales’s coastal treasures, from quaint fishing villages to bustling towns, unearthing unique dining experiences and cooking up storms themselves.
Another anticipated return is Wales’ Home of the Year, now in its third season with a special Christmas edition on the horizon. Judges Owain Wyn Evans, Mandy Watkins, and Glen Thomas will traverse Wales to spotlight homes that stand out for their architectural and design ingenuity, culminating in the crowning of Wales’ Christmas Home of the Year.
In a gripping narrative departure, Hunting Mr Nice will chronicle the life of Howard Marks, a Welshman turned notorious cannabis smuggler. This two-part series for BBC Two and iPlayer is set against the backdrop of the War on Drugs, featuring exclusive interviews that piece together Marks’ enigmatic existence.
Music aficionados can look forward to Kelly Jones with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, where Kelly Jones, famed for his Stereophonics legacy, will premiere new solo work alongside timeless hits, reimagined with orchestral flair.
Chris Cooks Cymru introduces viewers to Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts, who embarks on a culinary journey across Wales, celebrating local cuisine against stunning landscapes and communal cookouts.
The lineup also boasts a slew of returning favorites and new ventures that explore Welsh life’s breadth, from the competitive spirit of sheep shearing in Rockstar Shearers to the heartfelt community project in Dream Team, and the spiritual and ecological explorations of Skanda Vale Life.
Nick Andrews lauded the lineup, highlighting the joy and impact talent-fronted shows have on audiences. With such a rich and diverse offering, BBC Cymru Wales is poised to keep viewers hooked to their screens, celebrating Welsh culture, heritage, and the universal themes of exploration, creativity, and community spirit. These shows are expected to roll out on BBC Cymru Wales and iPlayer in the coming months, promising a blend of entertainment, insight, and celebration for viewers across the UK.
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