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.”

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.

Iconic castles and harbours set to host family favourites and Hollywood blockbusters

THE TORCH THEATRE has announced the return of its popular Sunset Cinema season for 2025, bringing open-air film screenings to some of the most scenic locations in west Wales. Held in association with Pure West Radio, this year’s line-up includes showings at Pembroke Castle, Saundersfoot Harbour and—for the first time—Cardigan Castle.

The season opens on Saturday, July 26 with Top Gun: Maverick at Saundersfoot Harbour. Over the following month, audiences will be treated to a mix of blockbusters and family classics, including Toy Story, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Lion King, Grease, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, all shown on a state-of-the-art outdoor LED screen.

Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard said: “The Torch Theatre can’t wait to entertain audiences during the long, warm summer days and nights at some truly iconic locations across our beautiful county. From Saundersfoot Harbour to Pembroke Castle—and now Cardigan Castle too—what better venues to enjoy your favourite films under the stars or in the afternoon sun?”

A season of highlights

New for 2025, Cardigan Castle will host several screenings including Toy Story, Top Gun, The Lion King, Elvis and a special 18+ showing of Saturday Night Fever. Meanwhile, Pembroke Castle will close the season in magical style with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on Friday, August 29, followed by Wicked on Saturday, August 30.

Tŵr y Felin in St Davids also joins the line-up this year, screening Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Saturday, August 16.

Ms Gillard added: “We try not to let the Pembrokeshire weather affect our screenings—so even if it rains, the show will go on. Only in cases of extreme weather, like dangerously high winds, will we cancel. We advise everyone to dress for the conditions and check the forecast beforehand.”

Full schedule

26 July – Saundersfoot Harbour – Top Gun: Maverick (Gates 7:00pm, film 9:00pm)

1 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – Toy Story (Gates 2:30pm, film 4:00pm)

1 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – Bohemian Rhapsody (Gates 6:00pm, film 7:30pm)

7 August – Cardigan Castle – Toy Story (Gates 4:00pm, film 5:30pm)

7 August – Cardigan Castle – Top Gun (Gates 7:30pm, film 9:00pm)

8 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – Grease (Gates 7:00pm, film 9:00pm)

14 August – Cardigan Castle – The Lion King (Gates 4:00pm, film 5:30pm)

14 August – Cardigan Castle – Elvis (Gates 7:30pm, film 9:00pm)

15 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – Grown Ups (Gates 7:00pm, film 9:00pm)

16 August – Tŵr y Felin, St Davids – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Gates 7:00pm, film 9:00pm)

22 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – The Lion King (Gates 2:30pm, film 4:00pm)

22 August – Saundersfoot Harbour – Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (Gates 6:00pm, film 7:30pm)

23 August – Cardigan Castle – Saturday Night Fever (18) (Gates 7:30pm, film 9:00pm)

29 August – Pembroke Castle – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Gates 6:00pm, film 7:30pm)

30 August – Pembroke Castle – Wicked (Gates 6:00pm, film 7:30pm)

Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the gate, available online at torchtheatre.co.uk or via the Box Office on 01646 695267. Further venue details and updates can be found on the website.