Entertainment

BBC Cymru Wales unwraps cracking content for the Christmas period

Published

5 months ago

December 8, 2023

BBC Cymru Wales will be unwrapping their Christmas schedule this month with a whole host of new festive content to get everyone in the Christmas mood across TV, iPlayer and Sounds.

At at the heart of this year’s Christmas television schedule is a spectacular homecoming Christmas concert with Katherine Jenkins OBE, the biggest selling UK classical artist of the century. From Swansea Arena, Christmas with Katherine Jenkins will include special guests, surprise duets, enchanting carols and heart-warming moments. She will be joined on-stage by Welsh acting royalty Michael Sheen, songwriter Jack Savoretti, opera singer and Masterchef champion Wynne Evans and pianist Chloe Flower.

A new drama, made in Wales, is at the centre of the BBC One Christmas schedule this year. Starring Iwan Rheon, Steffan Rhodri, Paul Rhys, Phaldut Sharma and Mark Lewis Jones, Men Up is a film exploring the lives of five ordinary Welshmen who embark on an extraordinary journey when they take part in the trial of a new drug which would later become Viagra.

Alongside the film is a new documentary, Keeping It Up: The Story of Viagra, telling the remarkable true story of one of the world’s first medical trials for the drug, held in Swansea’s Morriston Hospital in 1994. From Wales to New York, this is the big story of the little blue pill. This will be available to watch on iPlayer.

Another gift in the Christmas TV schedule is Max Boyce at 80 – a celebration of Wales’ beloved comedian and entertainer. Max celebrated two major milestones in 2023 – his 80^th birthday and 50 years on stage and the programme is a mix of documentary and performance with a new interview with Eleri Sion reflecting on his life and career.

Audiences will also be treated to two Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop specials, the first being a Shirley Bassey Special, reliving the Tiger Bay singer’s career-defining moments. Spanning seven decades the programme features some of her most iconic performances, including her legendary run at Talk of the Town nightclub, and her performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The second, a Christmas Special featuring some Welsh festive favourites from child stars Aled Jones and Charlotte Church, Shakin’ Stevens, Tom Jones and the Flying Picketts.

In true Boxing Day tradition, Scrum V Live’s festive fixture on BBC Two Wales, will be the Cardiff v Dragons derby from Cardiff Arms Park. Then on January 1^st old rivalries come to a head as Ospreys take on Cardiff bringing in the new year from the Brewery Field in Bridgend. Presenter Sarra Elgan will be joined in the studio by former Wales internationals James Hook, Josh Navidi and Tom Shanklin. Expert commentary will be provided by Gareth Rhys Owen and Sean Holley, with Polly James and Lauren Jenkins reporting pitchside. The Scrum V Podcast will be keeping those who love rugby up to date during the festive season, available on BBC Sounds.

On radio, BBC Radio Wales will be celebrating Christmas in style with an array of programmes and their presenters will be entertaining the nation over the festive period. Listeners will be treated to new programmes such as Owain’s 12 Drummers Drumming, with Owain Wyn Evans, and Bronwen Lewis’ Christmas concert. For listeners stuck in a rut with Christmas cooking Monmouthshire chef and Saturday Kitchen Star, Matt Tebbutt’s Christmas Kitchen offers inspiration for festive treats to wow family and friends. Other stars in the festive line-up include Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett hosting the Radio Wales Christmas Quiz and Taulupe Faletau in A Tongan Christmas. Listeners can catch all of the programmes live on Radio Wales or listen on-demand via BBC Sounds.

On Welsh language station BBC Radio Cymru, Elin Fflur a’r Gerddorfa showcases an evening of great music accompanied by the National Orchestra of Wales and presented by Tudur Owen. Fun panel quiz show Chwalu Pen is back for a festive edition and special programme, Alaw Mair will weave together the history of the popular Christmas song with personal stories from some modern day mothers. Crowning the festive celebrations, Trystan and Emma will create a special Christmas single with some very special guests – pop group Pheena.

Online during December, BBC Cymru Fyw will have some festive articles, from book-buying guides for your loved ones to Gareth y Mwnci sharing some of his Christmas memories. On Swyn y Sul, four of BBC Radio Cymru’s presenters will come together to answer questions about the festive period along with a special BBC Cymru Fyw quiz – Who’s the Celeb Behind Santa’s Beard?

Broadcast details

Christmas with Katherine Jenkins

Saturday, 23 December, BBC Two and BBC One Wales, 7:10pm

Max Boyce at 80

Friday, 15 December, BBC One Wales, 8pm

Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop: Shirley Bassey Special

Friday, 22 December, BBC One Wales, 9.30pm

Rewind: 60 Years of Welsh Pop: Christmas Special

Saturday 23 December, BBC One Wales, 6.45pm

Christmas with Katherine Jenkins

Saturday, 23 December, BBC Two and BBC One Wales 7.10pm

Scrum V Live: Cardiff v Dragons

Tuesday, 26 December, BBC Two Wales, 2.45pm

Men Up

Friday, 29 December, BBC One and BBC One Wales, 9pm

Scrum V Live: Cardiff v Ospreys

New Year’s Day, BBC One Wales, 2.40pm

BBC Radio Wales

Owain’s 12 Drummers Drumming

Available on BBC Sounds from Saturday 9 December and on BBC Radio Wales on Christmas Day at 3pm

A Tongan Christmas

Monday, December 18 at 6.30pm

Bronwen’s Christmas Concert

Saturday, December 23 at 1pm and repeated on Christmas Day at 4pm

Matt Tebbutt’s Christmas Kitchen

Christmas Eve at 1pm

The Radio Wales Christmas Quiz

Christmas Eve at 3pm

BBC Radio Cymru / Radio Cymru 2

Alaw Mair

Thursday, December 21 at 5:30pm

Elin Fflur a’r Gerddorfa

Friday, December 9 at 5:30pm

Chwalu Pen

Friday, December 22 at 5:30pm

For further images please access the following link:

BBC Wales Christmas 2023 – Dropbox

Issued by BBC Cymru Wales Communications

Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

Published

15 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

Entertainment

New card game ‘Tenby’ set to arrive soon!

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2024

Luke Sinclair

TENBY is a captivating game that combines card drafting and strategic placement. Despite its abstract nature, it immerses players in the charm of the seaside town it’s named after, thanks to vibrant illustrations and recognisable landmarks.

The gameplay of Tenby focuses on tactics rather than luck. Players draft cards from a display and strategically place them in rows, following specific placement rules to maximise their scores based on feature adjacency. It’s quite the brain-teaser.

What makes Tenby truly stand out is its innovative action drafting system. Each round, players select actions from a shifting pool of cards, determining the turn order for the next round as well. This adds depth and strategy to each decision.

Tenby is suitable for all player counts, though it primarily offers a multiplayer-solitaire experience, which I personally appreciate. Turns are quick, ensuring there’s always something to ponder during downtime.

The vector art, while not my usual preference, bursts with colour and complements the game perfectly. I particularly enjoy the witty puns, such as the “Uptown Swirl” ice cream parlour!

It’s easy to learn and teach, with intuitive iconography. The unique action drafting mechanic adds layers of depth, and the vibrant art and theme increase its appeal.

After careful consideration, I struggled to find any downsides. Any suggestions I had are already on the designer’s to-do list, including an exciting solo mode!

For more information visit www.cosycubgames.com/games

Entertainment

Create a dried meadow flower artwork at Roch Castle

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROCH CASTLE near St Davids is hosting a workshop to create a dried meadow flower wall artwork to adorn your home on Sunday, May 19 (12pm-2pm).

During the two-hour session you will learn how to fill a 40cm x 30cm natural wood frame with your chosen mix of dried flowers, grasses and seed heads.

Most of the flowers have been grown and dried by Karen MacKechnie from the Floral Goat on her Pembrokeshire farm, with some additional stems sourced from other British flower farmers.

Places at the dried flower meadow workshop, which will be led by Karen, are priced at £70 per person to include all materials as well as tea/coffee and Welshcakes. Book online via Roch Castle’s website www.rochcastle.com or call 01437 725 566.

Free parking is available on-site but as space is limited please car share where possible. As a 12^th century castle, access within Roch Castle is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties.