CRYMYCH’S popular community music festival, Gwyl Fel Na Mai, is set to take place this Saturday (May 3, 2025) — and organisers are expecting glorious sunshine, according to the weather forecast.

The festival, now in its fourth year, is held with the kind support of Frenni Transport, who generously allow the use of their site at Parc Gwynfryn, Crymych. Everyone is welcome to attend, and full details are available at www.felnamai.cymru. A camping field will also be available for tents, campervans, and caravans.

This year’s musical offering promises to be one of the best yet, with a large number of well-known names from the Welsh language scene performing across two stages.

Among the headline acts is Mali Haf, whose infectious energy and impressive stage presence have made her a rising star. Recently reaching the final of the prestigious ‘Emerging Talent’ competition at Glastonbury Festival 2025, Mali’s appearance is eagerly anticipated.

The Foel Drigarn Stage will open from 1:15pm, featuring performances from local talents including the Bro Preseli School Choir and Cilgerran School Choir. Dewin, winners of the Best New Band title at the Ail Symudiad 2025 competition, will showcase their unique sound, followed by the exciting folk rock group Taran.

Heavy rock favourites Mattoidz will then take to the stage, ahead of Mali Haf’s lively set. As evening falls, Meinir Gwilym and her band will entertain the crowds, before fan-favourites Gwilym return by popular demand. The night will close with a headline performance by Yws Gwynedd and his band.

Meanwhile, Y Frenni Fawr Stage will run from 1:35pm to 7:10pm. Highlights will include the first appearance of Côr Rocesi’r Fro, led by Einir Dafydd, and a set by Llandjango bringing a taste of Django Reinhardt’s musical style. Danny Sioned, winner of the individual prize at the Ail Symudiad Awards, will perform, followed by 70s rock favourites from Cleif Harpwood. Contemporary band Lavant, who have developed a strong following over the past year, will inspire audiences before popular psychedelic group Pysen Melyn bring the stage to a close.

This year’s festival will also feature an expanded kids’ area, a variety of local food stalls, and a licensed bar run by Crymych Rugby Club.

STEAM enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see a legendary locomotive in Pembrokeshire this weekend as the iconic LMS Black Five 45212 arrives as part of The Railway Touring Company’s “The Great Britain XVII” rail tour.

Pembrokeshire is one of the highlights of the nine-day steam adventure, which sees passengers travel across Britain aboard some of the country’s most celebrated surviving locomotives. Tickets for the full experience, including seating, onboard dining, and hotel accommodation, cost up to £4,500.

The LMS Black Five – fully titled LMS Stanier Class Black 5 45212 – was built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle. Designed by Sir William Stanier, the Black Fives were known as the “maid of all work” class, thanks to their versatility handling both passenger and freight duties.

Only 18 of the original 842 Black Five locomotives survive today, and 45212 remains one of the few certified for mainline operation. It even appeared in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, starring Kenneth Branagh.

The steam engine will travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Pembrokeshire on Sunday, April 27. Part of the journey will be diesel-hauled, but the stretch from Pembroke Dock to Whitland will be pure steam, departing Pembroke Dock at 2:06pm, stopping at Tenby at 2:33pm, and reaching Whitland by 3:00pm.

After a diesel leg to Fishguard Harbour, where it arrives at 4:01pm, the locomotive takes over again for a fully steam-powered run back towards Cardiff Central, passing Clarbeston Road at 4:31pm, Haverfordwest at 4:42pm, and arriving at Milford Haven around 6:04pm.

The tour, which departs London Victoria on Saturday, April 26, is The Railway Touring Company’s flagship event. Now in its 17th year, “The Great Britain” tour is regarded as one of the most ambitious steam journeys in the UK, covering over 2,000 miles of scenic railway.

Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said: “The highlight of day two will be the spectacular scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park as we travel to Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and Milford Haven. Leaving Fishguard Harbour, our historic engine will face a 1 in 50 gradient – meaning passengers are guaranteed a memorable climb!”

More information about the tour and other steam-hauled adventures can be found at www.railwaytouring.net.

BALLET Cymru returns to the Torch Theatre this June with a powerful and emotionally charged new production of Giselle — a ghost-filled tale of love, betrayal and heartbreak.

This innovative interpretation of the classic ballet reimagines the story through a distinctly Welsh lens, telling the tragic story of Giselle, a young girl who falls deeply in love, only to die from a broken heart.

Featuring Adolphe Adam’s haunting original score, the production showcases inventive choreography by Darius James OBE and Amy Doughty, along with striking costumes and immersive video projection that elevate the performance into a visual and emotional spectacle.

Ballet Cymru, an award-winning international touring company based in Wales, is known for pushing the boundaries of classical ballet through its commitment to inclusion, creativity, and collaboration.

“The Torch Theatre enjoys welcoming Ballet Cymru to its stage, and their continued success shows how popular they are in this area. We’re looking forward to being enchanted by this bold new production,” said Anwen Francis from the marketing team.

Giselle will be performed at the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, on Wednesday 4 June at 7:00pm. Tickets are £19 / £18 concessions, with under 8s just £11. For more information or to book, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.