Entertainment

Blue Lagoon to open to the public for one day only as charity fundraiser

Published

8 months ago

July 13, 2024

A POPULAR leisure venue will be open to locals this summer with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for local charities.

The Blue Lagoon at Bluestone National Park Resort will throw its doors open to the public on August 27.

Six hundred tickets will be available for the local community to enjoy the tropical water park.

All ticket sales go to local charitable causes, with 75 per cent of funds going to a local charitable organisation and 25 per cent through the Bluestone Foundation.

On Tuesday, August 27, Paul Sartori Hospice at Home and Team Cruising Free will benefit from the fundraising created through ticket sales.

Paul Sartori provides end of life care and support at home for Pembrokeshire patients. Team Cruising Free will row the Atlantic in 2025, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Paul Sartori.

The Bluestone Foundation, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort has generated funding totalling £17,500 for west Wales communities from its latest round of events and funding.

It has supported local groups with more than £250,000 since it was launched in 2010.

The Bluestone Foundation offers two avenues of support: the community events and the community fund. The community events at the Blue Lagoon raise funds and awareness for local charities.

This year, the foundation has already hosted events for Get the Boys a Lift and VC Gallery. As well as the August event, there will also be an event in October for Sammy Sized Gap, a local charity supporting young people with mental health issues.

“We are thrilled to see the positive impact our community events have on local organisations,” said Marten Lewis at the Bluestone Foundation. “The Blue Lagoon provides a unique and enjoyable setting for fundraising, and we are grateful for the community’s support.”

The community fund, which runs in three rounds this year, provides financial assistance to projects focused on economic, social, and environmental initiatives. The foundation recently allocated approximately £7,500 to three projects in its first round of funding and is currently reviewing applications for its second round which closes in July. A third round of funding will close on 17 October.

Among those to have benefited in the first round are the South Ridgeway Community Association in Manorbier to help develop a community garden and allotments; The Tenby Project, to support weekly sessions with a trained nutritionist on healthy eating for adults with learning difficulties; and Transition Bro Gwaun in Fishguard, to host community energy engagement events.

Tickets for the August event can be purchased at Eventbrite For more information about the Bluestone Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.pavs.org.uk/apply-for-funds.

Entertainment

Loud cheers for Torch Theatre youth members

Published

6 days ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

“I THINK this was one of, if not my favourite theatre performance at the Torch and I fully want to see this crew perform more like this in future.” That was the verdict of Riley, one of the Torch Theatre’s junior reviewers, after watching Ravers.

Presented as part of the National Theatre Connections programme, the production saw Pembrokeshire’s young performers take to the stage for three shows, each met with a standing ovation.

The light-hearted new play, written by Rikki Beadle-Blair, was part of the Torch Youth Theatre’s spring production. It invited audiences to see the world through the eyes of awkward teenagers, as a group of so-called “Neeks” (Nerds and Geeks) organised a rave at the Torch Theatre. Following months of rehearsals and plenty of fun along the way, the near sell-out performances were well supported by parents and the local community.

Tim Howe, director of the production and Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch, said: “We are incredibly proud of our young people. The performances were very well supported, and the young people were just brilliant, totally brilliant. It was all about teamwork, wellbeing, and making friends, and we can’t wait to show off just how incredible they are in Aberystwyth when we tour the show.”

One young actor described Ravers as “loud but good, enjoyable and expressive.” Another added: “The Torch is always introducing us to new skills to help us in the performing arts industry, whilst also being a comfort place where we can laugh and get to know each other.”

The cast has been working hard on Ravers since September and will perform at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday, April 12.

Meanwhile, the Torch Theatre is now preparing for its Summer Youth Theatre term, which will culminate in a full youth theatre production of The Bangers and Chips Explosion. The programme, open to young people aged seven to 18, offers weekly skill-building sessions aimed at developing confidence, teamwork, and creativity.

Tim added: “During our summer term, every child gets the chance to take part in our flagship main house production. This year, we are incredibly pleased to be presenting a rip-roaring comedy about school pupils who go on strike because the dinner lady won’t cook them chips… with explosive results! Our sessions aren’t just about acting and theatre; we ensure our young people learn social skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. Most importantly, they have fun and make new friends.”

The Torch Theatre is seeking sponsors to support its youth programme. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch.

“We’d love to hear from you and see how your support can help develop the next generation,” Tim said.

The Summer Youth Theatre term starts on Tuesday, April 29.

Entertainment

Milford Haven set to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in June

Published

1 week ago

March 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Annual Event Promises Community Fun and Festivities on June 8

MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.

Event highlights:

Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides, face painting, and small rides.
Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, pop-up shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.
Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.

How to get involved:

Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.
Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.

For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at [email protected].

The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.

***Mayor and Consort at last year’s event (Image: Herald)***

Entertainment

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

Published

1 week ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.

The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”

Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”

Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ