Entertainment

Milford Haven industrial estate live events venue plans backed by councillors

Published

5 months ago

July 28, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CHANGE of use for a Milford Haven business unit to a live events venue has been approved, planners hearing the applicant had “jumped the gun” by previously operating it without permission. However the management have always said, and the council had confirmed, they did not need planning permission to run under a temporary events notice.

In an application recommended for conditional approval at the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Steve Bartrum sought retrospective permission for a change of use for Units 4 and 6, Maritime House, Thornton Industrial Estate from a business unit to weekend leisure hall use, along with dedicated parking, ecological and noise mitigation enhancements.

A report for planners stated: “Whilst the agent has indicated a D2 [leisure hall] use the venue will host live bands, DJs, Bingo, boxing matches, live screenings for live sporting events, such as boxing and rugby and dance music events, the nature of some of the events are not considered to fall within a D2 Use Class and would be Sui generis (no specified class).”

It said the application had been amended since its initial submission for up to 25 events per year operating as late as midnight, with five special cases to 2am, along with exceptions around the Christmas/New Year period.

The report said the council’s planning enforcement team has an open investigation owing to the unauthorised material change in use of the premises; an enforcement notice was served on April 25 on the grounds that it was considered the unregulated use of the building as an events venue has a significant detrimental impact on local amenity in terms of noise and disturbance.

A third-party representation was received in objection to the application, raising concern at the negative impact that noise nuisance has had, and will have, upon the lives of their family who neighbouring residents.

Following liaison with the council’s Pollution Control Team, the applicant and their acoustic consultant have agreed structural noise mitigations “which can be implemented and a robust management plan for the control of patrons in and around the premises during events to ensure that noise is controlled so as not to adversely impact upon the local amenity,” the report said.

Speaking at the July meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harris said: “When we look at our business parks, I think their uses have changed over the years; we have a case of a building built after the Second World War looking a bit tired, after all these years.”

He added: “My client, quite a successful builder, saw there was a market for this sort of leisure use; he did jump the gun, he did start operating without planning, he’s learned from that exercise.”

Mr Vaughan-Harris, who cited a letter of support for the amended plans from local county councillor Alan Dennison, said the applicant was “going to reuse an empty building and create some jobs,” adding a related licensing application was currently ongoing.

Approval was moved by Cllr Brian Hall, with fellow supporter Cllr Mark Carter saying: “No-one wants to see empty buildings in any town; I think we’re having to think outside the box; it’s possibly a good use for this building, in my mind it could be alright.”

The conditional approval was backed by the committee, members hearing the licensing application was likely to be heard in August.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE UNEARTHED FESTICAL is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style, with headline performances from Macka B, Natty, and Ozric Tentacles.

Adding to the excitement, Marcus Gad is anticipated to join the lineup, though this awaits final confirmation, as stated in a recent newsletter to the festival’s mailing list.

The much-loved festival, renowned for its vibrant blend of music and arts, is gearing up for its milestone year. Organisers are urging festival-goers to secure their spots early, as campervan spaces, dog passes, and parking permits are in limited supply.

Early bird tickets for Unearthed 2025 sold out in record time, a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity among its dedicated fan base.

In a statement to attendees, the festival team said: “These epic artists are Unearthed icons, and as it’s our 10th anniversary festival, we couldn’t imagine celebrating without them.”

To mark the occasion, a redesigned festival website was unveiled last Friday, alongside the opening of applications for performers, volunteers, traders, and other contributors. The team encourages prompt submissions to ensure a chance to participate in this landmark event.

Adding to the festive spirit, organisers have also extended an invitation to their New Year’s Eve party—a warm-up to the main event next summer.

The Unearthed Festival has built a reputation over the past decade for delivering a unique community experience, blending diverse music, art, and culture in a way that resonates deeply with attendees.

As part of the broader summer festival scene, Unearthed continues to stand out as a celebration of creativity and connection, promising another unforgettable year in 2025.

Entertainment

Does Deal or No Deal need to attract more Welsh players?

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Staff Writer

With ITV’s reboot of Deal or No Deal now in full swing, fans have noticed that some of the most exciting moments have involved Welsh contestants. With viewers highlighting the charm and entertainment value of Welsh players, we’ve discussed why the hit game show could benefit from getting more locals involved.

The popularity of Deal or No Deal

The initial run of the UK’s Deal or No Deal was broadcast on Channel 4 between 2005 and 2016 before quietly being axed. In 2023, a new revival returned to ITV with a slightly altered format. With viewers flocking to the series in droves, the broadcaster was quick to renew the show for another season this year.

As the game is entirely luck-based, it has made it a great source of inspiration for online gambling games. This includes multiple online slots and even live dealer game shows with Deal or No Deal branding. These are featured at several quality sites that offer UK casino bonuses to new players in Wales, including 888Casino. Until the Welsh get more representation on the show, this is one of the best ways for players to experience being a contestant.

Welshman centre of memorable episode

During the early weeks of the series’ revival in 2023, an episode featuring Portsmouth-based Welsh player Simon inspired a passionate response from viewers after he played a comically bad game. Simon was adamant that his case contained £100,000, only to watch his chances at fortune slowly dwindle.

His confidence ultimately saw him make poor decisions after poor decisions, turning down strong offers and even inspiring viewers to back the Banker in frustration. The game culminated with Simon opening his case to win 10p. Despite his poor efforts, the episode generated widespread online conversations, leading us to believe that more Welsh players deserve a go at the jackpot.

The case for more Welsh players

After Simon’s disastrous performance, it seems fair that another Welsh player is invited along to do their country proud. In the final episode of the series’ ITV broadcast in 2023, Welsh player Jamie Foulkes from Cefn Mawr became an audience favourite after displaying the natural charming and quick wit characteristic of our locals.

His gameplay saw him nicknamed “mystic Jamie” for his ability to correctly guess case amounts, and after an extended moment of consideration, accepted a life-changing Banker’s offer of £14,850. This is a considerable amount when considering the top prize in the relaunched edition is £100,000 rather than the previous £250,000 offered.

The revival series is produced in Salford’s Media City complex, making it only a short drive away from residents in Northern Wales. This was one of the reasons that Foulkes applied for the show, so there’s no reason why more Welsh players couldn’t be selected.

Welsh players bring something special

Whether it’s the captivating yet frustrating performance of Simon or the charming run of Jamie Foulkes, Welsh players have already made a splash on the revived series of Deal or No Deal. We hope that the future season will showcase more local players to display our unique charms across the UK.

Entertainment

River-themed lanterns light up Cardigan in spectacular parade

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Cardigan on Monday (Dec 18) for the much-anticipated Giant Lantern Parade, hosted by Small World Theatre. Originally scheduled for Dec 6, the event was postponed due to Storm Darragh but proved to be a dazzling highlight of the festive season in Ceredigion.

The parade, inspired by the River Teifi, received financial support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cynnal y Cardi Community Fund, administered by Ceredigion County Council. The festivities drew crowds from near and far, with Cardigan’s mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, among those in attendance.

Leading the procession were the vibrant beats of Pembrokeshire-based Samba Doc and stunning giant feature lanterns. The parade snaked through the town and down to the quayside, where thousands of spectators enjoyed the spectacle. Larger-than-life lantern creatures crafted by pupils of Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi and pyramid lantern displays created by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi, Ysgol Llechryd, Cardigan youth groups, and the public added to the event’s charm.

This year, Cardigan is also hosting a Festival of Light, offering a series of festive attractions. In addition to the Lantern Parade, Small World Theatre has curated a Light Trail that runs from 4:30pm to 9:00pm daily, showcasing illuminated lanterns on buildings, creative light displays, and artworks throughout the town. Local independent cafes, shops, and galleries have joined in the festive spirit, decorating their windows to welcome visitors until Christmas.

Cllr Clive Davies expressed his excitement about the festivities:
“We’re delighted to have so many brilliant events happening in Cardigan, and the Giant Lantern Parade is exceptional. Congratulations to Small World Theatre and the community.”

Ann Shrobree, Director of Small World Theatre, thanked everyone involved:
“Thanks to everyone who helped—Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant volunteers and first aiders. Samba Doc, fire juggling performers, and so many more came together to create a very special event for all.”

This year’s Lantern Parade has cemented its place as a cherished tradition, lighting up Cardigan and spreading festive joy across the community.