Entertainment

The importance of the horse in Welsh history

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2024

It is estimated that there are over 400 breeds of horses in the world. While many are bred for racing and beauty, some are alive just for their hardiness and ability to work. In Wales, some of the toughest of these were named pit ponies and are a symbol of the industrial heritage of the country. In this article, we discuss the importance of the horse in Pembrokeshire and Welsh history.

The pit pony

From the 18th to the mid-20th century, the pit pony was a staple of Welsh mining. These horses, ponies or mules were used to work underground and have been recorded as being used as far back as 1750. This horse would generally work an eight-hour shift each day. They would haul coal in tubs, living on a diet of hay and any scraps the miners fed them. In some instances, they were even stabled underground.

This horse came from a range of breeds. Welsh horses were the most common, but Shetlands, Devons and Dartmoor breeds were also used. Even larger horses like Cleveland Bays were used in some instances.

Way outside Pembrokeshire, but worth a visit nonetheless, is Sultan the Pit Pony. Resting in Caerphilly, from the ground it seems like a formation of small hillocks. Yet from far away, the Sultan takes shape and is a fantastic earthen sculpture to commemorate the pit ponies.

Ffos Las

Ffos Las racecourse is a fitting tribute to the country’s link between the horse and its industrial heritage. The track was the first National Hunt racecourse built in the United Kingdom for 80 years when it opened in 2009. Previously, it had been the site of an open-cast coal mine, that was left without a purpose once mining there had ceased.

Racing has now become bigger than ever, and Ffos Las is one of the few courses that is based in Wales. Recent developments in communications, such as the ability to watch races through streaming technology, have increased popularity and Ffos Las is thriving. Even the ability to participate in racehorse ownership has been made much easier, due to online syndicates. They allow racehorse ownership for attractive entry prices, providing all the information members need to follow their horses to Ffos Las and beyond. Thus, the industry is in a boom period and Ffos Las is one of many UK courses at the forefront of this.

The horses that built the henge

To the northeast of Pembrokeshire in Eglwyswrw is Carn Goedog. For many, it may look like quite an unremarkable rocky outcrop in the Welsh wilderness. Yet modern methods of analysis have managed to trace it as the place where the materials for the famous Stonehenge were mined. This is believed to have happened around 2500 BC. Weighing two to five tonnes each, it is unlikely these stones would have been moved without the help of Welsh horses.

In the age of petrol and electric transportation, the horse may not play as important a part in the economic structure of the country as it once did. Yet it remains a strong image, a metaphor for Welsh work ethic and spirit. Wherever the Welsh work hard and maintain their identity, the horse will be there to guide them.

Entertainment

Unearthed Festival 2025: Headliners announced for 10th anniversary celebration

Published

19 hours 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

2 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

2 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.