Entertainment
Get ready for the return of ‘Kingdom of the Elves’ at Bluestone this Christmas
BLUESTONE National Park Resort is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of its festive event, Kingdom of the Elves. Making a comeback for the first time since 2019, the magical Christmas experience will run from 4th November to 2nd January, transforming the resort into a winter wonderland with new seasonal experiences for all the family to enjoy.
Guests visiting this year’s Kingdom of the Elves can dive into a range of complimentary activities, including the Jingle Jive, a fun-filled celebration with Christmas characters, festive games, a disco, and singalongs. Little ones can also enjoy Polar Postal, where Santa’s elves will collect their special letters, and Christmas Countdown, a daily celebration with the elves as the big day draws nearer.
Extra activities on offer include Santa’s Lodge, nestled in the trees, and the Elf School Journey, where guests can learn festive skills, uncover Christmas secrets, and graduate with festive joy. The fun can begin with the Elf Breakfast, a lively buffet featuring singing, dancing, and plenty of fun alongside the playful elves who bring the Kingdom of the Elves to life.
Recently voted the third-best resort in the UK and Wales’ top resort by Which?, Bluestone is a five-star self-catering destination spread across 500 acres of the Pembrokeshire countryside. Known for its seasonal makeovers, the resort promises to offer guests of all ages a magical Christmas, calling it the ‘ultimate Christmas experience.’
The festive magic will extend throughout the resort, with elves spreading cheer across the Blue Lagoon water park and the Serendome, the UK’s largest ‘umbrella’ and entertainment hub. Alongside the festive activities, Bluestone’s popular adventure offerings will still be available, and for those seeking a peaceful escape, the award-winning Well Spa will be open throughout the season.
Rebecca Rigby, Operations Director at Bluestone, said: “The Bluestone team is thrilled to welcome Kingdom of the Elves back to the resort. Our ‘Christmasland’ event was hugely successful over the last few years, but Kingdom of the Elves has always held a special place in our guests’ hearts.
“This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make the festival even more magical. With exciting new events and mischievous elves spreading festive cheer from the moment guests arrive, it’s the perfect way for all ages to embrace the Christmas spirit. We can’t wait to turn on the Christmas lights and let everyone experience the magic.”
Last year, the resort added 80 new platinum lodges to its accommodation lineup, each designed to house up to eight guests and offering complimentary access to an electric buggy. Bluestone is looking forward to welcoming even more multi-generational families this festive season with these spacious new lodges.
In addition, Bluestone has enhanced its sustainability efforts with the launch of a new solar farm in September 2024. Set to provide 30 percent of the resort’s annual electricity, it will help power this year’s magical Christmas lights for the first time.
For those looking to book a Kingdom of the Elves stay, a four-night midweek break starts from £360, while a three-night weekend break starts from £495 (based on a two-bedroom lodge, sleeping up to four people).
To find out more or to book your Kingdom of the Elves break, visit: www.bluestonewales.com.
Entertainment
Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire
Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release
FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.
The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.
Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary
Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.
Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.
Local interest and economic boost
The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.
The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.
Entertainment
Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas
Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun
CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.
The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.
Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!
Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.
With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment
Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto
CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.
The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.




Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.
A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.
Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.
Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.
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