Entertainment
History of Welsh music videos charted in new website

WELSH-LANGUAGE television has played a more important part than commercial record labels in the development of Welsh music videos over the past 50 years, say researchers.
As the 24-hour MTV channel made its entrance on to the global stage in the early 1980s, it was the arrival of S4C which helped shape music video making in Wales at the time.
The finding is included in a new website documenting the development of Welsh music videos over a period of more than fifty years, which launches on Welsh Language Music Day (Friday 7 February).
The fideos.cymru website stems from a unique research project led by two lecturers at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies, Dr Greg Bevan and Dr Kate Woodward.
They say the project has highlighted significant differences between the dynamics driving the production of Welsh-language and Anglo-American music videos.
Dr Greg Bevan said: “There is no doubt that the music video has had a fascinating history since the format really took off in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The political, industrial and social landscape of Wales was very different at that time and these contexts are reflected in the videos that were being created.
“One of the main differences that has emerged as part of our research is that Anglo-American videos are produced with the primary aim of selling and promoting mainstream songs as part of a wider marketing drive by the big record companies. That commercial imperative has been less evident in Wales. Here, the need to promote cultural arts in a minority language has been a crucial factor, alongside other anti-establishment, subcultural influences.”
As part of the project, the researchers interviewed some of Wales’s leading artists and producers about their experience of making music videos, including Dafydd Iwan, Cerys Hafana, Geraint Jarman, Eddie Ladd, Rhys Mwyn, and Dafydd Rhys.
Dr Kate Woodward told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We wanted to speak directly to the people who have been involved in making Welsh music videos over the years and share their insights with a wider audience through the website. What we found was that the television industry in Wales – and S4C in particular – was mainly responsible for driving music video production by providing not only a platform for broadcasting content but also the necessary funding, in contrast to the Anglo-American trend where record labels were the main drivers.
“The iconic series Fideo 9 on S4C played a key role in the development of the Welsh music video, producing around four new videos every week when they were on air between 1988 and 1991. Bandit was on air between 2004 and 2011, and Lŵp has been offering a cross-platform stage for Welsh music since 2019. We are also now in a new era where artists are increasingly likely to create their own videos independently and promote them on various social media streams.”
Music Video Fund
In addition to launching the website, it was also announced today that a small fund is available for applications to support the production of two new Welsh music videos.
As Dr Woodward explained: “We are keen for our research project to contribute to the ongoing development of the Welsh music video by supporting current content creation as well as examining and analysing the scene’s historical development.”
The closing date for applications to the music video fund is 16:00 on Friday 28 February 2025 and further details are available online: https://fideos.cymru.
Image: Dr Kate Woodward and Dr Greg Bevan from the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

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
Entertainment
Rich Hall set to bring razor-sharp comedy to Torch Theatre

“CHIN MUSIC” has two meanings. One refers to idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket, aimed at unsettling the batter. Both describe Rich Hall’s comedy—sharp, quick, and intimidating, yet effortlessly off-the-cuff. If you’ve never seen him live, now’s your chance—he’s coming to the Torch Theatre, and he never disappoints. Ever.
A master of stand-up, music, and improvisation, Rich Hall has been a comedy heavyweight for decades. The American comedian first rose to fame in the 1980s as a sketch performer, appearing on shows such as Fridays, Not Necessarily the News, and Saturday Night Live. In the UK, he’s a familiar face on QI, Live at the Apollo, and Have I Got News for You. He’s also a prolific writer, having penned articles for The Guardian and The Sunday Times, as well as starring in his own BBC Radio 4 series, Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown.
“We always love a good night of comedy, full of belly laughs here at the Torch Theatre,” said Jordan Dickin from the venue’s marketing team. “Following a very long winter, a night of comedy is just what’s needed to brush away the cobwebs—and Rich Hall is the man to do just that.”
Rich Hall will take to the stage at the Torch Theatre on Thursday, April 17, at 8:00pm. This will be his only performance in West Wales during his 2025 tour.
Tickets: £18
STRICTLY 14+ (contains strong language and adult content) Book now: www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
Entertainment
DJ Steve Briers on the success of Narberth Outdoor Rock

NARBERTH & WHITLAND ROTARY CLUB, in partnership with Narberth RFC, has successfully organised Narberth Outdoor Rock (NOR) for several years, bringing top-tier entertainment to the region. The annual event, held on the pitch at Narberth Rugby Club, has grown in popularity, production quality, and public awareness.
DJ and compere Steve Briers, a key figure in the event’s success, has seen firsthand how NOR has evolved. Speaking about this year’s festival, he said: “The 2024 event will feature a purpose-built professional stage, along with top-quality lighting and a PA system provided by EPS Events. While it’s an outdoor event, we have a superb 500-seater stand facing the stage, ensuring spectators can enjoy the show even in poor weather. We also provide additional marquees that can accommodate up to 400 people, though we’ve often been fortunate with the weather.”
Briers praised the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, saying: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of this event. I’ve witnessed fantastic performances from both backstage and front-of-house, but most importantly, I’ve seen thousands of happy festival-goers enjoying the music, food, drinks, and hospitality without the commitment of an all-day or weekend event.”
Over the years, NOR has hosted a range of high-quality tribute acts, including Queen, Bon Jovi, Elton John, Bee Gees, Annie Lennox, Shania Twain, and Amy Winehouse, alongside talented local bands such as The Sleeping Dogs, Sorted, and Ella Guru. “It’s great to feature local talent alongside top tribute acts,” Briers said. “They bring something unique to the event and truly complement the whole occasion.”
This year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, will see the return of Queen tribute band ‘Don’t Stop Queen Now’, who last performed at NOR two years ago. They will be supported by rock band ‘4th Street’ and the high-energy ‘Funktion 22 Party Band’.
Gates open at 5:00pm, with three bands performing throughout the night. Briers, as DJ, will keep the energy high between sets with classic rock tracks, announcements, birthday shout-outs, and sponsor mentions. “I love keeping the atmosphere alive—it’s a job I truly relish every year,” he added.
Reflecting on his involvement, Briers said: “Working with Narberth & Whitland Rotary and Narberth RFC on the NOR committee has been a pleasure. We’re already looking ahead to 2026. See you on Saturday, August 16, 2025—and if you’re celebrating anything, let me know for a shout-out!”
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