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Entertainment

Milford Haven to host inaugural Festival of the Sea

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Free weekend-long event promises marine-themed celebrations on March 8-9

MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up to make waves with the first-ever Festival of the Sea, a two-day celebration dedicated to the rich marine life, heritage, and conservation efforts surrounding Pembrokeshire’s coastline. Set to take place on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9, the festival will offer a diverse programme of activities, exhibitions, and interactive experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The event, organised by Y Môr a Ni, aims to highlight the importance of the ocean in everyday life and promote greater understanding of marine conservation. With a mix of artistic, educational, and adventurous activities, the festival will provide a platform for local creatives, marine experts, and environmental advocates to share their passion for the sea.

A weekend of ocean exploration

The festival’s activities will be spread across multiple venues, including Milford Waterfront, Mackerel Quay, and the Torch Theatre, ensuring a variety of engaging experiences throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, March 8, Milford Waterfront will be transformed into an ocean-inspired hub of creativity from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Attendees can enjoy marine-themed art workshops at the Waterfront Gallery, hosted by local artists Dawn Steward and Janet Taylor, offering hands-on sessions for visitors to explore their creativity through sea-inspired artworks.

Meanwhile, the Link Building will house a fascinating exhibition space featuring displays on ocean literacy, renewable energy, marine biodiversity, and seagrass conservation. Marine specialists from organisations such as Câr y Môr will provide insight into the benefits of seaweed and its role in sustainable industries.

Outdoor activities on Mackerel Quay will showcase the practical side of marine conservation and exploration, with organisations including the Royal Navy, RNLI, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offering interactive displays. Visitors will have the chance to see real-life diving gear up close, learn about marine safety, and even try out specially adapted beach wheelchairs designed for accessibility.

To make the event more accessible, organisers have arranged free parking throughout the festival, with no need for advance booking to participate in any of the activities.

Talks, exhibitions, and marine conservation at the Torch Theatre

On Sunday, March 9, the festival will continue at the Torch Theatre, where a series of engaging talks, interactive exhibits, and workshops will take place, focusing on nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.

A highlight of the day will be Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s ‘Living Coast’ event, which will bring together local marine conservationists and community champions to discuss initiatives aimed at preserving Pembrokeshire’s coastal habitats. From panel discussions to hands-on workshops, attendees will have the chance to deepen their understanding of marine sustainability and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Exclusive accommodation offer for festival visitors

To encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festival experience, the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is offering a special accommodation package for festival-goers. Guests can enjoy a bed-and-breakfast stay from £110 per room per night (based on two sharing), while family rooms for four people are available at £153 per night, including breakfast.

For further details or to book accommodation, visitors can check Tŷ Hotels.

A celebration of the sea for all

With an exciting mix of educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and inspiring discussions, the Festival of the Sea promises to be an unmissable event for anyone with a love for the ocean. Whether it’s learning about marine conservation, exploring artistic interpretations of the sea, or engaging with experts in marine science and sustainability, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information about the festival, including full schedules and updates, visit Milford Waterfront’s official event page.

 

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

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FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

 

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Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

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FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

 

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Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

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A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

 

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