Entertainment

The Great British Musical – A series of talks with West End musical director Ian McMillan

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

MUSIC lovers and theatre enthusiasts in Pembrokeshire are in for a treat as renowned West End Musical Director Ian McMillan presents The Great British Musical!, a series of eight musically illustrated talks. Hosted at the piano, McMillan will guide audiences through the rich history of British musicals at Ty’r Pererin Education & Pilgrimage Centre, St Davids (SA62 6PD), with free parking available at Quickwell Hill Car Park.

The talks will take place on Thursday afternoons from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, running throughout February and March, excluding February 27th. Each session will explore the evolution of British musical theatre, from the early classics to contemporary hits.

An Acclaimed West End Conductor

Ian McMillan’s distinguished career includes conducting legendary productions such as Oliver! at the London Palladium, Charlie Girl at the Victoria Palace, and Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre. He made his West End conducting debut at just 24 years old, stepping in to lead Singin’ in the Rain at the London Palladium, starring Tommy Steele and Roy Castle. He later coached Hollywood dance legend Cyd Charisse to sing for the first time in her career, preparing her for her role alongside Paul Nicholas and Dora Bryan in Charlie Girl—a production that was also featured on the BBC Royal Variety Show.

A Musical Journey Through British Theatre

McMillan’s engaging presentations will showcase some of the most celebrated British musicals, including:

Merrie England, The Arcadians, Chu Chin Chow, The Maid of the Mountains
The musicals of Ivor Novello and Noel Coward
Me & My Girl, The Boy Friend, Salad Days, Bless the Bride, Oliver!, Pickwick, Half a Sixpence
The iconic works of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Audiences will gain unique insights into these productions, their composers, and the historical context that shaped their success.

A Speaker with International Experience

Ian McMillan has delivered captivating lectures on The QE2, at Cambridge University, The London College of Music, for the WI, and the University of the Third Age (U3A). His deep knowledge and engaging storytelling style promise to make these sessions both informative and entertaining.

All Welcome – Affordable Admission

Everyone is invited to attend these insightful and enjoyable talks. Admission is just £5 cash at the door, which includes a refreshing interval cuppa.

To register interest in attending one or more of these sessions, email [email protected]. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the magic of British musical theatre with one of the country’s most experienced and respected musical directors!

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

19 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

2 days ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PREHISTORIC FUN COMES TO MILFORD HAVEN

DINOSAURS will be roaming Milford Waterfront later this month as Dinomania brings a day of prehistoric entertainment to the town.

The popular dinosaur attraction will take over the waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three interactive shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

Each show will last around 50 minutes and promises plenty of audience participation, prehistoric facts, and family-friendly fun.

Before the ticketed shows begin, visitors are being encouraged to keep an eye out around Milford Waterfront, where Dinomania’s dinosaurs will be out and about during a free walkabout performance between 10:30am and 11:30am.

The walkabout will give families the chance to see the dinosaurs up close and enjoy some entertainment around the waterfront before the main shows get underway.

Milford Waterfront said: “Dinomania will be taking over Milford Waterfront on Wednesday, May 27, with three exciting shows taking place throughout the afternoon.

“Each show lasts approximately 50 minutes and is packed with interactive moments and prehistoric fun.”

Tickets can be booked through the Milford Waterfront website.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

2 days ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.