Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Entertainment

Local author’s ‘beautiful rebellion’ wins acclaim as Skrimsli launches in paperback

Published

on

A beloved tiger sea captain returns in an epic tale of resistance, nature, and courage from award-winning local writer Nicola Davies

A YOUNG adult eco-fantasy written by Pembrokeshire-based author Nicola Davies is set for paperback release this July, after scooping multiple major literary nominations and being named Wales Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Skrimsli, described by its author as an “act of beautiful rebellion”, traces the early life of the tiger sea captain who first captured readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. With its themes of loyalty, identity, friendship, and the fight for a better world, Skrimsli has already been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing and nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Speaking ahead of the paperback release on July 3, Davies said: “I turned to writing fantasy fiction because non-fiction didn’t allow me to say the things about what’s wrong with the world that I wanted to. Skrimsli lets me shine a light on the roots of our environmental crisis, deep in colonialism and capitalism. But it’s also an exciting adventure that encourages children to think, imagine, and maybe even start rebellions of their own – through art, music, or storytelling.”

The tale follows Skrimsli and his companions Owl and Kal as they escape a cruel circus master, try to halt a war, and attempt to save an ancient forest. Along the way, they are helped by a desert princess and her eagle, a chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a golden-hearted horse, and the crew of a very unusual ship.

Publisher Penny Thomas praised the book’s unique vision: “Nicola’s imaginative grasp on how humans and animals might communicate makes for powerful storytelling. I’m so glad Skrimsli gets to tell his own story in this thrilling prequel.”

With internal illustrations by renowned artist Jackie Morris and a striking new cover by Jane Matthews, Skrimsli promises to inspire a new generation of readers. Davies, a former presenter of The Really Wild Show, has written more than eighty books and now lives and writes from her home in west Wales

Skrimsli is published by Firefly Press, which recently won the Wales Small Press of the Year Award for the fourth time

 

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Dinosaurs set to take over Milford Waterfront

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

on

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.

 

Continue Reading

News16 hours ago

Plaid Cymru projected to lead Senedd as Labour faces historic collapse

Final poll suggests Welsh politics could be on the brink of a major realignment PLAID CYMRU is on course to...

Community23 hours ago

Rescue bid planned for lambs stranded below Stack Rocks cliffs

Tree surgeon preparing 150ft descent after live firing delayed rescue attempt A MAJOR rescue operation is being planned this afternoon...

News1 day ago

Bishop’s report reveals major renewal challenge at St Davids Cathedral

Formal Visitation highlights financial, structural, leadership and spiritual pressures at one of Wales’ most important religious sites ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL...

Crime2 days ago

Farming company fined £19,000 for damaging protected wildlife site

A CARDIGAN farming company has been ordered to pay almost £20,000 after recklessly damaging a Site of Special Scientific Interest....

News2 days ago

Baby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency

Teenagers arrested as police investigate circumstances A BABY remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being taken...

Community3 days ago

Tenby phone signal crisis goes national as businesses warn of summer disruption

TRADERS SAY CARD PAYMENTS, TAXIS AND VISITOR SAFETY ARE BEING HIT BY ‘DEAD ZONE’ COVERAGE TENBY’S long-running mobile phone signal...

News3 days ago

Final poll puts Plaid and Reform level ahead of Senedd vote

Labour faces historic setback as new modelling points to a hung Senedd PLAID CYMRU and Reform UK are projected to...

News4 days ago

West Wales coracle fishermen raise alarm over suspected sewage pollution

A CENTURIES-old fishing tradition on the River Towy could be under threat after coracle fishermen reported suspected sewage pollution entering...

Community5 days ago

Scooter rally brings colour and nostalgia to Tenby

TENBY is buzzing with the sights and sounds of classic scooters this Bank Holiday weekend as the Welsh National Scooter...

Entertainment5 days ago

Haverfoodfest returns to Haverfordwest town centre today

HAVERFORDWEST town centre is expected to be busy today as Haverfoodfest 2026 returns for a full day of food, drink,...

Popular This Week