Entertainment
Are online competitions a popular source of entertainment?
The prize draws and competitions (PDCs) industry has grown rapidly in recent years
ONLINE COMPETITIONS represent various ways for people to win money or other prizes, often through chance alone. The easy entry and growing availability of such competitions have resulted in some individuals becoming dedicated ‘compers’, entering draws and competitions on a daily basis.
What are online competitions?
Online competitions cover a range of different contests found online where participants can win physical prizes or money. These range from simple prize draws determined entirely by chance to skill-based competitions requiring an element of creativity, knowledge, or talent.
Where can you find online competitions?
The one thing all of these competitions have in common is that they are hosted online. But the specific platform from which you participate, and how to do this, can vary a lot. One of the most effective ways to discover legitimate opportunities is through specialist websites like bestcompetitions.com, which curate and list competitions available at the moment. By having a lot of options listed in one place, you can easily compare and find the most suitable competitions for you. Additionally, it can be worth following relevant accounts and hashtags on social media such as Instagram and X to get daily updates on fresh competitions.
When looking for online competitions, it is important to be critical and to stick with legit platforms only. As prize draws and competitions (PDCs) are not regulated under the Gambling Act, it’s not as easy as looking for licensed websites. Instead, you should look for details about the company behind the competition, reviews from users, etc and ensure that you are not asked to submit any sensitive information or a large payment upfront.
How can you win money?
Winning money from online competitions is a mix of luck, strategy, and attention to detail. Most prize draws are based on chance, meaning every valid entry has an equal shot. However, skill-based competitions – where you might have to answer questions or complete another action – reward creativity and effort, often resulting in better odds due to fewer participants.
Some tips to maximise your chances of winning:
- Prioritise skill-based or effort competitions: These typically have fewer entries and higher winning odds than simple prize draws.
- Stay organised: Use a dedicated email account for competition entries to keep track of confirmations and avoid missing notifications.
- Use autofill tools: Browser autofill features speed up form completion, allowing you to enter more competitions quickly.
- Track your entries: Maintain a spreadsheet or list to avoid duplicate entries (which can lead to disqualification) and to monitor deadlines.
- Read the rules: Always check the terms and conditions to ensure your entry meets all requirements.
- Enter regularly: Consistency is key; entering competitions daily or weekly increases your chances over time.
What are compers?
‘Comping’ refers to the systematic practice of entering competitions as a hobby or income-generating activity. Professional ‘compers’ like Lee and Kazzy Minton from Pembrokeshire have demonstrated the earning potential of systematic competition entry, winning nearly £80,000 worth of prizes since 2021 by entering up to 50 competitions daily. Their success story, which includes luxury holidays, cash prizes, and even a £4,000 diamond ring, reflects a broader trend of UK residents turning to online competitions as a supplementary income stream.
Entertainment
Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod
HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.
Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.
She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.
Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.
Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.
Caption:
Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.
Entertainment
Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront
Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community
MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.
The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.
Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.
Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.
The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.
RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.
Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.
Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.
At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.
The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.
A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.
With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.
Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.
Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).
Entertainment
Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs
A HEARTWARMING new Welsh BBC comedy co-written by Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs has started filming in South Wales.
Better Later, a six-part series for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC One Wales, will explore the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship.
The comedy stars Jones and Speirs as two people who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Retired teacher Clive, played by Speirs, is 60, widowed and facing a new chapter in life. Shelley Anne, played by Jones, is a 55-year-old environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce.
The series is being filmed in and around South Wales, including the Brecon Beacons, and is set in the fictional village of Brynfach.
Ruth Jones said: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It’s not that we’re slow writers, it’s just that we’ve been up to other things. It’s fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.”
Steve Speirs said: “Our first time acting together for quite a long time. Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I’m a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.”
Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy and is being made by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.
The series was commissioned by Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The commissioning editors are Emma Lawson and Paul Forde.
Executive producers are Sarah Fraser for Tidy Productions and Josh Cole for BBC Studios Comedy. The producer is Owen Bell and the director is Simon Massey.
Transmission details will be announced in due course.
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