Entertainment

Are online competitions a popular source of entertainment?

Published

9 months ago

July 30, 2025

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

Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NEW ATTRACTION WILL OPEN AT WEEKENDS BEFORE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

LLYS-Y-FRÂN Lake is set to make a splash this summer with the launch of what is being billed as Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park.

The new attraction, at the popular reservoir and visitor destination near Clarbeston Road, will feature a floating obstacle course with slides, launch towers, blast bags and other inflatable challenges.

Visitors will be able to enjoy one-hour sessions on the water, with safety equipment included in the £25 ticket price.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, which runs Llys-y-frân Lake, completed the acquisition of the aqua park from Aqua Parks Group in March. Work is now under way to inflate and anchor the multi-component course in the lake ahead of its opening.

The aqua park will open at weekends before the start of the six-week school holiday period. It will then operate daily during the school holidays, with the season expected to finish in early September.

James Thompson, Head of Visitor Attractions at Dŵr Cymru, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Aqua Park at Llys-y-frân Lake.

“We look forward to welcoming both holidaymakers and local residents from across West Wales and beyond to experience the Aqua Park.

“This new addition enables visitors to enjoy the water in a safe, fully lifeguarded environment.”

Llys-y-frân Lake, situated north of Haverfordwest in the foothills of the Preseli Mountains, has become one of West Wales’s best-known outdoor attractions.

The site, which includes 350 acres of woodland, grassland and open water, benefited from major investment in 2021 with the opening of a new visitor centre and activity centre. A four-star campsite was added in 2023.

Dŵr Cymru said environmental surveys had been carried out and indicated that the aqua park was unlikely to have a negative impact on local wildlife. The company said measures were being put in place to protect the lake’s habitats and species.

Recent inland bathing water assessments have also confirmed that Llys-y-frân Lake has excellent water quality. Welsh Water said monitoring would continue throughout the summer bathing season.

A community open day will be held at Llys-y-frân Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 17, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, where plans for the aqua park will be on display and staff will be available to answer questions.

The new attraction will add to the existing activities at Llys-y-frân, which include bike hire, walking and cycling trails, mountain bike routes, a pump track, lakeside café and gift shop.

Further updates on opening dates and the full summer timetable will be published on the Llys-y-frân Lake Facebook and Instagram pages.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

2 days 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

3 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.