Entertainment
Part of Folly Farm to close for major renovation
Part of Pembrokeshire’s award-winning Folly Farm will close from today, Monday, September 8, as the popular attraction undergoes a significant refurbishment.
The focus of the renovation is the park’s much-loved castle play area, which has been a favourite for more than two decades. Generations of children have climbed, explored, and let their imaginations run wild within its walls. Now, after 20 years of service, the old play area is being retired to make way for a modern, knight-themed castle, complete with a striking red Welsh dragon designed for sliding, spinning, and balancing.
“This popular play attraction has been at the park for over 20 years and has come to the end of its lifespan,” said a Folly Farm spokesperson. “We’re excited to start work on a new and improved adventure play area for you to explore.”
This refurbishment follows the successful first phase of the playground upgrade, which began last October with the opening of the Pirate Island adventure play area. Since then, young pirates have been enjoying the new features, which include wet-pour rubber surfaces, wheelchair-accessible ramps, a companion slide, and low-level interactive play elements. Folly Farm says these improvements have greatly enhanced play value for children, and promises the castle upgrade will deliver the same.

The new castle play area is being designed by Cardiganshire-based Adventure Playgrounds Wales, who have incorporated two decades of advancements in playground design and equipment. Red Lynch Leisure, a leading provider of specialist surfacing and play equipment, will install the new play area using high-quality Scandinavian hardwood and Lappset equipment, ensuring it provides years of safe, engaging fun.
“Using local suppliers to install a more sustainable play area in line with our goals to offer more accessible elements along with a greater play value is key to ensuring we build a new and improved castle for the enjoyment of our young guests,” said Folly Farm managing director Chris Ebsworth.
While the castle play area is closed for the refurbishment, Black Bart’s Pirate Cove, Pirate Island, and all other adventure play zones will remain open as normal.
“Keep checking our social channels for the latest news and updates on this newest investment,” Folly Farm added. “We promise to keep you posted on opening dates so you can come and play pirates again.”
Entertainment
Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire
Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release
FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.
The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.
Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary
Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.
Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.
Local interest and economic boost
The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.
The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.
Entertainment
Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas
Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun
CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.
The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.
Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!
Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.
With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.
Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.

Entertainment
Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto
CAREW CASTLE and Tidal Mill has launched its annual Christmas spectacular, with the first night of Glow transforming the historic fortress into a shimmering winter wonderland.
The medieval walls are now bathed in colour, with vivid light displays bringing new life to one of Pembrokeshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors on opening night were greeted by glowing ramparts, candlelit walkways and festive scenes created inside the castle rooms, including a decorated Christmas tree, a stained-glass style installation and a traditional medieval feast display.




Glow runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm until 14 December, offering families the chance to explore the castle after dark in a way that is rarely possible. The illuminated trail has become one of the county’s most popular seasonal attractions, drawing visitors from across West Wales.
A major highlight for younger visitors arrives this weekend, as Santa sets up his magical grotto inside the castle walls. Children can meet Father Christmas every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm until 14 December, with each child receiving a gift. Organisers say booking is essential, with limited spaces available.
Carew Castle’s team said they have worked for weeks to prepare the site for the festive season, aiming to create a magical experience for families and returning visitors. Early reactions from guests at the launch night suggest the event could be one of the strongest yet.
Tickets for both Glow and Santa’s Grotto can be booked via events.pembrokeshirecoast.wales.
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