Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire jockey takes centre stage in ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop

Published

on

A Pembrokeshire jockey is set to feature prominently in an upcoming ITV sports documentary, which delves into the high-pressure world of jump racing.

Amroth’s Lorcan Williams has earned a reputation as one of the most talented riders of his generation, boasting three Cheltenham Festival victories. Originally a promising rugby player on the verge of a professional career with the Scarlets, Lorcan switched paths to follow his passion for horse racing. Since then, he has become known for his tactical acumen, composure under pressure, and ability to deliver on the sport’s grandest stages.

Among his early Festival triumphs were wins aboard Porlock Bay in the 2021 Hunters’ Chase and in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle. However, it was this year’s Champion Hurdle that cemented his place in racing history.

Riding Golden Ace, a 25–1 outsider from a small Somerset yard, Williams faced off against unbeaten superstar Constitution Hill and reigning champion State Man. In a dramatic twist, both favourites fell during the race, allowing Lorcan to deliver a composed, masterful ride to seize victory—a performance widely hailed as one of the most memorable in recent Cheltenham history.

His remarkable triumph on Golden Ace features prominently in the Champion Hurdle episode of the second series of Champions: Full Gallop, which premieres on Friday 17 October at 10.45pm on ITV1. The episode frames Lorcan’s story as that of a seasoned jockey rising to the occasion on racing’s biggest stage, producing a career-defining moment under immense pressure. It also offers viewers a rare insight into the meticulous preparation, strategy, and precision required to win at Cheltenham.

The second season of Champions: Full Gallop provides unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the 2024/25 jumps season. It follows some of the sport’s biggest names, including Harry Cobden, Nico de Boinville, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton, and Irish star Paul Townend, as they compete for the inaugural David Power Jockey Cup and a £500,000 prize fund.

Top trainers, including Dan Skelton, Paul Nicholls, and Willie Mullins, are also caught up in a fierce title race. The series captures the relentless pressure of life in the weighing room and the drama of the top yards, highlighting the highs and lows of professional jump racing. Key events featured include The King George at Kempton, The Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, and The Grand National at Aintree.

 

Entertainment

Summer Feastival to bring food, music and family fun to Pembrey

Published

on

A WEEKEND of street food, live music, circus entertainment and family activities is heading to Pembrey Country Park this month.

Summer Feastival, organised by Street Food Circus, will take place from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, bringing what organisers describe as the “ultimate coastal foodie weekend” to Carmarthenshire.

The event will be held over the summer solstice weekend, with visitors able to enjoy food, entertainment and activities against the backdrop of Pembrey Country Park and the nearby eight-mile beach.

This year’s event includes a new BBC Horizons live music stage, created through a partnership with BBC Wales, showcasing emerging bands and artists from across Wales.

Families will also be able to enjoy the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle, Attack! Mexican Wrestling, Chris Bullzini’s high wire show, the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus, a free circus school, craft activities with Let’s Make Art, crazy golf from Kiss My Putt, and Bull Axe Throwing.

There will also be an Indie Collectives market featuring Welsh independent makers and crafts, along with a Big Top Picnic celebrating local food producers.

As evening falls, the event will move into a more relaxed festival atmosphere, with live music, slower beats and a fire finale from the Pembrokeshire Fire Spinners.

Food will be at the heart of the weekend, with traders including The Dough Thrower, serving 72-hour fermented wood-fired pizzas, Pasta a Mano with handmade pasta from West Wales, Mar y Fuego with seafood cooked over fire, and Mabiko with Zimbabwean and South African dishes.

Other traders include The Queen Pepiada, TNT Tacos, Two Lads Kitchen, Burger Bros, Paletas, Poutine Punks, Churros Hermanos, Drizzle and The Coffee Shop.

Drinks will be provided by Tiny Rebel, SFC’s Bobo bar, Lola’s Cocktails and The Lemonade Stand.

Street Food Circus founder Matt ‘the Hat’ said: “Pembrey Country Park is our biggest event of the season, and it’s a truly spectacular location.

“We’re bringing the best of Welsh street food and a circus-full of entertainment and activities for kids and big kids alike.

“With an on-site campsite, people don’t have to rush home. You can have a beach stroll in the morning, explore the Feastival and park adventures like the toboggan, miniature railway or dry ski slope by day, and let the music drift you into a warm summer evening. It’s the ultimate summer escape.

“This year we are going all out with more food, more music, and a brand-new live stage.”

He said the event will also include the new Little Kooks Clwb, aimed at children who enjoy food-based activities.

Kids’ tickets are free, while an optional Little Kooks Clwb package includes an activity backpack with challenges, ideas and foodie inspiration to take home.

Summer Feastival runs at Pembrey Country Park from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21.

Opening hours are Friday 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 10:00pm, and Sunday 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Tickets start at £9.50, with children admitted free. More information is available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

BBC Cymru Wales launches new fund for YouTube-first content

Published

on

BBC Cymru Wales has launched a new development fund aimed at creating bold, original factual entertainment content for younger digital audiences.

The Format Fund will support five independent production companies, with each receiving £7,000 to develop an original pilot designed specifically for YouTube-first viewers aged 16 to 24.

The initiative is intended to encourage creative risk-taking and explore what the next generation of factual entertainment could look like in a digital-first media landscape.

BBC Cymru Wales says it is looking for ideas that move away from traditional television production models and instead embrace YouTube-native storytelling, with clear concepts, strong pacing, repeatable formats and striking visuals that quickly capture attention.

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales said: “As part of a busy summer of piloting and commissioning YouTube content of all shapes and sizes across scripted and unscripted we’re delighted to be heading into this super fun genre.

“We’d love to be in a world where we can scale up these fact-ent pilots into something for the whole of the BBC to enjoy – wishing everyone all the best as they get stuck into it.”

Successful ideas could be developed further with BBC Cymru Wales, with the potential to become returning digital series.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, July 3.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Duffy set for secret comeback gig after 15 years away from UK stage

Published

on

WELSH singer Duffy is set to make her live UK comeback with a secret London show, more than 15 years after her last concert appearance in Britain.

The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Aimee Anne Duffy, revealed the news to fans in an Instagram story, confirming that the intimate performance will take place on July 5.

Duffy wrote: “I’m doing a secret intimate gig in London on the 5th July, next month, and I would love nothing more than for some of you to attend.

“It’s only small capacity so we can only select a few, but really looking forward to it, I will sing some new songs.

“All my love, Duffy x.”

The performance will include new material and marks her first UK live show since December 2010, when she appeared at Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball at the O2 Arena in London.

Duffy became one of Wales’ biggest music stars following the release of her debut album Rockferry, which was powered by the hit single Mercy. The song topped the UK charts for five weeks and helped establish her internationally.

Her second album, Endlessly, followed in 2010, but she later withdrew from public life.

Years later, Duffy revealed that she had been drugged, raped and held captive, explaining her long absence from the music industry.

Her return to the stage comes shortly after confirmation that she will feature in a new Disney+ documentary, which will explore her rise to fame, her life in Wales, her career, and the traumatic events that led to her stepping away from the spotlight.

Duffy also has strong links to Pembrokeshire. After her parents divorced, she moved with her mother and two sisters to Letterston, near Fishguard.

She later attended Sir Thomas Picton School in Haverfordwest, where she completed her GCSEs before returning to North Wales to live with her father.

 

Continue Reading

Community9 hours ago

Beating of the Bounds brings music, boats and tradition to Haverfordwest

CENTURIES-OLD CEREMONY DRAWS FAMILIES TO THE RIVERSIDE HAVERFORDWEST’S historic Beating of the Bounds returned on Sunday (Jun 14), with boats,...

Community17 hours ago

Milford Haven School pupil praised after stepping in during real-life emergency

A YEAR 11 pupil at Milford Haven School has been praised after putting his first aid training into action to...

Community20 hours ago

River festival brings crowds to Haverfordwest

A CELEBRATION of the River Cleddau brought crowds into Haverfordwest on Saturday (June 13) as the town’s River Festival returned...

Charity20 hours ago

Voices at the Castle hailed as unforgettable night after weather setback

Russell Watson headlines spectacular charity concert at Pembroke Castle A SPECTACULAR evening of live music at Pembroke Castle has been...

Local Government2 days ago

Council admits 74 rights of way complaints remain unresolved

Key post vacant since February as walker raises safety concerns over paths near Llanteg and Amroth PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has...

Education3 days ago

Diocese threatens legal action as Manorbier school closure battle intensifies

Church says council could face judicial review over fire-hit school A BITTER row over the future of Manorbier Church in...

Health3 days ago

Baby loss charity calls for urgent action after latest Wales figures published

Sands says Welsh Government must set clearer targets to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths A BABY loss charity has called...

Health3 days ago

Cancer delays worsening as west Wales hospitals struggle to recruit specialists

Health board admits standards are difficult to meet as doctors warn of “extremely dangerous” shortages PATIENTS in west Wales are...

News3 days ago

Rhun ap Iorwerth highlights first 25 days in office as First Minister

Plaid Cymru leader says government is moving quickly on NHS, farming and economic priorities FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has...

Crime4 days ago

Man accused of six rapes including alleged Haverfordwest offence

A MAN has been sent to Crown Court accused of six rapes, including an alleged offence at a Haverfordwest campsite....

Popular This Week