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Entertainment

Festive magic returns to Oriel y Parc

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ORIEL Y PARCO, the St Davids-based National Park Discovery Centre, is preparing to welcome visitors this winter with a sparkling programme of festive events, creative exhibitions and seasonal surprises for all ages.

The North Pole Post Box returns from Friday 22 November to Thursday 19 December, giving children the chance to send their Christmas wishes to Santa. Letters can be posted at the Centre, and families will be able to return three days later to collect a personalised reply from the elves’ workshop. The post box will be open daily throughout the season.

The celebrations continue on Saturday 29 November with the return of the Christmas Craft Market, running from 10am to 3pm. Visitors will be able to browse handmade gifts and seasonal food from local makers, enjoy live music throughout the day, and tuck into festive treats from The Brunch House café. With free entry and parking, the market will be a lively and welcoming start to the Christmas season.

Inside the Centre, three exhibitions will be on display throughout the winter months, offering creativity, reflection and inspiration.

A Pool of Rocks by Rachel Allen (8 November to 6 January) presents a striking collection of handmade silver jewellery, inspired by the textures and treasures of the Pembrokeshire Coast. Rachel’s designs draw on kelp, pebbles and ammonites, using eco-conscious and recycled silver, with sparkling gemstones that reflect the colours of sea and shore.

In The Tower, Judith Leyland’s Twrch Trwyth (7 November to 21 December) brings the mythical boar of the Mabinogion to life. Though ultimately defeated, the creature is never destroyed – a symbol of defiance and strength captured in bold, imaginative form.

Mark Stanmore’s exhibition in the St Davids Room (14 November to 11 January) features a series of paintings of the Pembrokeshire coast, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. The work reflects the beauty of imperfection and change, offering a quiet space to connect with nature through art.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, said: “This year’s Christmas programme brings together everything that makes Oriel y Parc special – local talent, creative exhibitions, and festive traditions that families return for every winter. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces through the doors.”

For more details on festive events and café opening hours throughout November and December, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

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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.

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Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

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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.

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Entertainment

Glow returns to Carew Castle with magical illuminations and Santa’s grotto

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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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