Entertainment
Met Opera’s epic I Puritani returns to the big screen in Torch Theatre live broadcast
Bellini’s final masterpiece receives its first new Metropolitan Opera production in nearly 50 years, featuring a world-class cast and a dramatic English Civil War setting
FOR soaring melodies, spellbinding coloratura and virtuosic vocal fireworks, I Puritani has few equals. Opera lovers in Pembrokeshire are in for a treat this January when the Metropolitan Opera’s spectacular new production is broadcast live to the Torch Theatre.
This highly anticipated performance marks the first new Met staging of Vincenzo Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years. The production is directed by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many acclaimed successes as a set designer, and has already generated excitement ahead of its worldwide cinema broadcast.
Presented in three acts, I Puritani is set in England around 1650, during the turmoil of the English Civil War. The drama unfolds in Plymouth, a Puritan stronghold under threat of siege from Royalist forces. As distant voices announce the wedding day of Elvira, daughter of the fortress commander Gualtiero, political and personal tensions begin to collide.
Riccardo, Elvira’s rejected suitor, laments that the woman promised to him loves another man – Arturo, a supporter of the Stuart cause. Refusing to force his daughter into an unwanted marriage, Gualtiero leaves Riccardo heartbroken. Elvira, meanwhile, confides in her uncle Giorgio that she would rather die than marry Riccardo. Giorgio reassures her that he has persuaded her father to allow her to marry Arturo, despite his Royalist loyalties.
As wedding celebrations begin, Arturo arrives at the castle and is reunited with Elvira. He soon discovers that Queen Enrichetta, widow of King Charles, is imprisoned there and awaiting trial in London. Alone with the queen, Arturo makes a fateful decision to help her escape – even at the risk of his own life – setting in motion a dramatic chain of events driven by love, loyalty and betrayal.
The Metropolitan Opera has assembled a world-class cast for the opera’s demanding principal roles, conducted by Marco Armiliato. Soprano Lisette Oropesa stars as Elvira, alongside tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Arturo. Baritone Artur Ruciński appears as Riccardo, while bass-baritone Christian Van Horn plays Elvira’s compassionate uncle, Giorgio.
Sung in Italian with English subtitles, I Puritani, composed by Vincenzo Bellini with a libretto by Carlo Pepoli, is a thrilling blend of romance, political intrigue and bel canto brilliance.
I Puritani will be broadcast live from the Met Opera to the Torch Theatre on Saturday 10 January at 6:00pm.
Tickets: Full £20 / Concessions £18 / Under 26s £9
Booking: www.torchtheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 01646 695267
Entertainment
Llys-y-frân Lake to launch Wales’s largest inflatable aqua park
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
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
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.
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