NEW BBC documentary, Hunting the Spycammers, uncovers a dark online network in which footage filmed on hidden cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms and other private spaces is liked and shared. 

Welsh presenter Jess Davies goes undercover to infiltrate this world and finds spycammers boasting about filming wives, girlfriends and strangers without their knowledge, including someone who plants spycams on a walking route to catch women stopping to wee in a bush where there are no public toilets.

Hunting the Spycammers will land on the BBC’s YouTube channels and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 15 July. It is a co-commission by BBC Current Affairs and BBC Cymru Wales for BBC Three and is produced by Rock Paper Productions.

During her investigation, Jess discovers the range of spycam tech available – cameras disguised as everyday objects like pens, air fresheners and plugs. They’re cheap, easy to buy and almost impossible to spot. Jess speaks to one woman who went to the toilet while eating at a popular high-street restaurant chain and discovered a tiny camera hidden under the toilet seat that had the ability to livestream footage.

To get inside the world of spycammers, Jess teams up with investigative journalist Liam Connell. They discover a sprawling voyeur website – a hub from which users link to encrypted chat groups – and found evidence of illegal, non‑consensual footage being shared anonymously, including by users in the UK. 

Posing as a new “spycammer” looking for advice, they infiltrate these groups from the inside. The evidence they uncover is deeply disturbing: perpetrators openly swapping stories of and tips on how to secretly film family members, partners, flatmates and strangers in private moments like sleeping, showering, changing – and boasting about the footage they captured.

For Jess, this investigation into spycams is personal: driven by her own experience of being secretly photographed naked while sleeping and the image shared on a private WhatsApp group. Speaking about what they discovered in their investigation, Jess said: “It’s a never-ending cycle of mass distribution of non-consensual content of women. It feels like these women are being hunted down and prayed upon.”

Jess confronts some of those who are behind the spycams to ask why they do it, if they know what they’re doing is illegal by capturing non-consensual footage, and whether they feel any sympathy for those who are being targeted.

Sian Harris, Commissioning Editor for BBC Cymru Wales, said: “Anyone who watches this film will relate to the horrific thought of being filmed by a secret camera in those private spaces: a bedroom, the shower, a changing room. Jess and Liam’s compelling investigation not only reveals this as a growing crime, but shines a light on the shady places where non-consensual videos are being traded and asks the questions we’d all want answers to about how and why is this happening.”

Hunting the Spycammers is produced by Rock Paper Productions, the Executive Producers are Cat Donohoe and Catherine Welton and the Producer/Director is Ally Roberts. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Rachel Platt and Sian Harris.

A celebration of Welsh talent, international rhythm and youthful choral excellence brought the Pavilion to life

THERE are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that turned the Pavilion into one enormous celebration.

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a “Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude”. It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to.

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number. At the same time, their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was polished, energetic and exhilarating.

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching “Straight Outta Llareggub” T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the crowd, but the humour never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight and confident set full of technical skill and infectious enthusiasm.

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and entirely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales’s contemporary music scene.

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again highlighted the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations went to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival’s most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate exceptional young choral talent from around the world.

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level.

Opening with the title track from his latest EP, Aros I Fi Yna, Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately showing that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family’s griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences.

His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales’s brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why.

Throughout a set featuring Nadjeli, When I See You, Ti a Fi, Demousolini, Balafô Douma and Tama, he demonstrated remarkable versatility. The shimmering sound of the balafon intertwined effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

There was a particularly poignant moment during Balafô Douma, a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto an international stage.

It was a performance rooted in heritage, but entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of it all. Kouyaté’s infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along.

Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism running through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain. They bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert. It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world.

From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N’famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.

The Story of Swing will bring the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams to Milford Haven this summer

A CELEBRATION of swing and big band music is coming to Milford Haven this summer.

The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of a UK tour taking in venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and trumpet player Gareth John, the show takes audiences on a musical journey through decades of swing, from the golden era of The Rat Pack to modern-day crooners.

The programme features songs made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, along with numbers associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Gareth John will be joined on stage by the SOS Big Band, bringing the full sound of brass, rhythm and big band arrangements to the Torch Theatre.

Promoters say Gareth is known for his showmanship, passion for the genre and strong rapport with audiences. He has previously shared the stage with acts including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The Milford Haven performance will also feature Frankie Mack as a special guest.

The show has received praise from a number of musicians and broadcasters. Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle described the arrangements, performance and concept as “fantastic”, while Dennis Rollins MBE called it “big band and swing music the right way”.

Other dates on the 2026 tour include Lytham St Annes, Lowestoft, Christchurch, Barry, Edinburgh, Solihull, Rhyl, Newark, Eastbourne, Wirral, Taunton, Clacton-on-Sea and Aberdeen.

Tickets for The Story of Swing at the Torch Theatre are available from storyofswing.com.

Caption: Gareth John and the SOS Big Band will bring The Story of Swing to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Saturday, August 1, 2026.