Entertainment

BBC unveils major new Welsh dramas with Tenby set for prime-time spotlight

Published

2 months ago

April 2, 2026

New crime series Old Town Murders and supernatural thriller The Witch Farm will both be filmed and set in Wales as BBC Cymru Wales backs a fresh wave of homegrown storytelling

THE BBC has announced two major new Welsh drama commissions, with Tenby set to take centre stage in a new prime-time crime series.

Old Town Murders and The Witch Farm will both air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, in a move the broadcaster says reflects its commitment to telling more stories from across the devolved nations.

For Pembrokeshire audiences, the biggest local interest will be Old Town Murders, a six-part crime drama set in Tenby and filmed in Tenby, Cardiff and along the South Wales coastline.

The new series stars Mark Lewis Jones and Steffan Rhodri as DI Glyn Walsh and DS Sion Dearden, two detectives and old friends brought together by personal hardship as they investigate a string of disturbing murders in the seaside town.

The BBC said the drama would be witty and twist-filled, combining dark crime stories with humour, friendship and second chances. The opening investigation centres on the murder of a respected university professor, before the detectives are drawn into further baffling cases, including the poisoning of a head teacher and a mysterious death linked to a triathlon.

The series has been written, created and executive produced by Welsh writer Matthew Barry, whose recent credits include Men Up and The Guest. It will also feature James Bamford, Bethan Mary-James, Catherine Ayers and Julie Graham.

The second commission, The Witch Farm, is a four-part ghost story and mystery based on Danny Robins’ successful podcast of the same name.

Set in South Wales in 1989, it follows Bill and Liz Rich, played by Gabrielle Creevy and Michael Socha, as they leave London for a remote farmhouse in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons in search of a fresh start. But after Liz believes she has seen a ghostly figure during a traumatic home birth, the couple find themselves drawn into a chilling sequence of unexplained events.

The BBC said the series is inspired by real events, theories and first-hand accounts explored in the original podcast, although some characters and elements have been changed for dramatic purposes.

Danny Robins, who has built a strong following through paranormal hits including Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, has written and created the television adaptation. The Witch Farm will be directed by Stacey Gregg and produced by Mammoth Screen.

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning for BBC Cymru Wales, said the two dramas formed part of a rich season of content for viewers in Wales.

He said: “We’re heading into such a rich season of content for audiences in Wales – stories which resonate deeply here but will ricochet across the UK and beyond.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said the BBC was delighted to announce two productions that would both be filmed and set in Wales.

She said: “With fabulous writers Matthew Barry and Danny Robins, we’re extremely proud to have these two fantastic series coming to BBC iPlayer and BBC One, as part of our commitment to produce distinctive, must-see dramas across the UK.”

The announcement will be seen as another boost for Wales’ growing television industry, with both productions adding to a run of high-profile dramas made in the country.

For Pembrokeshire, however, the spotlight will fall most sharply on Old Town Murders, with Tenby’s streets, seafront and scenery expected to reach a UK-wide audience when the series airs.

With murder mysteries unfolding in one of Wales’ best-known seaside towns and a haunting tale set deep in the Welsh countryside, the BBC is making clear that Welsh stories are moving firmly into the mainstream.

Entertainment

Saundersfoot Seafest to bring free family fun to the harbour this July

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE community festival celebrating the sea, local food, seaweed and Pembrokeshire’s coastal environment will take place at Saundersfoot Harbour this summer.

Saundersfoot Seafest will be held on Saturday, July 11, offering a full day of activities, entertainment and hands-on experiences for residents and visitors.

The event will celebrate the area’s connection with the sea, coastal heritage and locally sourced food, with live cooking demonstrations, food sampling and interactive activities exploring Pembrokeshire’s shoreline.

There will be plenty for all ages, including guided seashore safaris, sandcastle building competitions, crabbing contests, and “seaweed and chips” sessions.

The festival will also feature pirate and dog fancy dress competitions, along with interactive exhibits, retail stalls, local produce, crafts and coastal-themed displays.

Boat trips and kayaking experiences will also be available, although a small charge will apply for these activities.

Sue Latham, Coordinator of Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, said: “Saundersfoot Seafest is a celebration of our coastline, our communities, and the incredible food and culture that comes from living so closely connected to the sea.

“We are delighted to welcome people of all ages to join us for a free, fun-filled day by the harbour.”

The event is supported by the Welsh Government, Pembrokeshire Local Food Partnership, Pobl Tir Môr, Saundersfoot Harbour, Saundersfoot Rotary Club, WWF Cymru and Wales Festival of Seaweed.

The Wales Festival of Seaweed will also take place in St Davids from September 10 to 13.

Entertainment

Circus Mondao returns to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with spectacular new show

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CIRCUS Mondao is returning to Pembrokeshire by popular demand, bringing its traditional big top show to Tenby and Pembroke Dock.

The family circus promises a packed programme of international performers, comedy, daring stunts, showgirls, ponies and high-energy circus acts.

This year’s show includes award-winning Chilean clown Kikin, Miss Madalane’s ponies, glass balancing with Fairy Talula, fast-paced juggling from Brazil, and the Agazian Brothers from Ethiopia.

Audiences can also expect one of the most daring line-ups ever presented by Circus Mondao, including the Wheel of Death, Russian swing, Icarian games, Russian bar, chair balancing and the South American Crazy Brothers.

Organisers said the show keeps alive the atmosphere of a traditional circus while also using modern lighting, music and production.

A spokesperson for Circus Mondao said: “This is a show not to be missed. We are delighted to be returning to Tenby and Pembroke Dock with amazing artistes from around the world, including performers from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Morocco, Chile, Spain, Ethiopia, Wales and the UK.”

The circus will be at Marsh Farm, Marsh Road, Tenby, SA70 8DU, from Wednesday, May 27 to Sunday, May 31.

Performances in Tenby will take place at 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Circus Mondao will then move to Harlequins RFC, London Road, Pembroke Dock, from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, June 7.

Performances in Pembroke Dock will follow the same times: 5:00pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 2:00pm only on Sunday.

Special offers include all seats for £8.50 on Wednesdays, buy one get one free on Thursdays, four seats for £45 on Fridays, children going free on Saturdays with each full-paying adult, and family tickets on Sundays for two adults and two children priced at £45, £55 or £60.

Terms and conditions apply to all offers, and they cannot be used with any other offer.

The booking office is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am and is cash only. Tickets can also be booked online through TicketSource and LoveToVisit.

Entertainment

Green Man unveils star-studded comedy line-up for 2026 festival

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee among big names heading to Bannau Brycheiniog as Green Man sells out months in advance

GREEN MAN Festival has revealed its comedy programme for 2026, with some of the UK’s biggest stand-up names set to join a packed line-up of music, arts and entertainment in the heart of Wales this summer.

The award-winning festival, held in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park from Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23, will welcome comedians including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Jessica Fostekew, Glenn Moore and Garth Marenghi to its much-loved Last Laugh comedy stage.

The festival’s comedy programme, hosted at the Babbling Tongues stage, will feature 39 acts ranging from household names to emerging performers, in keeping with Green Man’s long-standing reputation for showcasing new talent alongside established stars.

Leading the bill is comedian and television presenter Joe Lycett, known for Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, Late Night Lycett, and appearances on programmes including Taskmaster, QI and Have I Got News For You.

He will be joined by comedian, actor and writer Bridget Christie, whose Channel 4 sitcom The Change won widespread praise, alongside comedy veteran Stewart Lee, returning to Green Man after topping the bill in 2025.

Other major names announced include Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long, horror-comedy favourite Garth Marenghi, stand-up Kerry Godliman, and Jessica Fostekew, whose acclaimed show Hench earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination.

The programme also features rising talent including Jack Shep, recently announced as part of the cast of Saturday Night Live UK, alongside sketch act Tarot, comedian Glenn Moore and a host of newer voices from across the UK comedy circuit.

Comedy forms just one part of Green Man’s wider cultural offering, with the festival also boasting a major music programme led by headliners Mogwai, Wilco, Four Tet and Wolf Alice.

Other acts confirmed for 2026 include Cat Power, Sparks, Tricky, Mogwai, Shame, Dry Cleaning, Aldous Harding, The Beta Band, Cate Le Bon and Mannequin Pussy.

Green Man, now in its third decade, remains Wales’ largest independent music, science and arts festival, attracting around 25,000 people daily to the Black Mountains area of Powys.

Festival organisers said all tickets for Green Man 2026 sold out within an hour of release in September 2025, although official resale tickets remain available through the festival’s approved resale platform.

Known for combining music with literature, film, science, wellness and family-friendly attractions, Green Man continues to draw visitors from across the UK and beyond while generating millions for the Welsh economy each year.

Fiona Stewart, founder and managing director of Green Man, has previously described the festival as a celebration of creativity and community, with a focus on supporting Welsh producers, artists and emerging talent.

For more information or resale tickets, visit Green Man Festival’s official website.

Photo caption: Green Man Festival has revealed its 2026 comedy programme, featuring major names including Joe Lycett, Bridget Christie and Stewart Lee (Pics: Green Man Festival).