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.

STAYING safe when gambling online is critical. With so many scams and fraudulent behaviour out there, you need to be doing everything you can to protect yourself when using a new online casino. 

One of the best ways to reduce your chances of having a negative experience is by using a licensed and regulated casino. But why does this make such a difference and how do regulators keep players safe? Let’s explore. 

Why Use Licensed Casinos 

Licensed operators are much more likely to offer fair games, secure payments, and responsible gambling tools as they’re under strict regulation from the government. 

Unlicensed casinos often seem more appealing, as they typically offer more incentives and look like the best payout online slots, but the lack of protection and security can leave you vulnerable to hackers. It may also be more difficult to make a complaint, dispute unfair gameplay, or receive your money if the site refuses to pay out. 

How Regulators Protect Players 

GDPR and Data Protection

Using operators that adhere to strict security measures to protect sensitive data and knowing how your data is being online, especially when giving up your financial and personal information, is crucial. 

Licensed operators must follow GDPR and data protection laws, and are required to report any data breaches or account compromises, making them much safer to use. 

Responsible Gambling Tools 

It’s just about protecting yourself financially, but also about safeguarding your mental wellbeing. 

Gambling is notoriously addictive, so it’s important to use online casinos that provide responsible gambling tools to ensure your habit remains under control. Time outs, deposit and spending limits, and self-exclusion options are all necessary to help you maintain your wellbeing. 

How to Check for Licenses 

To see if a site has a license, you can:

1. Check for a licence number – most legitimate sites display their licensing information clearly in the footer or a page that is easily accessible for visitors
2. Verify the license – you can confirm a site’s legitimacy by looking them up on the UKGC’s public register

Both are these are quick and easy to do, so it’s always worth checking just to be on the safe side. 

Stay Safe Online: Stick to Licensed Casinos 

Regulated casinos offer greater security and prioritise your wellbeing to ensure gambling remains fun and safe. By sticking to licensed online casinos and verifying their legitimacy, you can improve your chances of staying safe when gambling online.

A COMMUNITY-owned pub in north Pembrokeshire is set to welcome visitors for a weekend celebrating local music, food and drink, with all proceeds from voluntary donations supporting charity.

The Crymych Arms will stage its annual free-entry festival on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, transforming the pub’s car park into an outdoor entertainment space complete with performance areas, seating, outside bars and food stalls.

Organised by the pub’s volunteers and committee, the event will showcase a line-up of local musicians alongside Pembrokeshire and Welsh beers, craft gins and street food. While admission is free, organisers will be collecting donations throughout the weekend in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) charities.

Music gets underway at 5.30pm on Friday with Chris Kelly, followed by the Tom Collins Band Duo at 7.30pm and Rosanna at 9.00pm.

Saturday’s programme begins at 2.00pm with Alex English before performances from Hari Harmonies, Gwen Fel ‘Na Mai, Garfield, The Collective, and Tin Man Revolution, who take to the stage at 9.00pm.

Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, although seating will also be available on site.

A selection of street food will be served from outdoor counters throughout the event, while outside bars and gin trailers will offer a range of locally produced drinks.

The Crymych Arms reopened in 2023 after being purchased by the local community through a share offer that attracted investment from 285 people. The former village pub underwent a major refurbishment before reopening as a community-owned social enterprise and now also serves as the clubhouse for Crymych Football Club.

The venue has since become a focal point for community events, with the annual music weekend highlighting local performers and producers while raising money for good causes.