The Skewen-born singer became one of Wales’ biggest global stars with hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero

WE:SH singer Bonnie Tyler, one of the country’s most successful and recognisable musical exports, has died at the age of 75.

The Skewen-born star, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, rose from South Wales to international fame with a string of major hits and a voice that became instantly recognisable across the world.

Best known for her 1983 power ballad Total Eclipse of the Heart, Tyler also enjoyed huge success with It’s a Heartache and Holding Out for a Hero, cementing her place as one of the defining voices of 1970s and 1980s pop rock.

Her distinctive husky voice became her trademark. It followed surgery on her vocal cords in the 1970s, after which her altered tone helped set her apart from other singers of the era.

Born in Skewen, near Neath, Tyler began performing locally before securing a record deal and achieving chart success in the late 1970s. Her breakthrough came with Lost in France, followed by It’s a Heartache, which became an international hit.

But it was Total Eclipse of the Heart, written and produced by Jim Steinman, that made her a global star. The dramatic ballad topped charts around the world and remains one of the most enduring songs of the decade.

Tyler continued to perform for decades, building a loyal fanbase across Europe and beyond. She represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013 and remained closely associated with Wales throughout her career.

Tributes are expected from across the music world and from fans in Wales, where she will be remembered as one of the nation’s most successful international performers.

Her death marks the loss of a truly distinctive voice and a Welsh star whose music reached generations of listeners around the globe.

Beachgoers urged to take care as easterly winds increase risk of people being blown out to sea

THE RNLI is warning people heading to the Welsh coast this week to take extra care, with hot weather and offshore winds forecast across much of Wales.

With temperatures expected to rise and more visitors likely to head to beaches, the lifesaving charity is urging people to choose lifeguarded beaches where possible, especially if they plan to enter the water.

The warning comes as easterly winds are forecast for parts of Wales over the weekend and into early next week. On west-facing coastlines, those winds can blow people away from the shore and out to sea.

Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead in Wales, said: “In parts of Wales, the forecast for the weekend and early next week is predicting moderate easterly breezes, which will mean offshore winds at westerly facing coastlines that can blow you out to sea.

“For beachgoers, using inflatables like stand-up paddleboards during these conditions is not advised, as they can very easily be swept away from the shore into deeper waters and away from the safety of the beach.

“If you’re not sure about whether it’s safe to paddleboard on the day of your visit, ask a lifeguard or seek local advice.”

The warning follows a recent rescue by Llandudno RNLI volunteers, who were called to help two paddleboarders being blown offshore from Rhos-on-Sea on June 27.

Guided by HM Coastguard and Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Team, the lifeboat crew located the pair more than a mile offshore as they drifted towards the Gwynt y Môr wind farm. They were unable to paddle back against the wind and were brought safely aboard the lifeboat along with their boards.

The RNLI says anyone using a stand-up paddleboard should wear an appropriate leash and buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, and keep it on their person.

Anyone in difficulty at the coast should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

The charity is also reminding people that, despite warmer air temperatures, the sea remains cold enough in many places to cause cold water shock. This can happen if people enter deep water quickly or fall in unexpectedly.

Chris Cousens added: “We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the Welsh coast over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice.

“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.

“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently.

“By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”

The warning comes as RNLI lifeguards begin daily patrols at more beaches across Wales.

In Pembrokeshire, Amroth and Coppet Hall now have daily lifeguard patrols, with Nolton due to go live from Saturday, July 11. This will bring the total number of locations with daily lifeguard cover in the county to 14.

In Carmarthenshire, Pembrey has daily lifeguard patrols, with Pendine Sands also due to begin daily cover from Saturday, July 11.

In Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, Port Eynon now has daily lifeguard cover, joining Caswell, Langland, Aberavon and Little Beach / Side at Aberavon. Three Cliffs is currently covered at weekends only, before daily patrols begin on Saturday, July 18.

RNLI lifeguards are also now operating daily at Rhyl and Prestatyn in Denbighshire, Borth and Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Rest Bay, Coney / Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay in Bridgend, and Llantwit Major, Ogmore, Southerndown and Whitmore Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan.

RNLI lifeguards operate from 10am to 6pm.

The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is:

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.

Relax and try to breathe normally.

Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat.

It is OK if your legs sink, as everyone floats differently.

Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.

Anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, visit the RNLI website.

Children invited to ‘Read to the Beat’ with free music-inspired events across the county

PEMBROKESHIRE LIBRARIES are inviting children and families to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which launches across the county on Monday, July 20.

The 2026 challenge, titled Read to the Beat, celebrates the connection between stories, music and creativity, encouraging children to explore books through rhythm, sound and imagination.

Organised by The Reading Agency, the Summer Reading Challenge is designed to help children discover the joy of reading during the school holidays.

This year’s theme has been developed in partnership with Universal Music Group UK, bringing together the magic of books with the universal appeal of music to inspire a new generation of readers.

Throughout the summer, children will be encouraged to discover new books, complete reading challenges and take part in a programme of free library activities designed to bring stories to life.

Pembrokeshire Libraries will also host a series of music-inspired family events, including storytelling with live music, opera workshops, creative craft sessions, rhythm workshops and wild storytelling adventures.

Reading for pleasure is widely recognised as one of the biggest indicators of a child’s future success, helping to build confidence, literacy skills, wellbeing and imagination.

Children can sign up from Monday, July 20 at any Pembrokeshire Library. The challenge is completely free, and children can read any library books they choose while collecting rewards as they progress.

Whether they are already keen readers or just beginning their reading journey, every child is welcome. The challenge is designed to make reading fun, build confidence and encourage families to enjoy books together throughout the holidays.

Weekly activities will take place at libraries across Pembrokeshire:

Fishguard Library: Tuesdays, 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Haverfordwest Library: Fridays, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Milford Haven Library: Fridays, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Pembroke Dock Library: Wednesdays, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Tenby Library: Tuesdays, 10:00am to 11:00am

Highlights include Caravan of Storytellers, featuring storytelling accompanied by live music and songs; ABC Opera, where children can sing, act, dress up and create their own musical adventures; and Make Some Noise, a Sound Explorers session using everyday materials to create musical instruments.

Families can also enjoy Bongo’s Rhythm Shack with community musician Bongo Clive, offering fun and inclusive rhythm and percussion workshops, as well as Wild Rhythm Adventure, which will round off the summer with animal-themed stories, sounds and musical fun.

For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge and Pembrokeshire Libraries’ summer events, visit your local library or follow Pembrokeshire Libraries on social media.