RESIDENTS across Mid and West Wales are being invited to help shape a new cultural vision for the region.

Powys, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire councils have joined forces through the Mid and West Wales Strategic Culture Partnership, which is being led by Powys County Council.

The partnership is developing a long-term plan for culture across the region, following the Welsh Government’s Priorities for Culture, published in May 2025.

The project aims to bring communities together, celebrate Wales as a nation of culture and create new opportunities for residents, creative groups and organisations.

A regional Cultural Vision and four local Cultural Priority Plans are due to be completed by October 2026. These will support collaboration and investment in culture across the region over the next five years.

Public views sought

Residents, community groups, creatives and organisations are being encouraged to share their views on what culture means to them.

The consultation is being delivered through the Cwlwm project, Golwg Creadigol, with a series of drop-in sessions and evening workshops taking place during June.

Sessions will explore different interpretations of culture, including arts, theatre, heritage, libraries, local events, language and community life.

All sessions are open to everyone, with Welsh and English language options available.

Pembrokeshire sessions will take place at Fishguard Town Hall on Thursday (Jun 11), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

A second Pembrokeshire session will be held at Pembroke Dock Library on Monday (Jun 22), with a drop-in session from 11:00am to 5:00pm and an evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

‘Bursting with creativity’

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “Mid and West Wales is bursting with creativity, heritage and community spirit, and this exciting partnership is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and build on that together.

“By working across four counties, we can be more ambitious, more innovative and create a cultural vision that truly showcases everything our region has to offer.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible — residents, community groups, artists and organisations — so that together we can build a cultural future that is inclusive, ambitious and rooted in what matters most to our communities.

“So please attend one of our sessions in Pembrokeshire or share your views via the online questionnaire.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said the partnership was “an exciting opportunity” to build a shared vision reflecting the region’s rich culture.

She said: “I would encourage residents, community groups and creatives to take part in the consultation and help shape the future of culture in our region.”

Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Cllr Catrin M S Davies, said: “Our culture belongs to us, helps to define us, and is an integral part of our communities — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“This is a great opportunity for the people of Ceredigion and beyond to have their say on culture in the future. We want to hear as many voices as possible.”

Powys Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, Cllr Raiff Devlin, said culture played an important role in strengthening local identity, supporting wellbeing and creating opportunities.

He added: “This is a real opportunity for people across Powys to help shape the future of culture across Mid and West Wales, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to take a few moments to share their views.”

How to take part

The full list of sessions includes:

Thursday (Jun 11): Fishguard Town Hall, drop-in from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 22): Pembroke Dock Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Monday (Jun 29): Carmarthen Library, drop-in from 11:00am to 5:00pm and evening workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Residents can also complete the online questionnaire through Ceredigion County Council’s website.

The closing date for responses is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Figures show 87% of UK graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

GRADUATE outcomes have remained resilient despite a challenging economy and a cautious jobs market, new figures show.

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) said 87% of graduates with permanent residence in the UK were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

The data reflects a cohort entering the labour market during a period of subdued economic growth. UK GDP grew by just 0.3% in 2023 and 1.0% in 2024, while business investment and hiring remained cautious.

However, the figures also show that graduate unemployment has increased slightly, although it still rounds to 5%.

There were also significant differences between subject areas. Unemployment reached 10% among Computing graduates and 8% among Business and Management graduates.

The figures also showed that 67% of postgraduate Physical Sciences graduates were in full-time employment, compared with 47% of undergraduates in the same field.

Despite the tougher labour market, graduate satisfaction remained high, with 73% of graduates saying they felt satisfied or very satisfied with their lives 15 months after graduating.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB, said the figures showed universities and employers had adapted to changing labour market needs.

He said: “We know that this is a challenging time for the economy and a changing time for the labour market. Against that backdrop, it is encouraging to see that graduate outcomes remain resilient, with the overwhelming majority of graduates progressing into employment or further study.

“This resilience has not happened by accident. Universities have worked hard, alongside employers and other partners, to adapt to changing labour market needs and develop new and innovative ways to prepare students for the world of work.

“Across the sector, we have seen growing employer partnerships, placements, work-based learning and other opportunities that help students build the skills and experience they need to succeed.”

Dr Marshall said the figures should not lead to complacency, particularly as some graduates are finding the transition into work harder than in previous years.

He added: “Graduate success reflects the strength of the wider economy, the opportunities available to young people, and how effectively universities, employers and policymakers work together to develop and deploy talent.

“If the UK wants stronger growth, higher productivity and greater competitiveness, helping graduates succeed remains a critical part of the answer.

“No university can achieve this alone. Creating more opportunities for graduates and ensuring their skills are fully utilised requires genuine collaboration between universities, employers, government and other education providers.”

The NCUB said institutions with the strongest outcomes were often those embedded within strong networks of partnership between universities, employers and other education providers.

New partnership will celebrate Pembrokeshire’s tourism and hospitality sector

PURE WEST RADIO has been announced as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards.

Visit Pembrokeshire said the partnership would help celebrate and champion the county’s tourism and hospitality sector, recognising the businesses, individuals and organisations delivering outstanding visitor experiences.

The awards will take place at the Atrium at Pembrokeshire College on October 29, 2026.

Pure West Radio has also become a new Visit Pembrokeshire Strategic Partner, supporting work to showcase the county’s visitor economy and promote Pembrokeshire as a leading destination.

The Croeso Awards celebrate excellence across the tourism industry, with 17 categories covering accommodation, attractions, food and drink, sustainability, customer service and more.

Organisers said the awards also invest in the future of the sector through a mentoring programme delivered with industry leaders and Pembrokeshire College students.

Winners will be selected by independent tourism and hospitality experts from outside Pembrokeshire.

Emma Thornton, CEO of Visit Pembrokeshire, said: “We are delighted to welcome Pure West Radio as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Croeso Awards and as a new Strategic Partner for Visit Pembrokeshire.

“Pure West Radio shares our passion for Pembrokeshire and our commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. Their strong local reach, community focus and enthusiasm for celebrating success make them a natural partner for the Croeso Awards and for Visit Pembrokeshire more broadly.”

Toby Ellis, Station Manager at Pure West Radio, said: “We are incredibly proud to become the headline sponsor of the 2026 Croeso Awards and to join Visit Pembrokeshire as a Strategic Partner.

“At Pure West Radio, we are passionate about celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that make Pembrokeshire such a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

“The tourism and hospitality sector plays a vital role in our local economy, and the Croeso Awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, innovation and excellence that can be found across the county.

“We look forward to working closely with Visit Pembrokeshire to champion local success stories, support the industry throughout the year and help showcase Pembrokeshire as one of the UK’s leading visitor destinations.”

Visit Pembrokeshire said the two organisations would work together on campaigns throughout the year, amplifying key messages and supporting businesses across the tourism and hospitality industry.

Visit Pembrokeshire is the official Destination Management Organisation for Pembrokeshire.