News

New festival focuses on ‘wellbeing and health’

Published

9 years ago

May 23, 2017

A NEW festival dedicated to wellbeing and health would not be complete without music to feed the mind and soul.

Big Retreat Wales, which launches in the rural heart of Pembrokeshire this weekend (May 26-29), doesn’t dress itself up as a music festival. Its organisers make clear its ‘not music festival’ but rather a ‘festival with music’.

As the sun goes down, the days will round off with music from some of the best new talent, including BBC Introducing contenders, Climbing Trees, and Welsh roots rocker, Ragsy – along with Ed Sheeran and Micheal Buble Tribute acts

They will be joined by Welsh singer-songwriter Jodie Marie, who has been making music since she was 16 years old, and Caroline Harrison, whose music is inspired by the music of the Mamas & the Papas and Dusty Springfield.

Completing the line-up will be Lucy Jones, whose distinctive vocal style and intelligent lyrics compare to Tracy Chapman and Amy Winehouse, and folk, country and blues duo, Lowri Evans and Lee Mason. Ofelia, New Band Sherbet Sandcastle, Rosey Cale, and Platform 1

Co-founder of Big Retreat Wales, Amber Rich, says music tastes have broadened massively and the festival aimed to celebrate that: “Our music choice is laid back with some of the best new talent around. As the sun goes down, think open skies, music vibes and campfires to round off the day.

“We will have chilled out tones and feature headline entertainment on all three evenings and there will be some chill out music to enjoy during the day also.’’

The independently minded Big Retreat Wales festival is set in the grounds of the former castle at Lawrenny.

The festival site is a big space and purpose-built to share, says Amber: “It’s a great place of communion in exercise and rest, music and mindfulness, fireside chat and celebration of the here and now.’’

The festival promises something for people of all ages. From a selection of Yoga classes, fitness and wellbeing classes, raw chocolate demos to gin workshops.

Families can immerse themselves in foraging, creative art session, yoga and zumba, enjoy story time with a children’s author or indulge in chocolate and juice-making workshops, all in idyllic rural surroundings.

Ticket can be purchased at www.thebigretreatwales.co.uk, from £15 for evening ticket to £145 for the long weekend and 3 nights camping pitch.

The events and activities are all included in the ticket price, although there will be some additional activities, such as kayaking on the estuary, which can be booked and paid for separately.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

60 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.