News
The Big Retreat Festival returns in 2022
THE ultimate feel good festival in the heart of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park will return in 2022 with a line-up of excitement, adventure, music and magic in the shape of headliners Toploader, Reef, comedy from the likes of Scummy Mummies, plus wellbeing experts such as Richie Norton and the legendary Mr Motivator.
Set in the Pembrokeshire village of Lawrenny, the music and wellbeing adventure began in 2017 and returns to this scenic area of Wales to offer a complete escape from the challenges we’re currently living through.
Organiser Amber Lort-Phillips said: “I’m so excited to make our first announcement on next year’s festival. We’re working with Orchard Live to enhance our offering with some amazing musical headliners, along with the fantastic activities that focus on people’s mental and physical health. We just can’t wait to welcome the Big Retreaters back next summer to laugh, sing, dance, share their stories and look after each other as they create memories for life.”
What’s the line up?
Toploader have sold over two million albums in a 20 year career, and they’ll get us dancing in the moonlight on the Friday; festival favourites Reef will headline the Saturday, joined on the bill by Rusty Shackle, Climbing Trees, comedians Scummy Mummies & Dr Ahmed and loads more outstanding entertainment. The Big Retreat 2022 will also feature over 200 free activities covered under the entry fee, from main stage music to cookery demonstrations, yoga classes and all kinds of workshops you can take part in, as much or as little as you like.
The fitness, breathwork and yoga workshops include classes with the legendary Mr Motivator, Richie Norton, Kim Ingleby, Natalie Garry and the Nordic Sisters.
The Adventure Stage will include tales of daring feats from the likes of best-selling author Jordan Wylie, Anna Mcnuff, Alistair Humphreys, Laura Bingham and big wave surfer Al Mennie.
The Cookery Tent will be headlined by the founder of Life Kitchen, Ryan Riley, and This Morning Chef Juliet Sear, plus forager Matt Powell.
Speakers and presenters include Matt Johnson and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher, Toni Jones, Sharoo Izadi and Ayo Akinwolere.
New features
New to The Big Retreat in 2022 are Darwin’s Den and The Roaring Fire Pit. Darwin has deep rooted links with Pembrokeshire and scientific discovery, so the festival gives you the opportunity to explore mind boggling and magical mud, snorkelling for science, how to capture carbon in your own backyard, and learning why plastic is not so fantastic. This new feature is curated by Dr Christian Dunn who will be serving up explosions, experiments and explanations; and the power of plants will be demonstrated by Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, Ellen Mary Gardening, and landscape architect Marian Boswell
Guests will gather around The Roaring Fire Pit under the stars to hear tales of daring adventures from some of the UK’s leading adventurers, including, Jordan Wylie, Laura Bingham, Alistair Humphreys, Anna McNuff, Ayo Akinwolere, and Big Wave surfer Al Mennie. There’ll be telescopes and tales of astrology to take you on a stargazing journey to another galaxy, torch light swims and tales of sustainability and the environment.
The festival works equally for couples, friends or families looking to strengthen bonds. Together they can relax, reflect and recharge in the great outdoors.
To discover the full programme, go to: www.thebigretreatfestival.com
How can I get tickets?
Due to rolling over tickets from 2019, and a limited capacity of 3,000 to maintain the unique appeal of the festival, there are a limited number of tickets available. To find your feel good and snap up your tickets, please go to www.thebigretreatfestival.com
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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