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
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
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.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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