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Entertainment

BBC ‘diving head first’ into a summer of live music at events across Wales

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AS FESTIVALS and events are making a comeback, BBC Wales has announced an exciting summer of music across television, radio and digital.

BBC Wales says that it is “diving head first into a summer of live music at events across Wales – from local town hall shows to large scale concerts and festivals.”

On television, an exclusive Stereophonics homecoming gig will be broadcast live from the Principality Stadium Cardiff when the band play in front of 60,000 fans on the second of a two night stand at the iconic venue. Stereophonics Live in Cardiff: We’ll Keep a Welcome will be on BBC One Wales – and BBC Two across the UK – on Saturday, 18 June from 8.40pm just as the band hits the stage.

BBC Wales’ Director Rhuanedd Richards says “As people across Wales at long last come together again to enjoy live music and festivals, BBC Cymru Wales will be supporting and broadcasting from events across the nation. It’s going to be a jam-packed summer – with live music being central to local community and large scale events – and BBC Cymru Wales will be there to capture the performances of Welsh and international artists. Following the pandemic, it’s time to turn up the volume again, and celebrate music as a force for bringing people together and showcasing the best that Wales has to offer. I’m also delighted that our ‘Summer of Music’ will culminate in a landmark series with Huw Stephens exploring The Story of Welsh Music.”

Stereophonics 2021

Wynne Evans’ Townhall Showdown sees the presenter and opera singer visit towns and villages across Wales, starting at the Newbridge Memo, and bringing with him regular features from his daily show. Wynne will also perform at each event, as will a local Welsh band or artist. And John Quirk and his band will provide musical accompaniment to the evening. Highlights from the evening will be heard on Wynne Evans’ show every Friday following each event.

Fresh from Gŵyl Triban at the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Radio Cymru will be live at Tafwyl festival in Cardiff, the Sesiwn Fawr in Dolgellau and at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron, and will bring unmissable and exclusive music to Radio Cymru listeners and BBC Sounds users. To coincide with each of these major events, the station will embark on a schools tour, bringing the best of live Welsh music to a school in each of the local areas.

The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales will be at a variety of events across Wales over the summer. From performing their season closing Romance and Revolution concerts in Cardiff and Swansea in June, to entertaining the crowds at the Welsh Proms in July and accompanying Carwyn Elis at the Greenman Festival in Crickhowell in August. BBC NOW will then return to the St Asaph Festival in September. The orchestra is also performing over the summer at four of the BBC Proms in London, including a concert with the Tredegar Band.

In September, BBC Two Wales will show The Story of Welsh Music, where presenter Huw Stephens will look at key stages in the history of Wales as a musical nation. The two part series will tell various stories – from the history of the triple harp and how it’s importance meant it was considered Wales’ national harp – to the story behind Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the phenomenon of ‘Cwl Cymru’ and the international success of bands like Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics.

On digital, BBC Wales’ Horizons/Gorwelion project will feature coverage from the In It Together festival in Port Talbot. And will have filmed and recorded sets from venues across Wales – including Queen’s Hall Narberth, Swansea’s Sin City, Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Pontio in Bangor.

BBC Sounds will feature summer playlists and set highlights from across the summer’s events and programmes.

 

Entertainment

Huw Edwards criticises TV drama about his downfall

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FORMER BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has issued a strongly worded statement criticising an upcoming television drama based on his fall from grace.

Edwards, who received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offences relating to indecent images of children, said the programme was produced without properly checking its claims with him.

Edwards claims those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, features actor Martin Clunes portraying the former newsreader.

In a statement published in the national press, Edwards claimed those behind the programme failed to verify key elements of the story before filming began. He said producers only approached him for comment after production had already been completed, and even then retained editorial control over any response.

He also questioned whether contributors to the programme had been paid, suggesting the drama may not accurately reflect events.

Edwards said he had already expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes during court proceedings, having pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

He added that he found the offences deeply disturbing and offered a further apology, acknowledging that each image involved a real victim.

The former presenter said he is now working on his own account of the events, although progress has been slow due to ongoing health issues. He has previously spoken about long-term mental illness, which he said had worsened in the period leading up to his offences.

However, he stressed that mental health difficulties should not be used to excuse criminal behaviour.

Edwards rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognisable news anchors before his career collapsed following allegations of misconduct and subsequent criminal charges.

In September 2024, he was handed a six-month suspended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme.

Responding to his criticism, a spokesperson for Channel 5 said the drama was based on interviews with those involved, including the complainant and journalists who broke the story, as well as court reporting and message evidence.

They added that the programme was produced in line with broadcasting regulations and that allegations featured in the film had been put to Edwards through his legal representatives in advance.

 

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Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

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FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

 

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Entertainment

Action-packed Easter fun set for Carew Castle

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A HOST of family-friendly adventures will bring Carew Castle to life this Easter, with a packed programme of events running from Saturday (Mar 28) to Sunday (Apr 19).

Set against the dramatic tidal reach and managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the historic castle will once again become a hub of activity, offering everything from treasure hunts and medieval weapon displays to science workshops and live storytelling.

Egg hunts and medieval action

A brand-new Great Golden Egg Hunt will challenge children to explore the castle’s winding passageways and hidden corners in search of clues. Running daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm throughout the school holidays, the activity costs £2.50 per child in addition to normal admission.

Young visitors can also step back in time with Hands-On: Weapons and Armour sessions, held daily between 10:30am and 11:30am from Monday (Mar 30) to Sunday (Apr 12). Children will have the chance to handle replica weapons, try on armour, and experience medieval combat demonstrations at no extra cost.

The popular Find the Key! treasure hunt also returns, beginning at 3:00pm from the gatehouse. Running on selected days between Monday (Mar 30) and Sunday (Apr 12), the challenge invites children to track down the correct key to unlock a treasure chest.

Magic, stories and science

Creative youngsters can enjoy Magical Makes with Whimsical Wildlings on Tuesday (Apr 14), Wednesday (Apr 15) and Thursday (Apr 16), with drop-in craft sessions held in the castle’s undercroft from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Storymaster’s Quests: Tower of Doooooom! will take place on selected dates in early April, offering an interactive multimedia adventure created by author and games designer Oliver McNeil. The audience will shape the fate of their own hero in a tale filled with dragons, traps and treasure.

Hands-on learning continues with Wild Science sessions, featuring activities such as marine exploration, fossil hunting, owl pellet investigations and beginner bird walks.

Trebuchet returns

One of the highlights of the programme will be the launch of the castle’s giant trebuchet on Tuesday (Mar 31) and Tuesday (Apr 7) at 2:30pm, as the medieval siege engine is brought roaring back into action.

Daisy Hughes, Manager at Carew Castle, said: “Carew is an extraordinary place at any time of year, but Easter gives us the opportunity to really showcase everything it has to offer. The Weapons and Armour sessions in particular are always a favourite – there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face when they first lift a medieval sword.”

For full event details, visit the castle’s website.

 

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