Entertainment

Breeding male sloth ‘Casa’ Nova joins the Folly Farm family

Published

2 years ago

March 27, 2024

FOLLY FARM has welcomed another sloth to its expanding zoo family, in the form of adorable two-year old male sloth, Nova, bringing its number of sloths up to four!

Linne’s two toed sloth Nova, arrived from Hamerton Park Zoo in Cambridgeshire, as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species. He was born to parents ‘Vee’ and ‘Snuffles’ in November 2021, and as a young male, he has joined young female ‘Button’, who arrived at the zoo last Summer, to make a breeding pair. So, the pitter patter of tiny, two-toed claws could be within Folly Farm’s reach in the coming years!

Nova and Button have been getting acquainted in the Sloth Forest exhibit within Tropical Trails, where they will reside alongside a variety of rare and beautiful birds. But in typical sloth fashion, their union is very much taken at a slow and steady pace. Sloths reach sexual maturity between three and five years old, and with both youngsters currently being just two years old – keepers may have to be patient for a while yet. But to potentially welcome the next generation of sloths as a breeding centre for the species in the future is a very exciting prospect for species – and for the award-winning zoo!

Folly Farm Zookeeper Kim Cartwright enthused; “We’re so excited to have welcomed a breeding pair of sloths at the zoo within such a short space of time as part of a managed breeding programme. Nova has settled into his new home really well and seems pretty chilled, enjoying some sweet potato treats and regular naps. He’s already met our breeding female Button and we’re keeping everything crossed that he’ll be her “Casa” Nova – and we’ll be welcoming some sloth cubs in the future!”

Sloth Keeper at Hamerton, Cathy Evans said: “Nova has very much inherited the best of both his parents with mum Vee’s good looks and dad Snuffle’s easy-going nature. He’s been a firm favourite with visitors and keepers whilst he’s lived here at the park, especially as he often enjoyed napping on his feed dish at the front of the enclosure right on view! This lovely character will be missed by his keepers but we are delighted to hear he’s settling into his new home well and we wish him and Button all the best in their future pairing.”

Folly Farm is also home to elderly sloth residents Tuppee and Lightcap who are enjoying their twilight years in their more peaceful enclosure in Tropical Trails, away from the youngsters. Tuppee is around 30 years old and Lightcap is one of the oldest sloths in European zoos at around 41 years old! So not only is the zoo providing care for the older residents at its sloth ”retirement home”, it’s hoping this new breeding pair will bring a new lease of life into Tropical Trails with a “sloth nursery” for the species!

For more information on days out at Folly Farm, visit the website www.folly-farm.co.uk, search Folly Farm on Facebook @FollyFarm. Check out Instagram or X @FollyFarmWales and follow @follyfarmwalesofficial on TikTok.

You can adopt sloths at Folly Farm via their website at:
https://www.folly-farm.co.uk/adopt-an-animal/sloth-adoption/

Entertainment

Torch Theatre summer schools return for young performers

Published

7 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE TORCH THEATRE’S popular summer schools are returning this July and August, offering two weeks of creative theatre-making for young people aged seven to 18.

Spaces are strictly limited, with the programme divided into two age groups: Heroic Tales for children aged seven to 11, and Playmakers for those aged 11 to 18.

A number of Torch Youth Theatre members have previously taken part in the summer schools, including Zane, who described the experience as a valuable opportunity for young people of all backgrounds.

Zane said: “It’s a great opportunity for everyone, including people who are new to Pembrokeshire or visiting the area on holiday, to attend and get a taste of Torch Youth Theatre.

“Young people get to meet others from all walks of life and discuss topics and ideas they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to explore.”

Zane will also appear in the Torch Youth Theatre’s summer production, Robin Hood: Legend of the Black Knight, this July.

Heroic Tales

Heroic Tales will run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm between Monday, July 27, and Friday, July 31.

During the week, participants will create and perform their own play based on the idea of a library coming alive after the lights go out and the doors are locked.

As fewer people borrow them, the books face the terrifying prospect of being thrown into the recycling bin. To save their stories, they must search their own pages for inspiration and launch a heroic mission before their final chapters are shredded.

Playmakers

The Playmakers summer school will challenge older participants to rehearse and perform a complete play in just one week.

The Torch has selected a contemporary play written specifically for young people, featuring themes and characters they will recognise from their own lives.

Participants will be guided through a professional rehearsal process, beginning with a first-day table read and ending with a final performance.

Playmakers will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm between Monday, August 10, and Friday, August 14.

Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch Theatre, said: “Torch Theatre summer schools are a real highlight of our year, and we’re very excited about this year’s offerings.

“Both schools place the development of young people at their heart, ensuring they not only have a creative and enjoyable time, but also develop important social skills, teamwork and self-worth.

“The best thing is that no previous experience is needed.”

Places can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

Anyone wishing to discuss the summer schools or find out more about Torch Youth Theatre can email [email protected].

Entertainment

Torch Theatre reveals full Sunset Cinema line-up for summer 2026

Published

5 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Outdoor screenings will take place at waterfront and historic locations across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, St Davids and Pembroke Castle

DECKCHAIRS, blankets and picnics will be at the ready as the Torch Theatre’s popular Sunset Cinema returns for another summer of outdoor screenings.

The 2026 season will take audiences from Mackerel Quay in Milford Haven to Saundersfoot Harbour, Tŵr y Felin in St Davids and the spectacular surroundings of Pembroke Castle.

Working with media partner Pure West Radio, the Torch Theatre will tour Pembrokeshire with a large LED screen designed to provide a clear picture in daylight and in changing weather conditions.

This year’s programme includes family favourites, Hollywood classics and blockbuster adventures, with screenings of Finding Nemo, Back to the Future, Shark Tale, Jaws, Jurassic World, The Greatest Showman, How to Train Your Dragon and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.

The season begins at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with a double bill. Finding Nemo will be shown at 2.30pm, followed by Back to the Future at 7pm.

The following evening, Saundersfoot Harbour will host a premiere screening of Near and Distant Things, a new film by local filmmaker Emily Batty that was shot in and around Saundersfoot.

Sunset Cinema programme

Friday, July 17, Mackerel Quay, Milford Haven

Finding Nemo at 2.30pm
Back to the Future at 7pm

Saturday, July 18, Saundersfoot Harbour

Emily Batty’s Near and Distant Things at 7pm

Saturday, August 8, Saundersfoot Harbour

Shark Tale at 2.30pm
Jaws at 7pm

Saturday, August 15, Tŵr y Felin, St Davids

Jurassic World at 7pm

Friday, August 21, Milford Haven Port Authority

The Greatest Showman at 7pm

Friday, August 28, Pembroke Castle

How to Train Your Dragon at 2.30pm

Saturday, August 29, Pembroke Castle

Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet at 7pm

The Torch Theatre’s Sunset Cinema season will run from Friday, July 17, until Saturday, August 29.

Tickets can be booked through the Torch Theatre website or by calling the box office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Free waterfront cinema screening to celebrate start of school holidays

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate the start of the school holidays with a free outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar favourite Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront.

The Torch Theatre will launch its 2026 Sunset Cinema season at Mackerel Quay on Friday, July 17, with the marina and Milford Haven Waterway providing the backdrop.

Sponsored by Milford Waterfront, the family screening will be shown on the Torch Theatre’s new outdoor LED cinema screen. Gates will open at 1pm, with the film beginning at 2.30pm.

Admission is free, although tickets should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre.

The entertainment will continue into the evening with a screening of the 1980s classic Back to the Future at 7pm.

Tickets for the evening film can also be purchased through the Torch Theatre website. Audiences are encouraged to arrive from 6pm and bring their own chairs and blankets.

A selection of food and drink vendors will be available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Summer starts here. We’re delighted to kick off the Torch Theatre’s 2026 Sunset Cinema season and the school holidays with a free waterside screening of Finding Nemo.

“Then, as the sun goes down, film fans can buy tickets to join us for the ultimate time-travelling adventure, Back to the Future.

“There’s something special about watching a great film by the water, and we’re looking forward to welcoming families, friends and visitors for a day of cinema, community and summer memories at Milford Waterfront.”

Chelsey Gillard, from the Torch Theatre, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be partnering with Milford Waterfront to offer this special Sunset Cinema screening completely free for our community.

“Watching Finding Nemo on Mackerel Quay is going to be absolutely magical. Bring a deckchair, gather the family and join Nemo, Dory and Marlin for an unforgettable adventure on the big screen.

“Let’s just hope Bruce the shark doesn’t decide to make an appearance. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of term and kick off the summer holidays.”

Tickets for both screenings should be booked in advance through the Torch Theatre booking office.

Further details about events taking place at Milford Waterfront this summer can be found on the Milford Waterfront website.

Photo caption: Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Finding Nemo at Milford Waterfront on Friday, July 17.