News
Free outdoor concerts, and top Celtic musicians at Fishguard Festival of Music
FISHGUARD INTERNATONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL will feature outdoor concerts in Fishguard and St David’s, cabaret songs from the golden era and the very best of Celtic music in its second and final week.
Seth Bye (violin) and Alex Henshaw (percussion) enchant audiences with their unique renditions of traditional music from the British Isles. Renowned for their contributions to Filkin’s Ensemble and The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Seth and Alex recently participated in an 870-mile foot-powered EP launching tour using the Wales Coast Path and led a folk music residency on Skomer Island alongside Filkin’s Drift.
Their first concert on Saturday 27th of July will be at 9.00am on Lower Quay Fishguard followed by a performance at Oriel y Parc, St David’s at 1.30pm.
Both concerts are outdoors and free. The musicians will also be performing for residents at Llain Las Sheltered Accom and Hillside Residential Home during the festival.
Later, on Saturday the 27th, The National Youth Brass Band of Wales will be performing at St David’s Cathedral at 7.30pm, conducted by Erik Janssen.
Twr y Felin Hotel in St David’s will be the venue for a lunchtime triple harp recital at 12am on Sunday the 28th of July. Eighteen-year-old Cadi Glwys’s musicality is steeped in the traditions of her native mid Wales. She has won numerous prizes at national competitions and has represented Wales in Lorient, Brittany and Ireland.
Soprano Claire Booth and pianist Jâms Coleman will give a recital of cabaret style songs at Theatr Gwaun on Monday 29 July at 7.30am.
Two-time winners of Best Album at the Welsh Folk Awards VRï will perform at Theatr Gwaun on Tuesday 30 July. VRï ‘s performers Jordan Price Williams, Aneirin Jones and Patrick Rimes shed new light on a vibrant folk tradition that harnesses the raw energy of the fiddle with the finesse of the violin, and the beauty of chamber music with the joy and hedonism of a pub session, all underpinned with powerful vocal harmonies.
Welsh Harpist Catrin Finch and Ireland’s fiddle virtuoso Aoife Ní Bhriain, will perform music from their acclaimed debut album Double You at a concert in Bethel Chapel, Fishguard on Wednesday 31 July.
Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of her generation’s most versatile and gifted violinists, a dazzling musician who commands both the classical world and her Irish traditional heritage. Harpist Catrin Finch has also built an impressive classical career and ventured into uncharted musical territory, most notably through her international award-winning collaborations.
Tickets for concerts are on sale at www.fishguardmusicfestival.com.
Crime
West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault
A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.
Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery.
Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.
“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.
“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.
“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.
“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.
“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.
“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”
Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.
“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.
News
Cardiff Airport’s future under scrutiny as Government proposes £206m subsidy
AT THURSDAY’S hearing before the Senedd’s public accounts and public administration committee, Welsh Government officials revealed that there is currently no “exit plan” for the government to sell Cardiff Airport. This statement came during a session where airport executives and government officials faced questions about a proposed £206 million subsidy intended to support the airport’s growth and development. This move, if approved, would mean the government has invested nearly £400 million in Cardiff Airport since its acquisition in 2013.
Andrew Slade, the Director General for Economy, Energy, and Transport, defended the government’s stance, highlighting the strategic importance of the airport for Wales. “We are committed to the airport and ministers are very clear that Wales needs to have an international airport,” he stated, emphasising the economic contributions and potential surrounding Cardiff Airport. He acknowledged the long-term possibility of exploring different ownership models but indicated that such considerations are not a priority at present.
This proposal aims to boost job growth linked to the airport and attract new airlines and routes, with a target of increasing passenger numbers to over two million annually. Planned upgrades to the terminal and facilities are also part of the proposed investment. While the subsidy has been sent to the Competition and Markets Authority for review, Slade confirmed that their advice would not be binding, leaving the final decision to the Welsh Government.
Challenges in attracting airlines
During the hearing, Cardiff Airport’s Chief Executive, Spencer Birns, disclosed ongoing discussions with airlines such as Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair to establish operations at Cardiff. However, he noted that these airlines currently do not see Wales as a “significant marketplace” for investment. Birns explained that while the airlines using Cardiff Airport are growing, the airport has faced challenges in replacing carriers that have pulled out, notably Wizz Air, which was an integral part of their growth strategy. He emphasised that while the airport has recovered 52% of its 2019 passenger volume, achieving pre-pandemic targets remains difficult due to the limited availability of aircraft and a tendency for airlines to prioritise larger markets.
Passenger targets and financial details
The airport had previously set a target of 1.3 million passengers, but this milestone is now expected to be reached two years later than initially planned, by March 2028. Birns attributed this delay to the withdrawal of Wizz Air and route cancellations by airlines like Ryanair. Despite these setbacks, he pointed out a 7% growth in passenger numbers for 2024, asserting that Cardiff Airport is on a positive growth trajectory.
Questions about the financial aspects of the airport’s operations were also raised during the hearing. Conservative MS Natasha Asghar sought detailed information on how the funds provided by the Welsh Government have been utilised. Slade agreed to provide a summary to the committee but cited commercial sensitivities and security concerns for not disclosing more specific details.
The committee discussed the cost implications of upgrading airport facilities, including the installation of new security scanners. While these scanners were included in the airport’s rescue and restructuring plan, the actual costs exceeded initial estimates. Mr. Slade explained that retrofitting modern equipment into a terminal designed in the 1970s presented significant challenges, leading to additional expenses. Cardiff Airport was allocated an extra £6.6 million by the Welsh Government in October to cover these costs.
Environmental considerations were also highlighted, with Birns reporting a 60% reduction in carbon emissions at the airport over the past four years, from 1,700 tonnes to under 600 tonnes of CO2 annually. This reduction was achieved through measures such as switching to electric vehicles, using renewable energy, and minimising natural gas consumption. The airport aims to further cut its emissions by 50% within the next five years, aligning with Wales’ broader environmental goals.
Impact on the Welsh economy
The airport’s role in Wales’ economy was underscored, with Birns stating that Cardiff Airport generates approximately £200 million in economic value, working with 50 companies and supporting 4,000 jobs. The proposed £206 million subsidy is seen as a means to sustain and enhance this economic contribution.
However, the airport has struggled to retain and attract international routes. The direct flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, which were suspended during the pandemic, have yet to resume. Negotiations with Qatar Airways are ongoing, but details remain commercially sensitive.
The proposed subsidy and the future of Cardiff Airport have sparked debate among Welsh politicians and the public. Critics argue that the airport has not met growth expectations and question the continued injection of taxpayer money. Some point to other regional airports, such as Teesside, which have recovered more rapidly post-pandemic and have clearer plans for financial sustainability.
In contrast, supporters emphasise the strategic importance of maintaining an international airport in Wales, not only for travel convenience but also for the economic and employment benefits it brings. The Welsh Government’s commitment to the airport, despite its challenges, reflects a belief in its potential to contribute significantly to the region’s growth and connectivity.
As the Welsh Government awaits the Competition and Markets Authority’s advice on the subsidy, the future of Cardiff Airport hangs in the balance. Whether this latest investment will spur the airport towards its ambitious growth targets remains to be seen. However, for now, the government appears steadfast in its support, with no plans for an exit strategy in sight.
News
Early-morning crash closes road for over two hours
A PERSON has been taken to hospital following an early-morning crash in west Wales, which resulted in a road closure for more than two hours. Emergency services were called to the Sheltery Hill area, north of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, on Thursday morning (Sept 19).
The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred on a road between the A40 and the B4330. Police and paramedics attended the scene, and the road was shut until shortly before 9am.
The injured individual was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police. A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on an unclassified road between the A40 and B4330, near Sheltery Hill, at around 6.40am on Thursday, 19th September.
“One person was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The road was closed whilst both vehicles were recovered and reopened at around 8.50am.’
-
Health4 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health4 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime2 days ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Community2 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Crime6 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime2 days ago
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
-
Crime4 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images
-
News4 days ago
West Wales men in custody after one tonne of cocaine seized from fishing boat