Entertainment

Rolling Stones gig raised during talks over Haverfordwest castle plans

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to create a 500-seat multi-purpose entertainment area in the grounds of Haverfordwest’s castle raised both tales of the noise levels of Rolling Stones gigs and the biblical battle of Jericho.

An application before the July meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee recommended delegated conditional approval for the local authority application for the creation of a multi-purpose entertainment and events venue within the inner ward area of Haverfordwest Castle.

The application forms part of the Levelling-up-funded Heart of Pembrokeshire: Rediscovering Haverfordwest scheme.

The interior of the Grade-I-listed castle, a Scheduled Monument, is currently a grassy space next to the former Governor’s House (now used as a museum) and the adjacent former gâol building, a report for planners said.

It added: “The proposal comprises the creation of a multi-purpose entertainment and events venue to be used for a range of temporary events. The capacity would be a minimum of 500 seated (with possibly more for standing events).

“The scope includes the provision of a temporary stage area and audience seating for performance events. The same area would also be used as a ‘market street’ that would comprise temporary stalls.”

The works proposed consist of four elements: the re-contouring of the inner ward’s existing sloping topography, changes in levels to limited areas of ground around the internal perimeter of the castle’s north wall, the erection of permanent steel gates at the inner ward entrance, and the installation of a feeder pillar and below ground services run, committee members heard.

The applicant states that the proposal would “create a vibrant outdoor event space capable of supporting a range of activity as part of the normal castle visitor experience,” the report says, and “the space should be designed to be entirely removable (but in practice only removed on occasions when it is necessary to do so)”.

It added: “These proposals have been developed simultaneously with other schemes within the Scheduled Monument and Castle grounds such as the repairs to the castle and the refurbishment of the gâol. All three schemes are interlinked to deliver an improved visitor facility.”

At the July planning meeting, concerns about potential noise impact on the structure of the castle walls were raised by Cllr Iwan Ward, with Cllr Rhys Jordan, chairing the item as committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock had declared an interest, reflecting: “Rumour or truth, the Rolling Stones were [once] due to play Pembroke Castle until there were fears raised it would fall down.”

Cllr John Cole took a more biblical point of reference, reflecting: “Noise was supposed to have destroyed the walls of Jericho,” asking if there was a way of finding out about potential noise impact on the historic structure.

He was told that was a matter for CADW, which had approved Scheduled Monument consent, rather than the planning committee.

Moving delegated approval, Cllr Mark Carter said: “It’s another case of revitalising the town, it seems very sensible to me,” seconded by new committee member Cllr Andrew Edwards, who said it would “bring more footfall” into the town.

Delegated approval was overwhelmingly backed, with one abstention.

In 1973 promoters of the Stones, who were the biggest band in the world at the time, approached Pembroke Borough Council with the idea of staging a concert for 12,000 fans.

In the end the council decided that the event would be too risky and refused permission, but not before adverts had been placed in the national press and posters had been distributed.

The cancellation of the concert left a lot of people feeling very disappointed and it has been talked about in Pembroke ever since.

Entertainment

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

20 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Luke Sinclair

GAVIN & STACEY favourites Joanna Page and Mathew Horne have reunited on screen for a Christmas special – though not the one fans might have hoped for. Instead of returning to Barry or Billericay, the duo appear together in a new festive advert for Waitrose, sharing a turkey pie while responding to a fan’s heartfelt letter about expressing love through food.

The short film marks their appearance in How to Say It With Food, a six-part series in which Page and Horne tackle some of the nation’s most common Christmas food dilemmas. The clip opens with Page teasingly nodding to their iconic sitcom: “Oh, you didn’t think we’d let Christmas roll around without showing up again, did you?”

Horne quickly follows with his own playful line: “Us? Miss Christmas? Not a chance. But this time we’re here to help you say it with food.”

The pair are then handed an envelope “from Santa”, containing a letter from a viewer asking how he can show his “leading lady” he loves her through food. Mathew quips: “First time saying it, you want a statement. Sixteenth time, you want a statement that doesn’t involve socks.”

He then introduces Waitrose’s new Christmas advert starring Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson. The main campaign follows an unlikely festive romance sparked by Sussex Charmer cheese and culminating in Wilkinson presenting Knightley with a turkey pie decorated with the words “I love you”. Watching the moment unfold, Page smiles at Horne and mirrors another classic Gavin & Stacey reference: “Oh, that’s so romantic.”

The duo are soon given their own turkey pie to try. Horne eagerly tucks in before cutting Page a slice, prompting laughter from his co-star. The advert ends with the pair wishing viewers a Merry Christmas as Knightley and Wilkinson share a warm festive kiss on screen.

The reunion comes almost a year after audiences tuned in to the BBC sitcom’s much-anticipated finale, which drew an impressive 12.3 million viewers on Christmas Day. The episode wrapped up storylines including Gwen’s blossoming romance with Dave Coaches, Smithy’s near-wedding to Sonia, and the moment fans had long debated – Smithy and Nessa tying the knot.

Reflecting on the new project, Page said: “You thought you’d seen the last of us! Well, we’re back and what fun we had.” She added: “It was such a treat working with Mat… food is what brings people together over the festive season.”

Horne described the experience as “brilliant”, calling their on-screen reunion “a Christmas tradition”.

Entertainment

Filming for new season of S4C crime drama Cleddau returns to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Production crew spotted in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton as series set for 2026 release

FILMING has returned to Pembrokeshire this week for the next season of Cleddau — the hit S4C crime drama released in English as The One That Got Away.

The production crew has been seen in Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Burton capturing new scenes for the upcoming 2026 series. Local photographer Gareth Davies shared images of the team working along the estuary, describing “a real buzz” in the area as cast and crew returned after the success of the first season.

Crime thriller rooted in the Cleddau estuary

Cleddau follows a murder investigation that reopens buried secrets in a quiet west Wales community. The show has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances and striking use of local Pembrokeshire scenery — with the Cleddau estuary itself forming a central part of the series’ identity.

Residents have reported seeing cameras and production vehicles around familiar walking routes, waterfront areas and estuary-side villages as the crew makes full use of the landscape that inspired the show’s name.

Local interest and economic boost

The return of filming has been welcomed locally, bringing attention, visitors and activity into communities along the waterway. For many residents, the excitement lies in spotting familiar places on screen when the new season airs next year.

The new series of Cleddau is expected to be broadcast in 2026.

Entertainment

Cardigan Theatre brings Beauty and the Beast to Mwldan this Christmas

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Festive panto promises magic, music and family fun

CARDIGAN Theatre is set to bring festive magic to Theatre Mwldan this Christmas with a fun-filled production of Beauty and the Beast, running from 21–29 December. The pantomime is written and directed by Jonathon Preece and promises all the traditional panto sparkle audiences love.

The story follows once-proud Prince Louis (Emily Davies), who angers Agatha the Evil Enchantress (Kelly Lewis). As punishment for his selfishness, she transforms him into the fearsome Beast (Steve Green). His only hope of breaking the spell is to find true love – or remain a beast forever.

Meanwhile, brave and kind-hearted Belle (Ruby Lemoine) sets out to rescue her eccentric father Marcel (Tom Loveday) who on his way to the “Big Invention Competition”, gets lost and stumbles into the enchanted castle and is taken prisoner by the Beast. Determined to save him, Belle is joined by her loyal friend Jaques, the village silly billy (Sarah Harris), flamboyant Dame Madam Fromage (Rhys Davies), and Gavin (Paul Robinson), the vain village heart-throb who is convinced Belle should marry him!

Inside the castle, Belle encounters a host of enchanted objects, including Tick Tock (Lilwen), Flambe (Bryce), and Mrs Kettle (Manon), who provide humour, magic and plenty of encouragement as they try to help the Beast win Belle’s heart and break Agatha’s curse.

With songs, jokes, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation, the production promises festive fun for all ages.

Beauty and the Beast runs at Theatre Mwldan from 21–29 December. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Cardigan Theatre can be followed on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future shows.