Entertainment
Pobol y Cwm unveils 50th anniversary celebratory tours
BBC CYMRU WALES has announced the opening of its Pobol y Cwm set to the public, to mark the series’ 50th anniversary in October.
Tickets have been released at bbc.co.uk/pobolycwm – giving fans a special opportunity to celebrate the big birthday together, behind the scenes at Cwmderi, the fictional village filmed at BBC Studios Wales’ centre in Cardiff Bay.
As well as taking a peek around the interior iconic sets at the drama studios, the exclusive 50th anniversary tours will visit the well-known main street, offering guests a taste of life at Pobol y Cwm, the BBC’s longest-running television soap opera that has been broadcast on S4C since 1982. The series was first broadcast on 16 October 1974 and the studios are usually closed to the public.
Series Producer Dafydd Llewelyn says, “There’s been such a demand for these tours and we’re absolutely delighted to be opening our doors again on such a momentous occasion in the history of the series. We look forward to welcoming everyone here.”
The bilingual tours will allow guests to follow in the footsteps of the characters and to see the exact locations where the banter and bickering, and the laughter and tears take place.
Pobol y Cwm’s actors including Jonathan Nefydd (Colin), Sera Cracroft (Eileen) an Dyfan Rees (Iolo) are excited to lead the tours and there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions as they take in the sights around the famous studios. There will be a different set of actors every day leading the tours.
The series has nurtured the talent of some of Wales’s biggest stars – including Hollywood actor Ioan Gruffydd, West End and television star, Iwan Rheon and film and television star, Alexandra Roach – who all honed their craft on Pobol y Cwm.
During the anniversary week, S4C will broadcast many special programmes to note the occasion and events will mark the series’ 50th. This includes a special anniversary programme on Wednesday, 16th October at 8pm on S4C, Clic and BBC iPlayer.
Tickets are available online now at bbc.co.uk/pobolycwm and the tours will be held Saturday 12 October, Sunday 13 October, Thursday 17 October, Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October. Eight tours will be hosted every day with British Sign Language (BSL)/Welsh and English interpretation on Sunday 13 October.
Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s Head of Film & Drama, says, “I’m sure our audience will grab this unique opportunity to step on Wales’ most iconic high street. It will be an unforgettable experience and a great way to celebrate Pobol y Cwm’s special 50th birthday.”
Sian Gwynedd, Head of Culture and Partnerships, BBC Cymru Wales says, “It’s brilliant, on such a significant birthday, to welcome some of our viewers to Cwmderi and to give them a sneak peek, behind the scenes, at one of Wales’ best-known streets! The series has long held a special place in the hearts of viewers across Wales and it’s a wonderful opportunity for them to play a part in the celebrations and to meet some of the actors. I’m sure it’ll be a day to remember.”
Entertainment
The Hidden Risks of Fast-Paced Casino Games
Casino games are inherently risky, no matter what style of game or the speed of play. However, fast-paced casino games are often considered riskier because people tend to place a higher number of bets, have less self-control, and find them more engaging which can increase the amount of time spent gaming.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the risks of fast-paced casino games and what options are available out there to encourage slower, more thoughtful gameplay.
The Risks of High Speed Gaming
Reduced Control
When gambling slowly, there’s more opportunity to place thoughtful and strategic bets. Whereas when playing at speed, it’s easy to make more impulsive decisions. It may also be harder to stop gambling during fast games, increasing the time spent on gambling, and therefore the amount of money placed on bets.
Increased Enjoyment
A lot of people gamble because they find it thrilling. A fast paced game can add to that, making gambling even more enjoyable and desirable. While this may sound like a good thing, the enhanced enjoyment can make it harder to step away when needed.
How to Manage the Risks
While there are risks, they can be managed. Here are just some of the ways to handle the risks that come with high speed gaming.
Set Strict Limits
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and fail to realise how much time or money you’ve spent while playing. One of the most effective ways to ensure you keep your spending to a minimum is to set yourself time limits – and actually stick to them. This way you can maintain control over how much time and money you’re putting into gambling.
Consider Using Bank Blocks
Most banks allow you to block all gambling transactions, preventing you from spending any money on these platforms.
Turn Off Auto-Fill
A great way to slow down is to turn off auto-fill, whether that be for payment cards or passwords. This can help prevent impulsive decisions and keep your gambling to a more manageable level.
Always Gamble Responsibly
Most casino sites, such as MrQ Casino, have a wide range of games, including those that are fast paced and highly engaging. But it’s important to remember that while they can be fun, they do pose a significant risk and it’s crucial to keep safe and responsible gambling in mind at all times.
Entertainment
Green Man names five finalists for Rising competition
FIVE emerging acts have been shortlisted for this year’s Green Man Rising final, with the winner set to open the Mountain Stage at the sold-out Welsh festival.
The final will take place at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on Tuesday, June 2, hosted by BBC 6 Music’s Huw Stephens.
Now in its seventeenth year, the competition gives new artists from across the UK the chance to perform at Green Man, Wales’ largest music, arts and science festival.
This year’s finalists are Brighton school friends Glasshouse Red Spider Mite, Leeds dance-punk duo Kiosk, Heist or Hit signees The Slow Country, Tall Child — the project of London-based Nigerian/Indian musician Zha Gandhi — and bilingual English-Welsh band Cyn Cwsg.
Organisers said a record number of entries were received for the 2026 competition. The shortlist was chosen by an industry panel featuring representatives from Clash, DIY, NME, Dazed, Wonderland, The Quietus, So Young and BBC Radio Wales.
The winning act will secure the opening slot on Green Man’s Mountain Stage later this summer, along with a week of studio time at Prah Recordings and a physical vinyl release with Dinked Edition.
The runners-up will also appear on the Green Man Rising Stage, which has previously hosted acts including The Last Dinner Party, English Teacher, Westside Cowboy, Silver Gore, Adult DVD and Keo.
Each shortlisted artist will also receive a professional recording at the festival to help showcase their music to labels, agents and promoters.
Green Man managing director and owner Fiona Stewart said: “Launching talent is at the heart of Green Man and our incredible five finalists were chosen from a record breaking number of acts.
“When Rising was launched 18 years ago we could never have imagined how many artists have been supported in their early careers. Our industry panel will choose which band will open the Mountain Stage at Green Man 2026.”
Free tickets for the Green Man Rising final are available via Dice. Those attending will also be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the sold-out Green Man 2026.
Entertainment
Contemporary art exhibition to mark reopening of Tenby Museum gallery
A CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION featuring work by well-known local artists and craftspeople will mark the reopening of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery’s temporary exhibition space.
The exhibition will run from Monday, May 18, to Friday, September 4, following the completion of an extensive renovation project at the museum.
Organisers say the collaborative exhibition will celebrate the creative talent of Pembrokeshire and the cultural importance of Tenby.
Curator Anita Schwartz said: “We are so excited to bring together such an inspirational collection of original pieces to showcase the creative talents of our local community.
“The artists featured exemplify the continuing cultural importance of this vibrant Pembrokeshire town.”
Artists exhibiting include Naomi Tydeman RI, John Cahill, Kim Carlow, Ivan Black, Guy Manning, Tom Sloan, Graham Hadlow, Alex MacDonald, Anna Warchus, Alec Lewis and Abigail Blaylock-Squibbs.
The exhibition will open with a private view on Friday, May 15, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, giving visitors the chance to meet the artists and view the museum’s recently refurbished galleries.
The event is open to all, but guests are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] by 10:00am on Thursday, May 14.
Works on display will include John Cahill’s North Pembrokeshire Landscape, which was awarded first prize in the Welsh Prize category at the Wales Contemporary Exhibition at Chelsea Barracks, London.
Other featured works include Anna Warchus’ Seaside Plate, Tom Sloan’s Tenby, Guy Manning’s Castle Hill and Naomi Tydeman’s Blue Moon, Newgale.
The exhibition takes place at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Tenby, SA70 7BP.
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