Entertainment

The British high street in 2024

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

The British high street in 2024 remains a battleground of mixed fortunes as both long-standing institutions and new businesses adapt to the rapid rise of online alternatives. This year has seen further shifts in consumer behaviour, impacting various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and high street bookmakers. With the backdrop of inflation, changes in disposable income, and growing digitalisation, the high street has seen varying degrees of success and decline.

The current state of the high street

A recent PWC report highlights how in Q3 and Q4 of 2024, the British high street continues to face pressures from rising costs, supply chain issues, and changing consumer behaviour. The shift to online shopping remains a major challenge, contributing to ongoing store closures—currently at 38 per day.

While government initiatives like the Levelling Up Fund have provided some relief, the impact has been uneven, with retail parks and shopping centres showing resilience compared to high streets.

In Wales, high streets remain central to communities but are experiencing similar difficulties. The convenience of online shopping and reduced footfall have led to more closures, especially for smaller retailers, chemists, and banks. Without further intervention, some high streets risk falling into a continued cycle of decline.

Bookmakers

High street bookmakers, once central to British town life, have struggled due to the rise of online betting platforms. The convenience of mobile apps has drastically reduced foot traffic, with approximately 30% of betting shops closing over the past five years. Tighter regulations on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) have also hurt revenue.

In contrast, online bookmakers have thrived by offering 24/7 access, better odds, and frequent promotions, making it easier to find an online casino than visiting a physical shop. While some customers still appreciate the social aspect of betting shops, operators are increasingly merging physical and digital experiences to remain competitive.

Retail

Free Cars on Highway Beside White Building Stock Photo

Traditional high-street retailers, particularly in fashion and electronics, have also struggled. The convenience and vast offerings of e-commerce giants like Amazon have pulled consumers away from physical stores.

Major chains such as Debenhams have disappeared from the high street, while others like John Lewis have significantly reduced their physical footprint. To remain competitive, many retailers are adopting omnichannel strategies, blending online shopping with in-store experiences, though rising costs and reduced foot traffic remain significant challenges.

Hospitality

The hospitality sector, including cafés and restaurants, has faced a mixed outlook in 2024. While chains like Costa and Pret A Manger have made a strong recovery after the pandemic, independent establishments, particularly pubs, continue to struggle with rising costs and labour shortages.

Furthermore, the popularity of online food delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats and Just Eat, has reshaped the dining experience, pushing many restaurants to focus on takeaway services rather than dine-in customers. To stay competitive, some venues are investing in technology, offering digital menus and contactless payments to streamline the customer experience.

Bank branches

Another sector experiencing significant change is banking. The rise of online banking and fintech has led to widespread bank branch closures across the UK, as consumers increasingly manage their finances digitally.

Banks such as HSBC and Barclays have significantly reduced their physical footprint, leaving many towns without a local branch. This has particularly impacted older customers and those in rural areas, where access to digital services can be limited. In response, some banks are experimenting with smaller, more flexible branch formats or failing this, a mobile banking van scheme.

Independent retailers

While large chains are shrinking, some independent retailers are finding ways to thrive. The rise of campaigns encouraging consumers to shop locally has bolstered small businesses, especially in areas like Wales, where supporting local producers and artisans has become a cultural priority.

Many independent retailers are embracing e-commerce alongside their physical shops, using social media and online marketplaces to reach wider audiences while maintaining their personal, community-focused approach.

Conclusion

In 2024, the British high street continues to face an uphill battle as online alternatives dominate the retail and betting landscapes. While government interventions have provided some relief to struggling high streets, the future remains uncertain.

High-street bookmakers, retailers, and even banks face growing competition from online services, which offer greater convenience and flexibility. The shift towards digital experiences and declining foot traffic threatens the traditional high street, but businesses that innovate and adapt may yet find ways to survive and thrive in this evolving environment.

Entertainment

Gavin & Stacey stars reunite for Christmas advert

Published

5 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.