Elizabeth Birt

Schools in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion are celebrating strong A-level results. Ceredigion reported that 98% of WJEC entries received grades A* to E, including 32% at A* to A and 57% at A* to B. Ysgol Bro Preseli said more than 40% of its grades were A* to A or equivalent, while Ysgol Bro Teifi reported strong outcomes and many students progressing to university, apprenticeships or employment. School leaders and Ceredigion County Council praised students, staff, families and communities for their dedication and support.

A race at Poppit Sands on August 4 drew local runners and visitors attending the Eisteddfod. David Cole won the men's race, Josie Knight won the women's race, and Leo Allen and Molly Rose won the children's race. The final race is scheduled for August 18, with full junior and adult results available through RaceClocker.

Members of Ceredigion Youth Council visited Westminster on July 7 to meet Ceredigion MP Ben Lake and learn about the workings and history of Parliament. Gwilym Morus, Freya Pritchard and Hannah Bowhay toured Westminster, observed debates from the viewing gallery and took part in a question-and-answer session. Pritchard described the visit as inspiring and said it would strengthen links between the Youth Council and government, while Lake welcomed the young people's interest in politics and democratic participation.

Cardigan athlete Ollie George set a new course record of 25:57 in the three-mile Carningli Killer race in Newport. Several Cardigan Running Club members won age-category prizes, and the club described the event as successful. The club also held its first Poppit races of 2026, where David Cole won the men's race.

The Poppit 5K series began at Poppit Sands with 110 runners completing a two-lap course. Cardigan Running Club member Dai Cole won in 18 minutes, followed by Ollie George and Owain Schiavone, while Layla Omar-Davies was the first female finisher in 21 minutes and 44 seconds. Eighty young runners also took part in the junior 2K, won by Leo Allen and Isla Muirhead. Further races are scheduled for August 4 and August 18.

Artist Helen Elliott will open her studio near the River Teifi to the public on the afternoons of August 5–8 during the 850th National Eisteddfod. Visitors will be able to view more than 25 years of paintings, sketchbooks and recent work inspired by the landscapes, villages and changing light of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, alongside the area’s cultural and historical connections to the Eisteddfod.

Tesco Cardigan is listed as having the cheapest unleaded petrol at 149.9p per litre and the cheapest diesel at 160.9p per litre. Other comparatively low-priced options include Gulf and Murco garages around Cardigan, with prices varying by location. The figures come from petrolprices.com and may change.

A three-bedroom detached house at Llwyncelyn near Cilgerran is listed for £525,000. Set on approximately 1.2 acres, the property includes a 1,000-square-foot steel-frame outbuilding, pond, gardens and several additional timber buildings. It features solar panels, a Tesla battery storage unit, oil central heating and other energy-efficiency measures. The freehold property is council tax band F and is accessed through a private gated entrance.

Illyria Theatre Company will open its summer season at Cardigan Castle with an outdoor performance of The Three Musketeers on July 29, offering a family-friendly adaptation featuring adventure and comedy. Mwldan is managing ticketing and accessibility arrangements, with guidance for seating and pricing details provided. A temporary VAT reduction under the Great British Summer Savings scheme lowers children’s ticket prices.

A community‑led film celebrating Ceredigion’s coastal connections premiered at the Ceredigion Nature Festival, featuring stories from local residents and highlighting the importance of protecting marine environments. Supported by the Ceredigion Local Nature Partnership and produced with contributions from more than 30 people, the film traces water’s journey to the sea and promotes conservation efforts. Local officials and project coordinators praised the initiative, which will be made available online through Natur Ceredigion and Parents for Future Ceredigion.

Pupils at Ysgol y Dderi in Llangybi marked the International Day of Play with a creative Playground Takeover event organised by Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs. Activities included den building, dressing up and hands‑on making, with both indoor and outdoor play continuing despite wet weather. Ceredigion County Council representatives highlighted the importance of play for children’s development and praised the school’s after‑school club, which saw attendance double during the event. The initiative, part of a wider annual programme, aims to promote children’s right to play and encourage imaginative exploration in school environments.

A free shuttle service will run between Cardigan town centre and the 2026 National Eisteddfod site in Llantood from August 1 to 8. Funded by Ceredigion County Council, the service operates daily from early morning to midnight, encouraging visitors to park in town and explore local businesses during the event’s 850th anniversary. Further details are available through council and National Eisteddfod resources.