Josh Price

Abakhan Mostyn will host its Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 10am. Activities include bouncy castles, face painting, a magic show, character visits and an appearance by J&S Exotic Animals. Visitors can also browse the Abakhan Artisan Market, featuring more than 30 local traders, and explore the Abakhan store, café and surrounding Abakhan Village.

Life-size wooden sculptures of a mountain gorilla and an 8ft grizzly bear, carved by chainsaw artist Paul Morris from dead trees at Pendine Park in Wrexham, will welcome visitors to the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph. Pendine Park founder and conservationist Mario Kreft will also give a talk about his experiences with gorillas and travel in Africa. The festival’s theme, “Macrocosm: Music and Conservation,” includes performances by Sir Bryn Terfel, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, The Gesualdo Six and several choirs, with support from Welsh arts and charitable organizations.

Ysgol Emmanuel and Christchurch School in Rhyl are undergoing roof upgrades as part of a phased school modernisation programme. Christchurch School is receiving new felt roofing, thermal insulation, and 47 replacement roof windows and skylights, while Ysgol Emmanuel is having an ageing tiled roof replaced with an insulated metal roof. The council says the work will improve energy efficiency, structural integrity and long-term maintenance, with both projects funded through the Schools Capitalised Maintenance Programme and scheduled for completion in the autumn.

Twenty men in Wales have completed specialist training through the Welsh Government’s Sound campaign, delivered in partnership with White Ribbon, to challenge harmful behaviours, promote healthy relationships and support efforts to end violence against women and girls. Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams said prevention and positive role models are central to the strategy. Cardiff musician James Minas used the training to establish Bros B4 Lows, a support group for men in the Welsh music community focused on open discussion and mutual support.

Prestatyn Town Football Club will host a full-day Bank Holiday event featuring family entertainment, live music, football activities, local stalls and an evening boxing programme. Organised with Heavy Hitters Promotions, the event includes a 15-fight card with five title bouts, including Ste Scourfield versus Luke Dyson for the heavyweight title and Katie Horlick’s women’s title contest. The organisers aim to support local businesses, sports and emerging talent, while fundraising for homeless veterans and Alderney Children’s Hospital. St John Ambulance medics will provide on-site safety support.

CPD Rhyl 1879 defeated Caersws 4–2 in the Cymru North league to secure its first win of the season. Ben Lightfoot scored a hat-trick, with Dan Cockerline adding the other goal, while Ben Pearce and Thomas Edwards scored for Caersws. Rhyl controlled much of the match despite Caersws' second-half fightback and will next travel to Llanuwchllyn.

A two-bedroom semi-detached barn conversion at Bryn Dethol Farm on Holyhead Road in Llangollen is listed for offers over £230,000. Converted in 2007, the property combines exposed timber and stone features with modern finishes, including a lounge/diner, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and a four-piece bathroom. It also includes two allocated parking spaces, front and rear garden areas, and views over the Vale of Llangollen Golf Course and Dee Valley.

A four-bedroom link-detached house on Vincent Close in Rhyl is offered for more than £260,000. The property has four bedrooms, a living room with a log burner, dining area, fitted kitchen, enclosed rear garden, driveway and garage. The garage may offer potential for conversion subject to planning permission and building regulations. The house is near Rhyl’s beach, schools, shops, leisure facilities and transport links, and viewings are recommended.

The National Library of Wales will launch the Profiad Kyffin Experience in Aberystwyth in October, marking 20 years since Kyffin Williams bequeathed a substantial collection of his work to the nation. The immersive exhibition will use digitally reconstructed paintings and specially transformed rooms to let visitors explore the Welsh landscapes, animals and scenery central to Williams’s art. The project is supported by principal funding from the Colwinston Charitable Trust, with technology developed by Focal Studios. Full booking details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Kathryn Bell, an 18-year-old A-level student from Rhyl, has been named Politics Student of the Year after developing her interest in politics at Coleg Cambria’s Deeside Sixth Form Centre. Motivated by personal experience, she wants to improve policies affecting disabled people and young carers and has already engaged with initiatives and government ministers in Cardiff. Bell plans to study International Relations and Politics at Liverpool John Moores University, while her teachers praise her commitment, confidence and academic progress.

A £15 million coastal defence scheme between Towyn and Kinmel Bay has been completed, improving flood protection for more than 2,000 residential and commercial properties. Delivered by Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK for Conwy County Borough Council, the project strengthened the coastline with nearly 66,500 tonnes of rock armour, raised a 2km sea wall, replaced two floodgates and added accessible beach entrances. The work also upgraded public amenities while minimizing disruption during 12 months of construction. The scheme received an excellent Considerate Constructors Scheme rating, and Jones Bros was awarded Mates in Mind Gold recognition for its employee mental-health support.

Farmers and growers in North Wales are being invited to learn about the North Wales Machinery Ring, a Menter Môn initiative due to launch fully in the autumn. The scheme will provide online booking access to shared specialist horticultural machinery, reducing capital costs and financial risk while supporting farm diversification, efficiency, business resilience and local food supply chains. It is being developed with food partnerships across Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire, with feedback sought from growers and farming unions at the Anglesey Agricultural Show.

Continental Diamond Tool, a Kinmel Bay manufacturer of custom diamond-encrusted precision tools, has seen orders rise by 300% as AI data centres, electric-vehicle charging infrastructure and power-generation demand drive growth. Following a £4 million investment from its US parent company, the business has moved into a factory three times larger than its previous site and plans to double its workforce to 80. Sales could triple again by the end of the decade, with additional growth coming from aerospace, refurbished turbine engines used for data-centre backup power, and automotive orders, including a 78% increase from one major customer.

A table tennis programme delivered across North Wales by Table Tennis Wales, Coleg Cambria, Active Wrexham and local schools has introduced the sport to more than 1,500 people since launching in 2023. Activities have included coaching, competitions, school visits, community taster sessions and leadership opportunities for Coleg Cambria students. More than 100 pupils at Bwlchgwyn Primary School took part, while an eight-week beginner course helped children develop basic skills, with many moving on to local clubs. The partnership plans to resume in September and expand its reach.

Fourteen volunteers collected 11 bags of rubbish weighing 18.5 kilograms during a litter pick at Barkby Beach in Prestatyn. Among the debris were working Christmas lights and a saucepan. Denbighshire County Council, Tyfu, Prestatyn C.I.C., Keep Wales Tidy and the Marine Conservation Society worked together on the event, which aimed to reduce marine litter, protect natural coastal defences and lower the risk of localised flooding. Council representatives praised the collaboration and its benefits for residents, visitors and the environment.

Around 3,800 people attended Rhyl’s 11th annual Play Day at Christchurch Playing Fields on August 5. Organized by Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service, the free event offered children and families activities including circus skills, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, bird box making and giant games. Organizers and Councillor Diane King praised the strong turnout and the event’s growing popularity during the summer holidays.

The Totally Tina tribute show will perform at Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre on October 9, 2026. The production, now in its 17th year, stars Justine Riddoch with a live band and dancers, featuring Tina Turner hits including “Proud Mary,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Simply the Best.” The new show will include a refreshed set, costumes, choreography and surprise additions.

Researchers at Aberystwyth University are studying how free-roaming farm dogs may contribute to the spread of Echinococcus granulosus, the tapeworm that causes hydatid disease in people and livestock. Fieldwork in mid-Wales will combine GPS tracking, faecal analysis and interviews with farmers, vets, dog owners and public health experts to examine canine movement, human behaviour and environmental risks. The team hopes the findings will explain shortcomings in earlier health campaigns and support more effective, locally tailored interventions, while Public Health Wales warns that the disease can cause serious liver and lung cysts and may be increasing in affected farming communities.

UK consultancy Caulmert has appointed senior environmental consultant Surjit Duley and principal structural engineer Mo Mohammed as it expands its 50-person team. The firm, which has offices including St Asaph and Bangor, aims to more than double turnover to over £8 million within five years. Duley brings nearly 30 years of environmental-sector experience, while Mohammed has almost a decade of experience in railway and highway engineering. Caulmert is also recruiting for several civil engineering, geotechnical, planning and environmental roles.

A modern detached three-bedroom house on Ffordd Anwyl in Rhyl is being marketed for £280,000. The property includes a living room with media wall, dining area, modern kitchen, utility room, WC, three bedrooms, an en suite, family bathroom, garden with two patio areas, a single garage and parking for two vehicles. It is described as suitable for young professionals or a growing family and is located near shops, schools, leisure facilities and transport links.

The Afon Crafnant Amble near Trefriw in Conwy has been named Wales’ most accessible walk and the sixth most accessible route in the UK. Lovett Care’s study assessed 289 routes using factors including distance, elevation, scenery, visitor reviews and dog-friendliness. The trail scored 66.94, ranking highly because of its flat terrain, short distance and tranquil riverside setting. Beddgelert and Gelert’s Grave Circular in Gwynedd also entered Wales’ top 10, while several other routes across North Wales featured prominently among the country’s highest-rated accessible walks. The research aims to encourage people with different mobility levels, including wheelchair and walking-aid users, to enjoy nature safely.

Hope House Tŷ Gobaith is inviting cyclists to take part in a 311-mile London-to-Paris charity ride in July 2027, finishing on the Champs Élysées shortly before the Tour de France. Flintshire resident Lee Eyes, 56, has signed up to raise funds for the children’s hospices after volunteering with them. The fully supported ride, organized with Global Adventure Challenges, includes accommodation, catering, a cycle mechanic and a visit to the Eiffel Tower, with early-bird places available from £99. Funds will support children across North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire who are living with life-threatening conditions.

Melda Lois Griffiths and Mirain Alaw Jones, writing as Ymlaen, won the Playwright’s Medal at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las for Cwch Gwenyn, a play about womanhood and the challenges faced by women in contemporary Wales. Judges praised its humour, realism, representation of diverse experiences, structure and theatrical potential, while noting similarities to the television programme Amdani. The writers, whose friendship began at Cardiff University and grew through a women’s rugby team, receive £3,000 and further support from Welsh theatre organisations, including script development, placements and networking opportunities.

The National Eisteddfod’s Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The award, which is open to soloists aged 19 to under 25, helped launch the careers of singers including Bryn Terfel. The article highlights 1957 winner Menai Roberts, later Menai Davies, who competed against her fiancé Graham Wyn Davies, went on to teach in England, join the Welsh National Opera chorus in 1974 and judge eisteddfodau. The prize commemorates composer, accompanist, conductor, teacher and critic Thomas Osborne Roberts, and its anniversary was marked with a ceremony presenting past winners during the National Eisteddfod’s Pavilion competitions.

A packed audience attended Elis James’s stand-up performance at the Eisteddfod Pavilion. The Haverfordwest-born comedian discussed his childhood, Welsh cultural differences and ambitions to join the Gorsedd. The piece reviews his career, including work with BBC Radio 5 Live, football commentary, television acting, music, Welsh-language performances and support for Rhod Gilbert, noting his return to English-language stand-up after nearly a decade.

Mayoral Rocks, a new rock music event organized by Prestatyn Mayor Anton Sampson and Prestatyn Town Council, will take place on Prestatyn High Street from noon to 8 p.m. on August 22. Performers include Marnie Bailey, Andy Fogg and Rhys Byrne, with stalls and refreshments also planned. Proceeds will support St. Kentigern Hospice and the RNLI, while the High Street will close between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to accommodate the event.

Hope House Tŷ Gobaith is bringing its Midnight Pyjama Walk back to Colwyn Bay after a 12-year hiatus. The 7km fundraiser will take place along the promenade on September 19, starting and finishing at Parc Eirias, with activities, refreshments, marshals and themed clothing. Entry costs £15 for adults and £10 for children, alongside a minimum sponsorship target of £50, with proceeds supporting respite and hospice care for families of seriously ill children. Supertemps is sponsoring the event, while Aykroyd & Sons is a Gold Partner.

Clwyd MS Darren Millar is urging community groups, sports clubs, charities and councils across North Wales to apply for free public-access defibrillators through schemes run by British Heart Foundation Cymru and Calon Hearts. The BHF programme provides a defibrillator, cabinet, installation support where necessary, and replacement pads and batteries for up to 10 years, while Calon Hearts is offering five defibrillators alongside CPR training. The appeal highlights that Wales experiences about 3,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with only one in 20 victims surviving, and notes particular shortages of 24-hour defibrillators in Wrexham and Newport.

Rhyl Raptors Wheelchair Sports Club is launching a Sunday wheelchair basketball session from 2pm to 3pm, in addition to its regular Tuesday sessions. The £3 sessions are open to juniors aged six and above and adults, with no prior experience required. The initiative follows club members Anastasia Blease and Will Bishop representing Team Wales in the 3x3 wheelchair basketball competition at the Commonwealth Games.

Denbighshire-based Wynne Construction is marking its centenary with more than £325 million in live and upcoming projects, including £228 million currently under construction and £99 million in pre-construction. Its work spans education, healthcare, housing, leisure and low-carbon innovation across Wales and North West England. Major schemes include facilities in Newport, Pembrokeshire, Anglesey, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Liverpool, while recent contract wins include affordable housing and school redevelopments. Managing director Chris Wynne said the strong order book provides confidence for the workforce and supply chain despite construction-sector cost pressures and wider economic uncertainty.

Denbighshire libraries are participating in the Summer Reading Challenge, themed “Read to the Beat,” which encourages children to engage with books and music during the school holidays. The programme includes rap and beatboxing workshops with Mr Phormula, appearances by the Welsh Whisperer, a show by author Oliver Sykes, book clubs, and craft sessions across libraries in Ruthin, Denbigh, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Rhyl and Llangollen. Library membership is free, and children can register for the challenge at any Denbighshire library.

Around 50 members of the long-established North Wales choir Côr y Penrhyn performed traditional Welsh songs and contemporary tunes while descending Zip World’s 100mph Velocity zip line above Penrhyn Quarry. The event, which included 85-year-old member Raymond Roberts, marked a delayed 91st-anniversary celebration and renewed the choir’s historic connection to the quarry and Zip World. Organizers also hoped the performance would attract new members and promote Welsh music and culture.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales and Eryri National Park Authority have launched a campaign urging dog owners to keep pets under close control or on leads when visiting Eryri. The initiative highlights risks to grazing livestock, ground-nesting birds and other wildlife, following more than 80 livestock attacks reported to North Wales Police in 2024. It also follows the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which gives police greater powers to seize suspected dogs, gather evidence and investigate incidents, while removing the £1,000 cap on fines.

A report led by Aberystwyth University academics found that 22% of farms in rural Wales experienced crime during the previous year, with machinery theft making up 65% of recorded offences. Although 78% of victims were satisfied with the police response, the study identified concerns about limited police resources, crime reporting and prevention, property damage, environmental crime and weak community support. The findings will be discussed at a launch event during the National Eisteddfod.

Aber Falls, also known as Rhaeadr Fawr, has been named Wales’s best family walk in a CEWE study ranking UK routes by family-related reviews, ratings and social-media activity. The Gwynedd waterfall received a 4.8-star rating and was praised for its scenery and picnic-friendly setting. Powis Castle and Garden ranked second, while Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village placed third. Other locations in the Welsh top 10 included Pistyll Rhaeadr, Bute Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Henrhyd Falls, Loggerheads Country Park and Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru is developing Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm on Natural Resources Wales land in Denbighshire and Conwy, with up to 22 turbines potentially generating 132 MW—enough to supply about 117,500 Welsh homes annually. Elfed Williams MS and Becca Martin MS toured the site, while project representatives highlighted early community engagement, environmental studies and plans for further consultation. Residents are also being asked how potential financial benefits from the scheme should be used locally.

Eighteen-year-old Lora Pritchard was named Royal Welsh Agricultural Show Student of the Year after completing a Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Glynllifon campus. She also received the college’s Special Contribution Award and plans to study media and journalism at Bangor University, with ambitions to become a broadcaster and producer covering farming and rural affairs.

Ysgol Glan Clwyd's under-13 girls' football team reached the Welsh Schools' FA National Competition final after progressing through a series of knockout victories, including a 7–1 semi-final win. They drew 2–2 with defending champions Stanwell School in the final before losing the penalty shootout. The team has since been invited to the Rod Houston U14 Finals in September, where it will compete against schools from across the British Isles and Ireland, and is raising funds for the trip through a sponsored 10-mile walk around Llyn Brenig.

Salford Children’s Holiday Camp in Prestatyn, known as “Salford by the Sea,” is seeking £500,000 to upgrade its facilities nearly a century after opening in 1926. Plans include replacing one dormitory with three new units for families and school groups. Salford representatives and the camp’s trustees support the redevelopment, which is intended to secure the charity’s future and expand access for Salford children.

Rhyl Little Theatre Youth Group will stage a contemporary production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, its first full-scale play produced entirely by its young members. Fourteen performers aged 15 to 21, led by Joseph Williams, have managed the directing, producing, stage management and organization, with Curtis Fisher praising their work. Performances are scheduled for August 21 and 22, 2026, at Rhyl Little Theatre, with tickets available through the theatre’s box office and website.

Llandudno has been ranked the eighth-best dog-friendly destination in the UK by Tails.com, scoring 35.74 out of 100. The North Wales seaside town was recognized for its 32 dog-friendly restaurants, 12 cafés, 26 walking routes and access to six nearby beaches. York took first place, followed by Bath and Chester. Tails.com veterinarian Sean McCormack advised dog owners to bring water, food and other essentials, maintain pets’ routines, and plan rest and water breaks.

Transport for Wales reported strong performance in its 2025/26 annual report, including 34.9 million rail passenger journeys, an 8.9% increase in rail revenue to £190.3 million, and customer satisfaction rising to 87.7%. TrawsCymru bus journeys increased by 5.2%, while Core Valley Lines punctuality improved to 92.6%. The report also highlighted the electrification of 170 kilometres of the Core Valley Lines, the opening of a depot at Taff’s Well, expanded pay-as-you-go ticketing and plans for transport improvements in North East Wales. Transport leaders and Wales’s deputy transport minister welcomed the progress but acknowledged that further work is needed.

The Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation on tax rules for self-catering holiday accommodation. It will examine whether the requirement for properties to be let for 182 days annually to qualify for non-domestic rates is appropriate and consider five potential exemptions for properties that cannot reasonably serve as permanent homes. The consultation runs from 31 July to 23 October 2026 and seeks views from businesses, local authorities and other stakeholders.

Young musicians from the North Wales Music Cooperative will perform with the Fusion Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble and soloists at St Asaph Cathedral during the North Wales International Music Festival. The Fusion Band previously performed outside the cathedral during the Royal Maundy Service attended by the King and Queen, gaining exposure through royal social media channels. Festival artistic director Paul Mealor praised the performers, while sponsors Pendine Park and Salisburys Chartered Accountants highlighted the cultural and developmental value of supporting music education. The festival runs from September 10 to 19, with the featured concert scheduled for September 12.

Abbey Farm Rhuddlan has been included in Campsites.co.uk’s 2026 Outstanding Sites List, recognizing its family-friendly facilities and consistently positive guest reviews. The UK-wide list highlights campsites offering amenities such as swimming pools, farm parks, entertainment and beach access.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has selected Tir Dewi and Prostate Cymru as its president’s charities for 2026–2029 following Ian Rickman’s re-election. The three-year partnership will support Tir Dewi’s confidential bilingual assistance for farmers and their families and Prostate Cymru’s work on prostate cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatment and care. Tir Dewi has reported an 18% increase in demand, while prostate cancer affects around one in eight men in Wales. The FUW will raise funds and promote awareness through events across Wales.

Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has warned retailers and consumers about an increase in counterfeit fidget toys, including Squishy Dumplings and NeeDoh, following the seizure of more than 600 potentially unsafe products. Officials say counterfeit toys may lack required safety testing, labelling, importer details and CE or UKCA markings, posing particular risks to children. The council is inspecting premises and educating businesses and the public, while advising suspected buyers to contact Citizens Advice and retailers to seek guidance from Trading Standards.

Llandudno RNLI volunteers Calum Darling and Vicki Tann have qualified for new operational roles after completing assessments conducted by Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Simon Bunting. Darling qualified as an inshore lifeboat navigator, while Tann passed the Tier 2 crew assessment, which included practical rescue scenarios. Their new qualifications strengthen Llandudno RNLI’s ability to coordinate and carry out sea-rescue missions.

Junior Showtime will return to Rhyl Pavilion Theatre for its 30th year at the venue and more than five decades of performances by the Gay Harris Dancers. Directed and choreographed by Adele Harris-Walker, the production will feature more than 100 young dancers. Former pupil Rachel Green will provide British Sign Language interpretation at the Saturday matinee, underscoring the show's intergenerational influence and commitment to accessibility.

Sixteen-year-old Ruthin athlete Lucca Tardivel won second place in the 200 metres at the British and Irish Schools’ Track and Field International in Belfast and received the first award for the most meritorious performance by a Welsh male athlete, presented in memory of Charlie and Mona Hughes. Despite undergoing shoulder surgery six months earlier after a rugby injury, Tardivel continues to pursue both athletics and rugby. He is joining a college in Cumbria on a scholarship, remains part of the Sale Sharks Academy and trains with West Cheshire Athletics Club, while seeking sponsorship to support his dual sporting ambitions.

Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and culture and sport minister Heledd Fychan offered good luck to Team Wales ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, praising the athletes’ achievements and the unifying role of sport. They highlighted the Games’ potential to inspire future generations and promote Wales globally. For the first time, the Cymru Wales brand will feature on athletes’ kits through a partnership between Team Wales and the Welsh Government aimed at boosting international visibility.

The Welsh Government has launched the development of a National Food Strategy to reshape food production, processing, and consumption across the country. Announced by Cabinet Minister Llyr Gruffydd at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, the plan adopts a whole‑system approach linking agriculture, retail, health, education, and the circular economy. Hospitality expert Simon Wright will chair an Expert Working Group to gather sector input and recommend measures of success, with the final strategy expected in 2027. The initiative aims to boost the value of Wales’s food and drink sector, strengthen support for producers, improve food literacy, and enhance collaboration between government, industry, and the public sector.

Funding recovered from criminal activity is supporting Blossom & Bloom, a Rhyl charity providing early-years play sessions aimed at reducing parental isolation and improving family wellbeing. The initiative, financed through the Your Community, Your Choice scheme backed by North Wales Police and PACT, offers free programmes for parents and young children. During a visit, police leaders emphasised the value of early support, community partnerships and collaborative services, while parents highlighted challenges such as financial hardship, limited networks and vulnerability linked to trauma and domestic abuse.

Work has begun on cut-and-collect maintenance across Denbighshire’s wildflower meadows to support biodiversity after early seeding caused by prolonged dry weather. The council aims to restore habitats and enhance community wellbeing through its Wildflower Meadow Project, funded by the Welsh Government. Officials stress the importance of the work in reversing habitat loss, supporting pollinators, and improving green spaces, with later-flowering areas scheduled for cutting from August.

Short films created through TAPE Community Music & Film’s Supporting Shorts project are being screened nationally in Vue and Odeon cinemas, highlighting the organisation’s efforts to make filmmaking more accessible for underrepresented young people. Backed by the University of Leeds and supported by MP Gill German, the project includes an Easy-Write Template developed with Final Draft to simplify screenwriting. TAPE’s collaborations with the British Film Institute and its long-standing community work underscore its expanding impact on inclusive creative opportunities across Wales and the UK.

The First Minister pledged to improve communication with farmers during a session at the Royal Welsh Show, emphasising transparency and ongoing dialogue between the government and rural communities. NFU Cymru leaders welcomed the engagement and highlighted recent positive interactions with ministers. Discussions covered funding, bovine TB, supply-chain pressures and rural mental health, followed by input from the chair of a review into bureaucratic burdens on family farms.

A free Stay Warm, Spend Less event in Rhyl will offer advice on managing rising energy costs and accessing support schemes ahead of winter. Hosted by VIBE as part of monthly Connect & Chat sessions, the programme brings together organisations including Citizens Advice Bureau, Welsh Water and Warm Wales to provide guidance. The initiative aims to help residents make informed decisions, with ongoing sessions tailored to community needs and supported through funding from the Welsh and UK governments.

The Welsh Blood Service warns of an urgent need for donors as more than 7,000 appointments remain available and summer heatwaves have caused significant cancellations. Hospitals continue to receive necessary supplies, but maintaining safe blood-stock levels is increasingly difficult. The service urges donations from key blood groups and encourages both regular and first-time donors to book appointments to support essential medical treatments across Wales.

Mountain rescue teams in North Wales are urging walkers to plan routes carefully and monitor fire risk updates as extreme heat increases the likelihood of wildfires. Authorities advise avoiding closed or smoke‑affected areas, refraining from using disposable barbecues, and safely discarding smoking materials. Emergency services remain on standby, with the public encouraged to call 999 and request police to reach mountain rescue if needed.

Crimestoppers has launched a UK‑wide campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation linked to county lines drug trafficking, where young people are groomed into transporting drugs, money and weapons. Police estimate thousands of children are at risk, with many cases unreported. Crimestoppers urges the public to recognise warning signs such as repeated disappearances, unexplained possessions and secrecy, stressing the anonymity of its reporting services. The campaign highlights the associated violence, coercion and community harm, and directs young people to report concerns safely through Fearless.org.

Ken Skates has been confirmed as the new leader of Welsh Labour after receiving unanimous backing from the party’s Senedd group. Previously serving in multiple cabinet roles, he stepped in as interim leader following Eluned Morgan’s resignation and was re-elected to represent the new Fflint Wrecsam constituency in May. Deputy leader Carolyn Harris expressed full support, emphasizing the challenges ahead, including holding Plaid Cymru and Reform UK to account.

Natural Resources Wales declared drought status across Wales on July 30 after exceptionally low rainfall, high temperatures and severely reduced river and groundwater levels. The conditions are affecting rivers, fisheries, wildlife, agriculture and land management, with dried riverbeds, distressed fish, algal blooms and increased wildfire risks reported. NRW is using reservoir releases, abstraction controls and other measures while coordinating with water companies, the Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and the Wales Drought Liaison Group. Officials warn that further heatwaves and limited rainfall could worsen the situation and say increasingly frequent extreme weather reflects the impacts of climate change.