Kathryn Williams

The splashpad at Victoria Park in Cardiff has been closed until further notice after Cardiff Council identified a fault during cleaning. The council apologised and said it would reopen the attraction as soon as possible. The popular family facility, which opened in 2016, serves toddlers, juniors and families and has previously experienced delays and an early closure.

Prolonged dry weather has revealed landscape marks at Dinefwr Estate near Llandeilo, exposing the outlines of former 1940s Nissen huts. The structures served first as a wartime hospital and prisoner-of-war camp before being converted into post-war housing known locally as Tin Town. Archaeologist David Thomas of National Trust Cymru said the discovery sheds light on how rural communities adapted during and after the Second World War. Dinefwr remains a major historic and natural attraction, featuring Newton House, castle ruins, a medieval deer park and ancient oak trees.

Green Man Festival 2026 is taking place near Crickhowell in Bannau Brycheiniog, with Mogwai, Four Tet, Wolf Alice, Wilco, Sparks, Cat Power, The Beta Band, Dry Cleaning and other artists on the programme. The festival is sold out, but tickets may be obtained through the official resale site. Visitors are advised to follow diversion signs via Crickhowell because the Llangynidr Mountain Road is closed due to wildfire-related disruption. Shuttle buses will connect the site with Abergavenny railway station and a park-and-ride facility. New safety measures prohibit campfires and charcoal or disposable barbecues, while the traditional Green Man burn will not take place; additional water points and shelters will be available.

At least 20 wildfires were being tackled across south and west Wales, with around 200 military personnel supporting emergency crews from Wales and England. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service identified six category-three incidents in Blaenavon, Dowlais, Cwm, Wattsville and Treherbert, while a fire at Darran Park was downgraded after being brought under control. Firefighters used helicopters, drones, water bowsers, pumps and fire breaks, with military teams helping clear vegetation, contain fires and transport water. Authorities urged the public to avoid activities that could start fires, stay away from incident areas, report suspected arson and follow emergency-service advice.

A 60-year-old woman was found dead at a property on Llandeilo Road in Cross Hands on 14 August 2026. Dyfed-Powys Police are treating the death as suspicious, and a 63-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail. Detectives, led by Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Thomas, are appealing for information and say there is no wider threat to public safety while the investigation continues.

The Saturday, August 15 National Lottery draws produced Lotto Round 1 numbers 17, 27, 28, 42, 47 and 59, with bonus ball 7, and Round 2 numbers 4, 18, 22, 30, 32 and 45, with bonus ball 55. Thunderball numbers were 11, 16, 24, 34 and 35, with Thunderball 3. The Lotto jackpot was £3.5 million and the Thunderball jackpot was £500,000.

Everyman Cinema at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay offers a bar with expansive views across the water to Penarth, the Cardiff Bay Barrage and Roald Dahl Plass. Visitors do not need to book a film to use the bar, which serves cocktails, wine, beer, cider and cinema snacks alongside burgers, pizza and fries. The venue is also praised for its comfortable seating, family-friendly cinema pricing and relaxed atmosphere.

Poppit Sands, a long sandy beach at the mouth of the Teifi Estuary near St Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire, is highlighted as an attractive destination for swimming, birdwatching, rock-pool exploration and coastal walks. The beach marks the start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and offers parking, toilets and a Crwst café serving drinks, cakes, ice cream and savoury snacks. Visitors are warned about strong currents and rapidly changing tides when considering walking toward Gwbert.

Aber Bay Holiday Park near Aberystwyth has reopened its temporary camping field throughout August, offering pitches just metres from Clarach Bay beach for £30 per tent per night. Campers can use the park’s indoor heated pool, entertainment, play areas, restaurant, bar, shop and other facilities, while the site also offers caravans, luxury lodges and hot-tub glamping pods. Nearby attractions include the Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth Castle and family activities around Eryri National Park.

A 90-metre stretch of Cowbridge Road East beside Cardiff's Victoria Park has developed into a thriving cluster of independent food businesses nicknamed “Temptation Row.” Pettigrew Bakery, Hiraeth, The Welsh Cheese Company, The Burger Boyz, Let Them See Cake and Top Deck offer options ranging from inexpensive chips and pastries to Michelin-recognized dining. Owners say their close relationships, shared resources and community activities have helped the businesses succeed, reduced antisocial behaviour and attracted visitors from across Cardiff and beyond. They also argue that independent competition strengthens the area, while warning that future chain development could threaten its distinctive character.

A Wales Online guide recommends adult-friendly summer activities across Wales, including a post-eclipse boat trip to Caldey Island, Ladies Day at Ffos Las, fine dining by Tom Simmons in Newport, scenic walks and secluded beaches, pop-up food from Cardiff cafe Bara, a 1990s-themed festival in Cardiff, food and beer festivals, outdoor theatre at Oystermouth Castle, and a spa deal at Ruthin Castle. Locations highlighted include Pembrokeshire, Anglesey, Gower, Swansea, Aberystwyth and the Llŷn Peninsula, with event dates and some ticket or package prices provided.

Brains Brewery and Welsh pub company Breaking Brands are opening The Old Brewery, a new sports-focused bar on St Mary Street in Cardiff, at the former brewery site and former Ballie Ballerson venue. The venue will feature more than 100 immersive sports games, including rugby, golf and cricket, alongside Welsh-inspired food, beer tastings, brewery memorabilia and community space. Brains was based at the site from 1882 to 1999, and bookings for the interactive sports pods will open for sessions from 21 August.

A review of Pig & Swill, a taproom beside Cardiff’s Victoria Park and offshoot of Michelin Guide-placed Hiraeth. Kathryn Williams praises its affordable, regularly changing blackboard menu, especially the £10 chicken schnitzel with Café de Paris butter, alongside padron peppers, a Parma ham and peach salad, and courgettes with hummus and feta. The venue is portrayed as a successful, creative neighbourhood destination offering restaurant-quality small plates and larger dishes without the cost of a full formal meal.

The Welsh Cheese Company’s Cardiff shop on Cowbridge Road East is offering bottomless cheese plates every Sunday for £24. Guests can sample 12 Welsh-made cheeses, accompaniments such as pickles, figs, honey and kimchi, and receive a first drink. The Victoria Park shop, run by international cheese judge Tom Pinder, stocks more than 70 Welsh cheeses and also hosts cheese bingo, fondue and cheese-and-wine evenings.

Pontypridd is recommended as an affordable family day-trip destination around Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and its restored Grade II-listed lido, where children under 16 swim for free and adults pay £4. The park also offers a playground, green space and activities, while the town has cafés, restaurants, an indoor market, museums and arts venues including the reopened Muni. Families can further reduce costs through free children's breakfasts at Gatto Lounge and Transport for Wales' ticket allowing two children under 16 to travel free with a paying adult.

Caldey Island in Pembrokeshire will host a one-off after-hours boat trip on August 12, 2026, allowing visitors to watch a major partial solar eclipse from its lighthouse. The £44.04 ticket includes boat transport, lighthouse access, eclipse glasses, Caldey chocolate and a hot drink. The eclipse is expected to obscure about 90% of the Sun at its peak, making it the UK’s most dramatic since 1999, according to the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Tenby is recommended as Wales Online’s favourite seaside town, with its sandy beaches, harbour, castle walls, cobbled streets and nostalgic atmosphere cited as major attractions. The guide highlights local dining, including seafood, pizza, Welsh produce and fish and chips, alongside beaches, boat trips, Tenby Museum, Caldey Island and nearby family attractions. Summer prices rise significantly, but accommodation bargains may be available outside peak season. Readers are invited to vote for Tenby in a UK-wide best seaside town poll.

Barry resident and TV journalist Steve Francis turned an abandoned lockdown pizza-oven purchase into Backyard Dough Co., a popular preorder-only pop-up operating from his back garden. After restarting his training in 2025, he developed a 24-hour dough-fermentation process, sourced specialist ingredients and built the capacity to sell around 60 pizzas per session, including larger events at Craft Republic pub. The business has attracted customers from Barry and Cardiff while managing traffic and neighbourhood relations through spaced preorders. Francis continues to enjoy his television career and treats the pizza venture as a family-supported passion rather than a full-time replacement.

A wide range of free events and activities across Wales provide families with low‑cost options for the summer holidays, from major attractions such as the Wales Air Show and Cardiff Bay programming to museum exhibitions, castle events, nature trails and seaside festivals. Multiple towns and cultural organisations offer interactive experiences, creative workshops, nature‑based activities and community events suitable for children and families throughout July and August.

Families in Wales can access numerous free and discounted children’s meal offers this summer across restaurants, pubs and supermarket cafés, with deals ranging from free bento boxes and kids’ pizzas to VAT‑reduced meals under the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme. Major chains including Yo! Sushi, Burger King, Nando’s, Zizzi, Las Iguanas, Morrisons and Asda are among those offering significant savings, many running through late August or early September.

Mwnt in Ceredigion is highlighted as one of the UK’s most beautiful hidden beaches, praised for its clear waters, golden sand and surrounding wildlife including dolphins, seals and coastal birds. The area offers scenic views from Foel y Mwnt, camping options, a historic Grade I listed church and amenities from Caban Mwnt. Access involves steep steps, and parking is available with free entry for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders. The beach continues to gain popularity while retaining its appeal as a tranquil coastal destination.

A well‑known Cardiff cafe, Ffloc, has closed its Canton location after its lease ended and will shift focus to online coffee bean sales while leaving open the possibility of pop‑ups. Its former site on Cowbridge Road East will be taken over by Canna Deli, which plans to open a second location offering its popular brunch, lunch and coffee menu. No opening date has been announced.

Cardiff will host the Llais Festival from October 7 to 11 as part of the Cardiff Music City Festival, featuring internationally recognised artists, exclusive performances and collaborative projects. The programme includes Laurie Anderson’s debut Wales performance, the Blind Boys of Alabama with the London African Gospel Choir, and Lisa Hannigan’s Sirens project. Additional artists include Buena Vista All Stars, Orchestra Baobab and Jasdeep Singh Degun performing with the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales. The wider festival aims to support and strengthen Cardiff’s music ecosystem and includes virtual reality experiences at Wales Millennium Centre, where tickets are now on sale.

A new 80‑metre SkyFall Tower free‑fall ride has been installed at Cardiff Bay’s Family Fun Park, offering rotating views before a 75mph drop. Opening July 18, it joins a range of fairground attractions, games and family entertainment near the Wales Millennium Centre and Mermaid Quay. Additional free nature‑themed activities will run weekly at Tacoma Square through late August, alongside suggestions for other low‑cost outings in Cardiff and across Wales.

A guide to free summer activities in and around Cardiff highlights outdoor walks, interactive app trails, museum exhibitions, family events, castle activities, and nature trails. Visitors can explore Bute Park, view the Helios solar artwork at National Museum Cardiff, enjoy splashpads and reservoirs, attend local festivals, and participate in creative sessions at the Museum of Cardiff, offering budget‑friendly options throughout the school holidays.

Sophia Gardens in Cardiff will host four Welsh Fire matchdays this summer featuring The Hundred cricket competition alongside live music, stunt shows, pyrotechnics and family activities. Performers include Josh Navidi, Hana Lili, Feeder and Mellt. Tickets start at £18 with £5 entry for children, and organisers emphasize creating an energetic, affordable family experience.

Richard Ashcroft is scheduled to perform at Cardiff Castle on July 16 as part of Depot Live’s concert series, supported by Tom Meighan, Apollo Junction and DJ Wayne. Event details include a 5pm door opening time, upcoming stage-time announcements, road closure information and extensive guidelines on prohibited items and entry rules. Attendees are advised of available parking options in Cardiff city centre, and a sample setlist hints at what the performance may include.

A new brunch venue, Cloud 9 Coffee & Kitchen, has opened on Treorchy High Street, offering Mediterranean-inspired décor and a menu featuring breakfast and brunch dishes, specialty coffee and homemade baked goods. Founded by local plumber Dafydd Davies, the café aims to provide a premium-style dining option for Rhondda residents who often travel elsewhere for such experiences. Chef Connor Willis has joined as operations manager to develop the food offering, with plans for expanded hours and guest chefs in the future.

Wales offers an extensive range of family-friendly events for the 2026 summer holidays, including major festivals, food events, historical programmes and outdoor entertainment across regions such as Cardiff, Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Highlights include the Wales Air Show, the Royal Welsh Show, National Eisteddfod celebrations, cricket fixtures, castle activities hosted by Cadw, outdoor cinema screenings in Milford Waterfront and cultural performances at MusicFest. Additional options include themed walks, food festivals, village fête experiences and heritage activities at Big Pit, providing low-cost and diverse activities for families and visitors throughout July and August.

Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower peninsula is praised for its dramatic scenery, spacious beach and relatively uncrowded atmosphere despite the demanding walk required to reach it. Strong currents make lifeguard guidance important during summer months, while varied terrain, rock pools and the Pennard Pill stream offer opportunities to explore. Facilities at the nearby holiday park include parking, toilets, a shop and a café. The beach is dog‑friendly year‑round but not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

A UK Government VAT reduction has enabled discounted children’s meals and lower‑priced family activities across Wales, with over 1,700 participating businesses featured on the Great British Summer Savings website. Major restaurant chains and attractions, including Nando’s, ODEON and Techniquest, have joined the scheme, while some venues offer free kids meals. Families can search local deals using the new website to automatically receive savings when booking tickets or meals.

A detailed guide to visiting Mewslade Bay on the Gower highlights its beauty, seclusion and dependence on tide times for beach access. The piece describes the scenic but mildly challenging walk from the nearby car park, notes the lack of facilities and lifeguards, and positions the bay as ideal for walkers and families who enjoy natural, rugged landscapes rather than full beach-day amenities. Nearby beaches with more facilities are recommended for those seeking easier access or extended stays.

A Which? survey of 5,000 people ranked Bangor as the lowest-rated seaside town in Wales, followed by Barry Island, with criticisms focused on value for money and attractions. Portmeirion received the highest rating in Wales for its scenery and tourist appeal, while St Davids followed closely. Abersoch, despite its upscale reputation and celebrity visitors, scored poorly due to high costs. The survey also named Bamburgh in Northumberland as the top-rated seaside destination in the UK for the sixth consecutive year.

Reports suggest Oasis are preparing a major series of concerts for summer 2027, including a 12‑night residency at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and six shows at Knebworth in September. The rumours follow their 2025 reunion tour and are fuelled by industry sources, hotel bookings, and scheduling changes to Manchester’s Parklife festival. Liam Gallagher reacted to the speculation online, while no official announcement has yet been made.

Billy Ocean, Bastille and David Gray headline three consecutive nights of live music at Cardiff Castle from July 9 to 11, with support acts including Marti Pellow, The Divine Comedy, Arthur Hill and Carpetman. Key details include entry information via North Gate, upcoming release of event times, temporary road closures around Castle Street, and a comprehensive list of banned items. Attendees may bring small bags and sealed drinks under 500ml, with food and drink sold inside the venue. Parking is available throughout Cardiff city centre, and tickets remain on sale through Ticketmaster.

Cardiff’s independent Thai restaurant Tuk Tuk has been shortlisted as the only Welsh contender for the 2026 Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award. Known for its modern Thai dishes and homemade desserts, the restaurant’s owner Sean Tao encouraged customers to vote. The awards highlight small and independent UK restaurants, with the winner receiving £100,000 for business investment.

A series of 14 open‑air concerts is scheduled at Cardiff Castle throughout the summer, featuring major artists across genres including rock, pop, garage, punk and indie. Acts such as Bastille, Richard Ashcroft, The Streets, Hollywood Vampires and Two Door Cinema Club are set to perform, with tickets still available through various outlets. The listings include performance dates, supporting acts and ticket information for each show.

Duffy performed her first live show in 16 years during a secret event at Hoxton Hall ahead of a forthcoming Disney+ documentary. Fans who attended under strict non‑disclosure rules described her new material positively. The article recounts her long absence from public life following a traumatic kidnapping ordeal and notes recent sightings in North Wales. The singer announced the intimate show via Instagram, promising new songs to a small audience.

Rumours circulating on social media suggest Radio 1's Big Weekend 2027 could be held in Cardiff, but the BBC has not confirmed the location, saying only that the event will feature top UK and international artists. Cardiff is viewed as a strong contender given its recent run of large-scale concerts and successful music events, while discussion also grows around a possible Oasis tour announcement expected soon.

Redevelopment plans for Cardiff’s Queens Arcade aim to convert the ageing shopping centre into a hospitality-focused destination with a restored Working Street entrance and three new restaurants. Landsec, the site’s owner, intends to enhance St David’s Cardiff’s retail and leisure offering while creating new jobs. With occupancy at St David’s reaching 97% following several new brand openings, further development phases and tenant announcements are expected once Cardiff City Council approves phase one of the project.

Saundersfoot will host the first Saundersfoot SeaFest on July 11, offering free and subsidised activities centred on seaweed, local food culture and marine sustainability. The event supports local businesses, chefs and coastal organisations through demonstrations, workshops and water sports. It forms part of the wider Wales Festival of Seaweed, which promotes sustainable marine practices and aims to broaden public understanding of regenerative seaweed and shellfish farming. Organisers hope both events will become regular fixtures celebrating Pembrokeshire’s coastal community and food culture, coinciding with Saundersfoot’s recent recognition as the UK’s top seaside town by Time Out.

Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo made an unannounced visit to Cardiff’s Pasture restaurant, where he and his group ordered a range of signature dishes and engaged with staff, even requesting disco and funk music from the DJ. Assistant general manager Marius Sakaliunas shared that the rocker was friendly and appreciative, later receiving an on‑stage shoutout during Metallica’s Principality Stadium show. Trujillo also attended the nearby Blackbird Festival, rounding out his night in the city.

Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner headline a Cardiff Castle concert as part of the Bowl My Bones UK tour, with American Hi‑Fi opening. Event details include stage times, road closures, entry rules, banned items, and accessibility information. Tickets remain available via Ticketmaster, and full set lists for both headliners are provided.

Lewis Capaldi and Katy Perry performed simultaneous concerts in Cardiff, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds to Blackweir and Cardiff Castle. Capaldi mixed humour with emotional performances while sharing personal reflections on returning to the stage, and Perry delivered a high‑energy set featuring new music, classic hits and interactive moments with fans. Weather, crowd atmosphere and logistical details framed a lively evening as both shows concluded successfully.

Multiple road closures will take place across Cardiff city centre to support major music events featuring performers including Lewis Capaldi, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Bowling For Soup. Routes around North Road, Castle Street, Westgate Street and Cowbridge Road East will be restricted, with specific closures tied to events at Blackweir Live and Cardiff Castle. Access for buses, residents and traders will be maintained on designated roads, and parts of the Civic Centre will have controlled entry throughout event days.

Metallica set a new attendance record in Wales as 76,000 fans filled Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for the band’s M72 World Tour, surpassing previous records set by Ed Sheeran and U2. The show marked Metallica’s first performance at the venue and featured a two-hour set including Master of Puppets and Enter Sandman. Their visit also included community engagement through a partnership with the Welsh Blood Service and appearances at local events. Principality Stadium leadership celebrated the successful delivery of the largest live music event in the nation’s history.

Metallica’s return to Cardiff drew thousands to the Principality Stadium, marking their first performance in the city in 30 years. The band spent time in Cardiff ahead of the show, dining at the Pasture restaurant and attending the Blackbird Festival, with members praising the city. Their performance featured local touches such as a rendition of Tom Jones’ “Delilah,” while extensive road closures and transport arrangements supported the influx of fans. The event followed their collaboration with the Welsh Blood Service to promote blood donations.

Provides stage times and schedule details for Metallica’s M72 tour stop in Cardiff, outlining support acts, gate openings and expected performance times, along with brief background information on Gojira and Knocked Loose.

Roads in central Cardiff will be closed on June 28 to accommodate Metallica’s M72 tour performance at the Principality Stadium. Closures begin at 7am around Scott Road and Park Street, with full city-centre restrictions from 3pm to midnight affecting major routes including Kingsway, Duke Street and Westgate Street. Additional closures near bus routes and train stations will occur before and after the concert to manage safety and passenger flow, while access to parts of the Civic Centre will be controlled for event-related parking and services.

Extreme heat and thunderstorm warnings were issued for Cardiff as McFly prepared to perform at Cardiff Castle, with temperatures remaining high into the evening. Transport disruption affected road and rail networks, and organisers added extra heat‑safety measures including water points, shaded areas and welfare support. Live updates covered weather developments, set times, traffic conditions and progress of support acts ahead of the headline performance.

Metallica’s M72 World Tour stop in Cardiff includes details on stage times, support acts, fan merchandise, bag policies, banned items, food and drink options, bar prices, and extensive road closures around the Principality Stadium. Public transport adjustments include additional rail services, queuing systems at Cardiff Central and Queen Street stations, and temporary bus diversions. Event-day parking, park-and-ride options, cycling routes, and taxi rank changes are outlined to help manage large crowds attending the June 28 show.

Extreme heat warnings in Wales have led Cardiff Castle concert organizers to introduce additional safety measures for attendees of the McFly performance, including increased water allowances, shaded areas, refill stations, and expanded welfare support. Gates open at 5pm with temperatures expected to reach the high 30s under a rare red weather warning.

A selection of fifteen notable Welsh ice cream parlours is highlighted, showcasing locally made products, unique flavours, and award‑winning offerings across Wales. Each parlour is described with its specialties, ranging from traditional vanilla and dairy‑free options to inventive flavours and locally sourced ingredients, providing a guide to top ice‑cream destinations for summer enjoyment.

Thousands attended The Cure’s sold‑out Cardiff show despite a red extreme‑heat warning, with organisers introducing extra shade, water points and relaxed rules on fans to ensure safety. Heavy traffic, rail delays and road closures affected travel into the city as multiple events took place. The band delivered an extended performance with an encore that included major hits, while fans and on‑site reporters noted strong organisation and widespread access to water in temperatures exceeding 30°C. Other acts, including The Joy Formidable and The Twilight Sad, opened the event as crowds gathered throughout the evening.

Extreme heat has prompted Blackweir Live to increase water allowances, permit mini fans and add shaded areas and welfare support ahead of The Cure’s Cardiff show. Organisers maintain the event will proceed despite a red weather warning, advise early arrival and reinforce bag and travel guidance, while other concerts continue in the city under extended high‑temperature alerts.

Cyfarthfa Park and Castle in Merthyr Tydfil is highlighted as a 160‑acre destination offering history, leisure activities and family attractions. The Grade II listed 19th‑century castle houses a museum and art gallery featuring notable historical artefacts and fashion exhibits. The surrounding park provides walking routes, a lake, woodland areas, a miniature railway, children’s play area, splash pad and café. A boutique spa, the Rose Retreat, adds an unexpected luxury element. Visitors praise the park’s accessibility, facilities and natural beauty.

Attendees of The Cure’s Blackweir Live concert in Cardiff are advised of updated entry rules prompted by a severe heatwave, including expanded water allowances, permitted refillable bottles, and added shade areas. Banned items include large bags, chairs, and outside food or drink unless medically necessary. The event is set to proceed despite red weather warnings, with welfare teams and water stations increased for safety.