Oliver Slow

Thousands of fans gathered in Swansea to pay tribute to Bonnie Tyler as her coffin, draped in a Welsh flag, was taken through Mumbles. A church service for family and invited guests will be held at St Mary's Church and livestreamed for the public, followed by a private family service in Skewen, where Tyler was born and raised. The ceremony will emphasize her Welsh identity, featuring music by Welsh artists, performances by Only Men Aloud, and songs significant to her career. Tyler died unexpectedly in Portugal on 8 July at the age of 75 after treatment for an illness following emergency intestinal surgery.

Thousands of fans are expected in Swansea for Bonnie Tyler's celebration-of-life service after large crowds gathered in Mumbles as her coffin, draped in a Welsh flag, was taken through the town. The service at St Mary's Church will be attended by family and invited guests and livestreamed for fans, before a private family service in Skewen, where Tyler was born and raised. The ceremony will emphasize her Welsh identity through music by Welsh performers, including performances by Only Men Aloud. Tyler died unexpectedly in Portugal on 8 July aged 75, following treatment for illness after emergency intestinal surgery. She is remembered for international hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart and for her close ties to Swansea.

Military personnel and an Army helicopter have been deployed to support firefighters tackling wildfires across Wales. Four 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of arson after a deliberate fire near Porth and released on police bail. Fires affected areas including Cwmavon, Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, Llandovery and Ferndale, with some residents evacuated and communities placed at risk. The UK government issued an emergency alert warning of a very high national wildfire risk and urged people not to light fires outdoors, while fire services asked the public to avoid affected areas and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

The military has been deployed across Wales to provide logistical support and help firefighters tackle multiple wildfires, including an Army helicopter operation in Cwmavon. Police have arrested four 14-year-old boys from Porth on suspicion of arson following a deliberate fire near Pleasant Heights. Fires have affected areas including Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, Llandovery, Cwm and Ferndale, with some residents evacuated and emergency crews working for more than 90 hours. A national emergency alert warned of a very high wildfire risk and urged people not to light fires or obstruct emergency access routes.

Theatre director, playwright and actor Peter Gill has died aged 86. Born in Cardiff, Gill acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company before building a major directing career, particularly at London's Royal Court, where he championed the dramatic works of D. H. Lawrence. He later led Riverside Studios, founded the National Theatre Studio and influenced generations of theatre-makers. Tributes from agent Mel Kenyon, director Michael Grandage, actor Luke Evans and Royal Shakespeare Company co-artistic director Tamara Harvey praised his intelligence, emotional sensitivity, generosity and lasting contribution to British theatre.

Theatre director, playwright and actor Peter Gill has died aged 86. Born in Cardiff, Gill acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in films before establishing a major directing and writing career, particularly through the Royal Court, where his productions of D. H. Lawrence's plays helped revive interest in Lawrence's drama. He later led Riverside Studios, founded the National Theatre Studio and received an OBE. Colleagues and actors including Mel Kenyon, Michael Grandage, Luke Evans and Tamara Harvey praised his intelligence, generosity, artistic precision and lasting influence on British theatre.

Ian Botham has expressed frustration at people questioning why his grandson James represents Wales in rugby despite the family's strong English sporting connections. James was born in Cardiff, developed through the Cardiff academy, and has won 24 caps for Wales, a team he says he always wanted to play for. His father Liam played rugby for Cardiff and was called up by England without earning a senior cap. The pair discussed Welsh identity, criticism of James, and differences between their generations of professional sport on Botham's podcast.

A rare Janus kitten named Gemini, born with craniofacial duplication, has died at the PurrfectlyFeral rescue centre in Powys. Rejected by her mother, she was bottle‑fed by staff who described her as special and loving. The rescue centre said her story raised awareness about neutering, responsible pet ownership and the role of animal rescues, noting that her brief life created a lasting impact.

Police in Newport shot a 21‑year‑old man believed to be carrying a crossbow after responding to reports of threatening behaviour late Friday night. The man was taken to hospital in stable condition. Gwent Police described the event as an isolated incident and referred it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for review.

Police arrested an 18‑year‑old man on suspicion of murder after a crash between a car and an off‑road bike in Gorseinon left another 18‑year‑old dead and a 19‑year‑old injured. Significant road closures followed as emergency services responded, including an air ambulance. South Wales Police said enquiries are progressing quickly and urged witnesses to come forward while traffic disruption continues.

A ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen has been temporarily closed after an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of the condition. Hywel Dda health board said all patient and staff contacts have been identified and offered treatment, and enhanced infection control measures are in place. Rising scabies cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion have contributed to hospital outbreaks. The ward will reopen once it is deemed safe under infection control guidance.

A 14-year-old girl from Blaina, Lilly Jones, was found dead in Duffryn Park after being reported missing, with an inquest identifying multiple stab wounds as the preliminary cause of death. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and remains in custody. Her family described her as kind, caring, and uniquely herself, expressing deep grief and gratitude for community support.

A 19-year-old from Conwy with Pfeiffer Syndrome Type 2, who has undergone 44 major surgeries, is now training to become a doctor inspired by the surgeons who treated him. After facing bullying and long hospital stays during childhood, his confidence improved in secondary school thanks to supportive teachers at St David's College. Now a medical student at Cardiff University, he has returned to thank those who helped him overcome significant medical and personal challenges.