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The homeless Welshman whose body became ‘Major William Martin’ in the audacious WWII deception is remembered with a special performance and memorial bench. Operation Mincemeat, the Tony and double Olivier Award®-winning musical, yesterday honoured Glyndwr Michael, the homeless Welshman whose body was used to create the fictional ‘Major William Martin’ in one of the most audacious deceptions of the Second World War, with a special performance and the unveiling of a memorial be

As Strictly returns to BBC One, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe share their excitement about joining the beloved show. By Lynn Rusk Strictly Come Dancing Series 24: Pictured: Presenters Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis As the leaves start to change colour, there are a few constants we can look forward to: cosy nights in, winter coats, and the return of Strictly Come Dancing. This series, the nation’s favourite dancing show, welcomes a new line

It’s never too early to get into the festive spirit, and with Christmas party season just around the corner, the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle have officially unwrapped their 2026 Christmas party packages. Whether it’s the annual office Christmas bash, a long-overdue get-together with friends or a festive family celebration, two of South Wales’ most popular party destinations are preparing to make Christmas 2026 one to remember. Located just 20 minutes from Cardiff, the luxur

As the nights draw in, Gwyn Hall is turning up the volume with an autumn programme packed with live music, comedy, famous faces and special events. The Upbeat Beatles Music lovers are particularly well served. Women in Rock (11 September) kicks things off with a powerhouse celebration of female icons including Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Blondie, Joan Jett, Pink and more. October brings Cloudbusting – The Music of Kate Bush (10 October), promising favourites including Wutherin

Margam Orangery stands as one of Wales’s most enchanting wedding venues, an unforgettable blend of grandeur, serenity and historic charm. Margam Orangery As one of the longest orangery buildings in Britain, this spectacular 18th-century masterpiece offers a sense of timeless elegance that makes every wedding feel truly extraordinary. From the moment you pass through Margam’s iconic gates, the journey to the Orangery sets the tone for a magical occasion. Sweeping driveways, an

Contemporary, romantic and utterly yours. Wild & Fabulous Flowers creates bespoke wedding flowers for couples who want something beautifully different. Using an abundance of fresh, seasonal flowers, Wild & Fabulous create effortlessly natural designs filled with movement, texture and personality. From exquisite bridal bouquets and statement arrangements to breathtaking floral installations and spectacular marquee weddings, every detail is thoughtfully designed to make your ce

Let Them See Cake creates hand crafted buttercream wedding cakes with romantic florals and statement bows. Choose the design you love, then make it yours with your preferred flavour, colour and finishing touches. And for the dessert table? There’s plenty of cute little treats to wow your guests. Little Bow Peep Cake £225 Little Bow Peep takes a beautifully sleek tiered cake and gives it a fashion-forward twist with an oversized statement bow cascading down the front. Playful

When you choose Crug Glâs for your special day, it’s all yours. Enjoy exclusive use of the house and grounds and, for a day or more, make this beautiful corner of Pembrokeshire entirely your own. Set within the Pembrokeshire countryside, Crug Glâs combines the romance of a country house with the relaxed character of a beautifully converted barn. From intimate ceremonies to joyful celebrations filled with family and friends, every wedding here is created around you. Fully lice

A private country estate, two days to celebrate and the freedom to make every detail your own. At Cefn Tilla Court, weddings are less about following a formula and more about creating something that feels entirely personal. Set within 120 acres of beautiful parkland, Cefn Tilla Court is a historic country estate once belonging to Lord Raglan. Today, it offers something increasingly rare in the wedding world: space, privacy and genuine flexibility. Here, there is no standard f

When planning a wedding, many couples think of a DJ simply as the person who plays the music. In reality, the right DJ can become one of the most valuable members of your wedding team. We spoke to June Gould of SGDJ Weddings, who explained why choosing a professional wedding DJ is about so much more than filling the dance floor. More Than a DJ A professional wedding DJ can also act as your Master of Ceremonies, think of them as an informal toastmaster and light-touch wedding

Think exclusive use, exceptional food, beautiful surroundings and the warmth of a family-owned venue, all just minutes from Cardiff. That’s De Courceys Manor. Tucked into the South Wales countryside, De Courceys has been welcoming weddings for more than 16 years. Multi-award-winning but refreshingly relaxed, there’s only ever one wedding here each day. The Manor and gardens are yours, with a team completely focused on your celebration. No conveyor belt. No sharing the spotlig

The incredible Georgian architecture surrounded by six acres of private gardens, home to a Victorian rose walk and even their own waterfall, makes Court Colman Manor the perfect setting for your big day. Follow in the footsteps of kings and their consorts, rock stars and aristocrats with exclusive use of this wonderful Georgian country house in its six acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The centerpiece is the Garden Room and couples who celebrate at Court Colman can sp

Sequins, seduction and powerhouse vocals, Burlesque the Musical brings the much-loved film to the stage with new twists, bigger characters and plenty of cheeky humour. Burlesque The Musical Fans of the 2010 movie will instantly recognise its heart, but this isn’t simply a scene-for-scene recreation. Ali Rose heads to New York City in pursuit of her dreams, and the mother she has never known, while the club faces a new threat from the deliciously villainous Vince. And what an

The award-winning musical phenomenon is back, bringing Roald Dahl's beloved story to Wales Millennium Centre just in time for Christmas. Matilda The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre Families across South Wales have something truly special to look forward to as the internationally acclaimed Matilda The Musical returns to Wales Millennium Centre from 9 December 2026 to 17 January 2027. Based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, the Royal Shakespeare Company's smash-hit p

The beauty industry is constantly introducing new products that promise smoother skin, shinier hair and flawless makeup. With so many launches and social media trends, it can be difficult to know which products genuinely deliver results and which are simply passing fads. To make choosing easier, we've selected beauty favourites that have built lasting reputations thanks to consistently positive customer reviews, professional recommendations and loyal followings. Whether you'r

Make your money go further this summer with the Great British Summer Savings initiative. Discover free family adventures, budget-friendly attractions, special offers and great-value days out across South Wales and beyond, so you can enjoy more unforgettable experiences without spending a fortune. Zip World Tower Colliery Zip World Tower Colliery For a thrilling summer day out head to Zip World Tower at the historic Tower Colliery near Aberdare. Set against the stunning South

Buildings and Maintenance Manager Phil Sage reflects on his astonishing 50 year career at New Theatre Cardiff. Phil Sage When I look back on my life at the New Theatre Cardiff, it feels impossible that 50 years have passed. In many ways, it feels like yesterday that I was a schoolboy carrying suitcases full of sandwiches into the building for the Welsh National Opera, made by my parents at home. Yet somehow those days turned into decades, and before I knew it, the theatre had

When the sun is shining, Cardiff is the perfect place to get outside. From scenic cycling routes and wildlife trails to splash-filled family fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover your next adventure with Outdoor Cardiff. Outdoor Cardiff One of Wales’ most iconic walking and cycling routes, the Taff Trail stretches for 55 miles from the stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the vibrant waterfront at Cardiff Bay. Passing through peaceful ri

Planning a visit to Cardiff? Whether you're here for a weekend city break, a family holiday, a rugby international, a concert or simply exploring the Welsh capital, City Maps Cardiff is your ultimate guide to everything the city has to offer. Here's 31 of the top things to do in Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Attractions 1. Family Fun Park, Cardiff Bay An exciting line-up of outdoor funfair attractions will fill Roald Dahl Plass in the heart of Cardiff Bay, between Mermai

The August issue of The South Wales Magazine is out now and packed with the very best things to see, do, eat and experience across South Wales this summer. From coastal interiors and refreshing gin recommendations to celebrity interviews, family festivals, theatre and travel inspiration. What's Inside the August Issue? Catch of the Day – Coastal Style is Making a Splash Discover how coastal-inspired interiors are transforming homes this summer. Explore the latest trends, col