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The South Wales Magazine


Growing Wild Family Festival returns to Pembrokeshire this September with biggest lineup yet
Dewslake Farm Camping & Glamping has announced the full line-up for the Growing Wild Family Festival 2026, its end-of-season celebration of music, craft and the great outdoors, returning to the farm on Saturday 5th September 2026, with a warm-up evening on the Friday and a gentle wind-down on the Sunday. Growing Wild Family Festival 2026 Now an established fixture on the Pembrokeshire events calendar, Growing Wild brings together live music, hands-on workshops and family-frie


New Mermaid Quay car park opens in time for busy summer season
Visitors to Cardiff Bay will benefit from significantly improved parking facilities this summer as Mermaid Quay officially opens its brand-new multi-storey car park. Mermaid Quay New Car Park The new facility, which provides 679 parking spaces across eight split-level floors, has been developed to improve access to one of Wales’ most popular waterfront destinations ahead of a busy season of events, dining, shopping and family days out. Located adjacent to Mermaid Quay, the ca


6 of the best ways to eat strawberries this season – according to Wimbledon’s head chef
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these summer berries. Sam Morgan, AELTC executive head chef, at the Rosewater Pavilion at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon (AELTC/Gary Summers/PA) As excitement builds ahead of The Wimbledon Championships, there’s only one food on our minds…sweet, scarlet strawberries. Watching thrilling serves and powerful backhands at the picturesque All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in London with a punnet of sweet strawbe


How to make Jamie Oliver’s 20-minute sticky orange chicken
Try this for a healthy mid-week meal. ’20 minutes is the sweet spot’: Jamie Oliver (Justin Downing/PA) TV chef Jamie Oliver is set to prove that his new recipes are achievable in the allotted time – with dishes filmed against the clock in an unedited, one-shot take for Jamie’s 20-Minute Meals on Channel 4. It accompanies a cookbook, 20-Minute Meals: Real Fast Food, aiming to make home cooking quicker and easier than ever. The 51-year-old says: “Look, I’ve heard people say for


Is your dog overheating? 10 ways to keep them safe in hot weather
Ensure they have constant access to fresh, cool water and limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day, like early morning. (Yui Mok/PA) As temperatures soar, you might be enjoying soaking up all the sunshine but heatwaves can be risky for our four-legged friends. Unlike humans, dogs aren’t as effective at regulating their body heat, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions and to show them some additional TLC during those uncomfortable sweltering days. To help keep you


6 of the best gins for a refreshing drink this summer
Refreshing and reinvigorating, a G&T is the ultimate long drink, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Begin your gin journey with a good measure of juniper (Silent Pool Distillers/PA) It’s the simplest of serves…. gin, tonic, ice and a slice. And it only takes a heatwave to reach for this seemingly straightforward spirit. When you want to hit the refresh button, there’s nothing like a bunch of botanicals which strike the right balance to get your mojo back. From juniper rich to herbaceous,


Sophie Macfie’s ultimate protein bars
Delicious and healthy, they’re perfect for that pre or post-workout snack. Sophie Macfie’s ultimate protein bars (Haarala Hamilton/PA) “You guys are going to LOVE these,” says plant-based chef Sophie Macfie, aka @sophsplantkitchen. “They’re healthy (free from additives or the unnecessary add-ins some of the shop-bought kinds contain), easy, delicious and made from wholefood ingredients. Plus, they’ll save you money on expensive protein bars! “Great for pre/intra/post-workout,


Gok Wan on DJing: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this physical in my life’
The fashionista and DJ is ‘celebrating’ his age and zest for life while listening to his body. By Lisa Salmon. Zest for life: Gok Wan (LornaRoach/Benecol/PA) Gok Wan might have made his name as a TV fashion guru, but now he’s more focused on being a DJ – calling his newfound career a “huge part of my exercise every single week”. Nowadays, Wan, 51, tours the country doing high-energy DJ sets at clubs and festivals, and says jumping around on stage (he absolutely does not stand


How to get the Scandi Modern look in your living room
Sam Wylie-Harris delves inside a new interiors book with pro tips on styling foundations and furnishings for Scandinavian décor. The timeless appeal of Scandi decor blends beauty with simplicity (Benjamin Edwards/PA) Our interiors are the ultimate canvas and considering visual elements such as shape, balance, and pale hues, Scandinavian décor is one of our favourite design aesthetics. But when it comes to a minimalist approach to decorating, it’s as inspiring as it is attract


Cardiff women warned menopause may increase risk of varicose veins
Cardiff women going through the menopause could be at a greater risk of developing varicose veins, warn experts from a clinic in the city. Huw Davies, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Premier Veins Up to 40% of women over 50 suffer from varicose veins and hormonal changes during menopause may be partly to blame. Huw Davies, Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Premier Veins at Oaktree House, Oaktree Court, Cardiff Gate Business Park, said: “There’s already so much scaremongering surr


Inspired by Tour de France: 5 epic cycling holidays to explore the world on two wheels
Channel your inner Tadej Pogačar or Tom Pidcock with these trips. Amazing cycling holidays from Croatia to Uzbekistan (World Expeditions/PA) With Tour De France just around the corner, some 184 elite cyclists will participate in the annual 21 day-long stages over a 23-day competition. Starting in Barcelona on July 4 and ending in Paris on July 26, this year’s tour will showcase some spectacular scenery in Spain and France – from sprints along the Mediterranean coast, long rid


9 glorious gardens to visit this summer
Plan days out with trips to some of the UK’s most beautiful gardens. Glenarm Castle Walled Garden (Glenarm Castle/PA) As summer begins, it’s time to get a date in your diary for days out and garden visits to enjoy the great outdoors and be inspired by the planting, design and sheer beauty of the most beautiful gardens. Here are a variety of gardens to visit this summer for the perfect day out. 1. Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire (Anna Stowe/Bowood 2016/PA) The new Walled G


10 Reasons to Visit The Royal Mint Experience this summer
Looking for a family day out that's fun, fascinating and a little different? The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant Just a short drive from Cardiff and Swansea, The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes adventure where history, technology and treasure come together. Here's why it deserves a place on your summer bucket list... 1. See millions of coins being made Ever wondered where the coins in your pocket come from? See the factory i


Safe as Milk: An Exhibition That Explores the Hidden Side of Home
Safe as Milk is a thought-provoking new exhibition bringing together the work of acclaimed artists Susan Adams, Zena Blackwell and Charlotte Brisland, each offering a unique perspective on the domestic world. The Stall of Openings and Closings, Susan Adams Taking its title from Captain Beefheart's iconic debut album, the exhibition examines the spaces we know best, questioning whether our homes are truly safe havens or places where the uncanny quietly lingers beneath the surf


Jersey Boys Comes to Cardiff This August
The award-winning musical sensation Jersey Boys arrives at Wales Millennium Centre from 11–22 August 2026, bringing legendary music, unforgettable performances and one of theatre’s greatest true stories to the Cardiff stage. JerseyBoys May 26 34561 Matt Crockett Get ready to relive the soundtrack of a generation as the internationally acclaimed Jersey Boys arrives at Wales Millennium Centre as part of its spectacular 20th Anniversary UK and Ireland Tour. Having captivated mor


There’s lots of fun to be had at Plantasia this summer
Step through the doors of Plantasia Tropical Zoo, and be immersed in an awe-inspiring rainforest bursting with life, sound and colour. Plantasia Swansea With winding jungle paths, cascading waterfalls and the warmth of a real tropical climate, every turn at Plantasia offers a new discovery for curious explorers of all ages. A brand new room - enter if you dare! Plantasia is excited to welcome general admission visitors to the new Vital Venoms & Practical Poisons room! Go and


Burlesque: A BIG New Musical Comes to Cardiff This September
After dazzling West End audiences and becoming the hottest musical of summer 2025, Burlesque: A BIG New Musical is bringing its glamour, glitter and powerhouse vocals to Wales Millennium Centre this September. Burlesque: A BIG New Musical coming to Wales Millennium Centre Get ready to step into a world where sequins sparkle, feathers fly and dreams take centre stage. Burlesque: A BIG New Musical arrives in Cardiff from 1–5 September, promising one of the most exciting theatre


The Karate Kid The Musical coming to Wales Millennium Centre this summer
The iconic coming-of-age story that inspired generations is stepping onto the stage as The Karate Kid – The Musical arrives at Wales Millennium Centre from 28 July to 1 August. The Karate Kid – The Musical arrives at Wales Millennium Centre One of the most beloved films of the 1980s has been transformed into a thrilling new theatrical spectacular. Combining breathtaking choreography, a powerful new score and the timeless story that captured hearts around the world, The Karate


How to handle World Cup heartbreak, according to a psychiatrist
With the World Cup in full swing, emotions can run high. Dr Gbolagade Akintomide explains how to manage it all. The World Cup can be a stressful time for people (Alamy/PA) With the World Cup taking place from now until mid-July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it’s an intense time for football fans. Featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches at 16 stadiums, while there will be many highs, football fans are likely to experience lows too. Here, Dr Gbolagade Akintom


9 ways to spruce up your space with pops of pink
Summery updates call for shades of roses, berries and pretty pastels, says Sam Wylie-Harris. Blooming beautiful ideas for a perky mix of pink (Poster Store/PA) It’s the time of year when you’re wishing for everything to come up roses. Peak blooms such as peonies and sweet peas are at their most luscious, and tablescapes are teeming with fresh greenery, summer salads and glass or two of rosé to wash down with poached salmon. And for design enthusiasts, must-have accents echo t
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