top of page
All Features
The South Wales Magazine


Award‑winning joint care at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals
Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals are celebrating national recognition for patient safety in orthopaedic surgery. Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals This year, Nuffield Health hospitals performing joint replacements across England and Wales have, (for the fifth consecutive year), achieved the National Joint Registry (NJR) Gold Quality Data Award, the registry’s highest mark for data quality and compliance. This reflects rigorous standards designed to improve


The spy novel that changed everything, now live on stage
Secrets, lies, moral compromise, John le Carré’s world of espionage finally steps out of the shadows and onto the stage in a gripping new production of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Ralf Little stars in The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, at Wales Millennium Centre For the first time ever, a novel by John le Carré, the undisputed master of the modern spy genre whose works include Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager, is brought to life in a thrilling stage


Have a blast at Techniquest this February
Cardiff Bay's much-loved science discovery centre will be open 9am–6pm every day this February half-term so there's even more time for families to get blown away by science. Cardiff Bay's Techniquest As well as three floors packed with curious exhibits and creative activities, you can catch Bubbles and Blasts — a live science show with mega bubbles that float, glow in the dark, and even pack an explosive punch! Or you can get hands-on with a workshop in the lab, where you can


Lee Mead takes on the role of Barnum
More than 30 years ago, a teenage Lee Mead stood in a school hall in Southend-on-Sea, playing the Ringmaster in Barnum, quietly dreaming of the day he might lead the show himself. Now, at 44, that dream has come full circle as he steps into the spotlight as P.T. Barnum for a major new UK tour of the classic musical. Lee Mead plays the Ringmaster in Barnum at Wales Millennium Centre When Lee Mead was around 13 or 14 he appeared in a school production of Barnum in his home town


The Steps Musical Brings pure pop joy to Cardiff
If your idea of a perfect night out includes glittering harmonies, euphoric dance breaks and the irresistible pull of late-90s pop nostalgia, then Here & Now is about to become your new favourite musical. Here and Now Musical at Wales Millennium Centre Arriving at Wales Millennium Centre in February, this brand-new stage spectacular takes the iconic songs of Steps, one of Britain’s biggest pop phenomena, and transforms them into a vibrant, feel-good celebration of friendship,


PizzaExpress Brings a Free Christmas Concierge to Cardiff
Christmas in Cardiff just got a whole lot easier. PizzaExpress is launching a FREE Christmas Concierge service at Cardiff St David’s, giving city-centre shoppers their precious festive time back. (PizzaExpress Cardiff) Because let’s be honest, December in Cardiff is magical… but the festive admin? Not so much. New research shows Brits lose more than an entire day to Christmas chores, with 33% calling wrapping their biggest nightmare and 62% saying the season has become more s


Best Christmas Events in South Wales 2025 – Magical Days Out for All the Family
Discover the top festive events, Christmas days out, and family-friendly activities happening across South Wales this holiday season. Tower Grotto at Zip World in Aberdare 21 Nov - 24 Dec Tower Grotto Zip World, Aberdare Start with a mince pie and hot chocolate or mulled wine, then visit the grotto to meet Santa himself! Receive a special Welsh slate bauble to decorate, write a letter to Santa and take home a special gift, suitable for all ages. zipworld.co.uk 21 Nov - 4 Jan


5 Magical reasons to visit Cardiff This Christmas
With the festive season in full swing, we are all thinking about our favourite Christmas activities. To help you plan your Christmas and get in the festive spirit, Visit Cardiff have come up with the top 5 reasons to visit. Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk 1. Ice-skating in the grounds of a Castle Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and Ice Walk returns to the historic Castle. Located in the Public Square, it boasts the spectacular backdrop of the Norman Kee


Hannah McPake writes & directs Sherman Theatre’s 2025 festive show Alice: Return To Wonderland
Sherman Theatre has today confirmed the cast of its production of Alice: Return to Wonderland (28 Nov 2025-3 Jan 2026), a dreamlike and uplifting new show, written and directed by Hannah McPake and based on Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. Alice: Return to Wonderland at The Sherman Theatre Sherman audiences will know Hannah as the lead actor in last year’s A Christmas Carol; the highest grossing show in the company’s history. One of the company’s best loved artists,


Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru to stage English & Welsh productions of The Frog Prince
Sherman Theatre and Theatr Cymru’s new Christmas co-productions for younger children, The Frog Prince - and the Welsh-language Biwti a Brogs - will tour venues across Wales November 2025-January 2026, including a six-week run at the Sherman in Cardiff. The Frog Prince at The Sherman Theatre These brand-new productions are written by Gwawr Loader and directed by Elin Phillips - both familiar to Sherman audiences as actors in countless past productions, including The Lion, the


Restaurant Review: Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff
Cardiff just got a serious flavour upgrade with Hickory’s Smokehouse, serving up an authentic taste of the Deep South. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff From the moment you walk in, it’s all rustic wood, twinkling lights and the hum of blues and barbecue. The vibe? Straight out of Louisiana with a dash of Tennessee swagger. Hickory's Smokehouse Cardiff We kicked off with a round of appetisers that hit harder than a Southern sunrise. The Brisket Popcorn Bites were melt-in-your-mout


Cardiff Christmas Festival is Back, Bigger and Better!
Cardiff’s iconic Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens this year, with 12 mesmerising shows in the schedule for 2025. Spiegel Theatre returns to Sophia Gardens Cardiff Christmas Festival kicks off from 4th December, where Jack Frost: A Magical Christmas Musical will take centre stage for the whole month. But if toe tapping hilarity isn’t your thing, there’s a whole variety of acts also on offer - making it the perfect place in the city to enjoy some festive theatrical ma


Experiences at The Vale Resort make the perfect Christmas gift
Make the season sparkle at The Vale Resort with the gift of time well spent, think indulgent escapes, gourmet feasts and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight everyone on your list. The Vale Resort Overnight stays Midweek Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Break (from £190 for two) The perfect midweek retreat, including a delicious three-course dinner, a restful night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room and a hearty Welsh breakfast. Spiced Rum Making B&B Break (from £299 for


Santa’s coming to Techniquest!
Get ready to sprinkle some science into your Christmas, Techniquest is turning up the festive fun with Santa visits, live experiments and dazzling after-dark adventures. Christmas at Techniquest E xperience even more magic at Cardiff's science discovery centre this December as Santa will be making special appearances in the lead up to the big day (6-7, 13-14, 20-23 December). As well as hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to play and explore, Techniquest's team will be perf


Simply the best Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre
November marks what would have been Tina Turner’s 86th birthday. So, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who redefined music, style and strength for generations. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical comes to Wales Millennium Centre B orn Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s journey to global stardom is the stuff of legend. With her unmistakable raspy voice, high-octane performances and unshak


Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff
Sephora brings the glamour (and the cwtch) to Cardiff with a showstopping new store opening. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Sephora UK has officially landed in Cardiff, marking the iconic brand’s first ever store in Wales and its 11th location nationwide. Opening in St David’s Centre, this milestone moment brings the world’s most loved beauty playground to the heart of the Welsh capital. Sephora opens in St Davids Shopping Centre Cardiff Beauty fans across


New names and firsts for Wales at St David’s Cardiff
St David’s Cardiff is set to round off the year on a high with a wave of exciting new brands launching in time for the festive season. (Moss Menswear at St David’s Cardiff) Traditional sweet store Mr Simms, fashion favourite Mango, menswear label Moss and toy giant LEGO have all launched new stores at the city destination in recent weeks. And there’s more to come, with global beauty sensation Sephora, K-beauty brand PURESEOUL, and the newly announced Charles Tyrwhitt plus W


Local Care Home Celebrates Black History Month
Residents and staff at Bryn Ivor Lodge care home in Cardiff came together this October to celebrate Black History Month with a week filled with music, learning, and cultural appreciation. The highlight of the week was a live performance by a singer Mary Ann and her talented string band Calypso, whose soulful set brought joy, energy, and togetherness to everyone in attendance. (Bryn Ivor Lodge care home celebrate Black History Month) Alongside the music, the care home organise


Amazing Things to Do in South Wales This Autumn
Looking for the best autumn events in South Wales ? Whether you're a foodie, thrill-seeker, craft lover, or nature enthusiast, this...


What to do in the garden for September with Pugh's Garden Village
Our monthly column from Roger Crookes, the garden expert at Pugh's Garden Centre, gives us his top tips for beautiful gardens. (Roger...
bottom of page
