Party-goers in major city centres across Europe and the Middle East are ushering in 2023 with countdowns and fireworks.
The events come as many cities around the globe celebrate New Year’s Eve without restrictions for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday, children crowded a metro station in Kharkiv, Ukraine, to meet St Nicholas and enjoy a special performance ahead of the new year.
A firework display explodes off Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper Taipei101 to usher in the New Year in Taipei (AP)
Meanwhile, some soldiers who said they usually celebrate the holiday with family decided to stay in the trenches to defend their country.
Others in Ukraine returned to the capital, Kyiv, to spend New Year’s Eve with their loved ones.
As Russian attacks continue to target power supplies, leaving millions without electricity, no big celebrations were planned. A curfew was to be in place as the clock struck midnight.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered “a message of unity and trust” in a televised address on Saturday.
Party-goers watch a sound and light show projected on the Arc de Triomphe as they celebrate the New Year on the Champs Elysees (AP)
Referencing the war in Ukraine several times, Mr Macron also sent a message to France’s “Ukrainian friends”, saying: “We respect and admire you.”
He added: “During the coming year, we will be unfailingly at your side. We will help you until victory and we will be together to build a just and lasting peace. Count on France and count on Europe.”
Turkey’s most populous city, Istanbul, was bringing in 2023 with street festivities and fireworks. At St Antuan Catholic Church on Istanbul’s popular pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue, dozens of Christians prayed for the new year and marked former Pope Benedict XVI’s passing.
Fireworks explode at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, during the New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai (AP)
The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first country to greet the new year, with the clock ticking into 2023 one hour ahead of neighbours including New Zealand.
In Auckland, large crowds gathered below the Sky Tower, where a 10-second countdown to midnight preceded fireworks.
The celebrations in New Zealand’s largest city were well-received after Covid-19 forced their cancellation a year ago.
Celebrations under way in Jakarta, Indonesia (AP)
There was a scare in the North Island coastal city of Tauranga, about 140 miles from Auckland, when a bouncy castle was blown about 100 yards. Tauranga City Council reported one person was taken to hospital and four people were treated on site.
More than one million people crowded along Sydney’s waterfront for a multimillion dollar celebration based around the themes of diversity and inclusion.
More than 7,000 fireworks were launched from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a further 2,000 from the nearby Opera House.
A woman places flower offerings in the waters of Urca beach for the African goddess of the sea Yemanja, as part of New Year celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (AP)
It was the “party Sydney deserves”, the city’s events and festivals chief Stephen Gilby told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We have had a couple of fairly difficult years; we’re absolutely delighted this year to be able to welcome people back to the foreshores of Sydney Harbour for Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations,” he said.
In Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, a family-friendly fireworks display along the Yarra River as dusk fell preceded a second session at midnight.
Fireworks explode over the Chao Phraya River during New Year celebrations in Bangkok, Thailand (AP)
Authorities in military-ruled Myanmar announced a suspension of its normal four-hour curfew in the country’s three biggest cities so residents could celebrate New Year’s Eve.
However, opponents of army rule urged people to avoid public gatherings, fearing that security forces might stage a bombing or other attack and blame it on them.
Concerns about the Ukraine war and the economic shocks it has spawned across the globe were felt in Tokyo, where Shigeki Kawamura has seen better times but said he needed a free, hot meal this New Year.
A woman in Russian kokoshnik takes a photo at a Christmas Market set up in Red Square, Moscow, prior to its closure for celebrations on the New Year’s Eve (AP)
“I hope the war will be over in Ukraine so prices will stabilise,” he said. “Nothing good has happened for the people since we’ve had Mr Kishida,” he said, referring to Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
He was one of several hundred people huddled in the cold in a line circling a Tokyo park to receive free New Year meals of sukiyaki, or slices of beef cooked in sweet sauce, with rice.
“I hope the new year will bring work and self-reliance,” said Takaharu Ishiwata, who lives in a group home and has not found lucrative work in years.
Kenji Seino, who heads the meal programme for the homeless Tenohasi, which means “bridge of hands”, said the number of people coming for meals was rising, with jobs becoming harder to find after the coronavirus pandemic hit, and prices going up.
It was a tale of two cities either side of the Severn last year, as Wales and England’s approaches to the coronavirus pandemic led to very different scenes on New Year’s Eve.
Revellers in Newport were few and far between – with some pub owners even taking the decision to not open at all, perhaps in anticipation of lower footfall.
That is because the Welsh response to the wave of the Omicron variant at the time had been to take new, targeted measures against businesses, including hospitality.
A year on, and the city doesn’t seem to have quite got back to pre-pandemic levels of revelry.
The streets were largely empty this evening.
However, this may have been down to the grim weather, as well as factors such as the cost of living crisis.
Pubs and bars in the city centre were serving patrons, but there was not the buzz or bustle there had been in the city pre-coronavirus on New Year’s Eve.
At time of writing, getting a table in a city centre pub should not prove too difficult.
However, the night is still young and many may wait until after the Saturday shift has concluded to make their way into town.
One man, who did not want to be named, said that he was “having a quiet one this year”.
He said that he’d had “quiet ones” the last few years due to coronavirus, but that “the change of pace had been nice, I might do this every year now”.
Staff in Tiny Rebel in Newport city centre said they expected it to get busier later on.
There would also be live music at the bar.
Mary White was coming out of a city centre pub when she spoke to the Argus.
“It’s dead in there,” she said.
“I was going to have New Year’s in Newport as I’m from just up the road, but I think I’ll be on the next train to Cardiff instead.
“I don’t think the weather has helped, but I can’t stay in there all night.”
This was echoed by a group of women near the railway station.
They said they had decided to look for a taxi to the capital after being slightly disheartened by the atmosphere in Newport.
Premier League leaders Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top going into the new year after a glorious Gabriel Martinelli goal capped a thrilling 4-2 victory at Brighton.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah set the Gunners on course for a fifth consecutive top-flight success to cement their status as serious title contenders.
Kaoru Mitoma reduced Albion’s deficit 25 minutes from time before Martinelli, aided by a wonderful Odegaard assist, raced half the length of the pitch to stylishly restore the three-goal advantage.
Seagulls substitute Evan Ferguson increased the tension going into the final stages by claiming his first Premier League goal, while Mitoma thought he had set up a grandstand finish, only for his 89th-minute strike to be disallowed for offside.
Despite the unwanted anxiety of the late drama, the in-form visitors held on to celebrate an impressive victory and take a healthy advantage into 2023.
Mikel Arteta’s men began the evening kick-off at the Amex Stadium buoyed by nearest rivals Manchester City and Newcastle having both been held to home draws earlier in the day.
And the north London visitors wasted little time in capitalising on the dropped points as Saka fired them ahead inside 66 seconds.
Martin Odegaard doubled Arsenal’s lead (Adam Davy/PA).
Thomas Partey stopped Tariq Lamptey launching a counter-attack with a superb tackle and, after Martinelli’s initial effort was partially blocked by Lewis Dunk, the ball broke kindly off Levi Colwill for unmarked England forward Saka to take a touch and slot home.
Brighton, who had paid tribute to their own World Cup stars in the matchday programme, including absent tournament winner Alexis Mac Allister, were stunned by the rapid start.
Without the talent of Mac Allister and the suspended Moises Caicedo in midfield, they could easily have fallen further behind as recalled Gunners left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, tormentor-in-chief Martinelli and midfielder Partey all threatened.
Leandro Trossard had the best openings of the first half for the Seagulls, who were subsequently left counting the cost of an expensive nine-minute spell either side of the interval.
Arsenal captain Odegaard ensured his side would go into the break with a cushion after he bobbled home a powerful shot in the 39th minute after Brighton failed to clear a Saka corner.
Gabriel Martinelli fires in Arsenal’s fourth goal (Adam Davy/PA).
And the deficit swiftly increased as Nketiah, once again impressing while deputising for the injured Gabriel Jesus, finished from close range in the 47th minute to join Saka in scoring for the second successive game after Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez could not keep hold of Martinelli’s low attempt.
Arsenal’s third goal initially sucked enthusiasm from the stands, but Brighton were given hope of a comeback in the 65th minute when Japan winger Mitoma found space to calmly finish beyond Aaron Ramsdale.
The helter-skelter nature of the pulsating contest continued and, as Albion pushed a second with the backing of a boisterous crowd, the Gunners broke in devastating fashion.
Odegaard released Martinelli with a sumptuous first-time pass and the Brazilian did the rest, outpacing Lamptey from halfway before finishing low under Sanchez.
Arteta exuberantly celebrated the goal on the touchline, but there was still plenty of drama for him to endure.
Poor defending from William Saliba allowed 18-year-old striker Ferguson to sneak in and poke a milestone goal through the legs of Ramsdale.
The Gunners then looked to be in real danger of contriving to throw away two points when Mitoma diverted his second of the game into the bottom right corner.
But the jubilant atmosphere was swiftly quelled by VAR intervention before the visitors survived six minutes of added time to tighten their stranglehold on first place.
SIX drivers from Monmouthshire have had their cases heard in court outside of Gwent recently.
The defendants faced charges of using a mobile phone while driving and speeding.
Their cases were heard in Guildford, Bath, Llanelli, and Cardiff.
Here is a round-up of the cases.
KHALID AHMED RAMADAN, 62, of Meadow Lane in Abergavenny, had been hit with a fine of almost £1,500 after being caught speeding.
Ramadan was caught in an Audi by a speed camera on the A3 Esher Bypass in Surrey on May 1 driving above the 50mph limit.
He pleaded guilty and had his case heard at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 23.
Ramadan was fined £1,430, and was ordered to pay £90 in costs and a £143 surcharge, as well as having six points added to his licence.
HASAN LEKA, 23, of Pant Lane in Abergavenny, has been banned after being caught using his phone at the wheel.
Leka was caught on his phone while driving an Audi A4 on Cheltenham Road in Cotham in Bristol on June 11.
He admitted the charge, and was fined £138 at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 16.
Leka was ordered to pay costs of £90 and a £34 surcharge, and had six points added to his licence.
He was banned from the roads for six months due to accumulating too may points.
LUKE ELMORE, 30, of Underhill Crescent in Abergavenny, avoided having his licence taken away despite accumulating too many points.
Elmore was caught speeding in a Ford Transit on the A40 at Bwlch in Powys – doing 50mph in a 30mph limit on April 5.
The offence was proved using the single justice procedure at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 16.
He was fined £461, and was ordered to pay costs of £110 and a £46 surcharge.
Elmore had six points added to his licence, but despite accumulating too many points, he was not disqualified due to the financial impact that would have on his family as he would not be able to work.
JOANNE FAWSITT, 21, of Hughes Crescent in Chepstow, was caught speeding in Bristol.
Fawsitt was driving at 53mph on the 40mph limit M32 Severn Beach rail line overbridge on April 3.
She pleaded guilty, and was fined £246 at Bath Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 2.
Fawsitt was also ordered to pay costs of £90 and a £34 surcharge, and was handed four penalty points.
HANNAH ADAMS, 25, of Westfield in Caldicot, admitted speeding in Cardiff.
Adams was caught doing 38mph on Cowbridge Road West – a 30mph limit – on July 5.
She pleaded guilty, and was fined £84 at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 8, as well as being ordered to pay £90 in costs and a £34 surcharge. She had three points added to her licence.
TIMOTHY POWELL, 54, of Bayfield Wood Close in Bayfield, Chepstow, admitted speeding in Pontyclun.
Powell was caught doing 46mph on the A4119 at the junction with School Road – a 40mph limit – on June 30.
After pleading guilty, Powell was fined £233 at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 8.
He also had to pay a £94 surcharge and costs of £90, as well as having three points added to his licence.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — With countdowns and fireworks, revelers in major city centers across the Asia-Pacific region were ushering in the first new year without COVID-19 restrictions since the pandemic began in 2020.
While COVID-19 continues to cause death and dismay, particularly in China, which is battling a nationwide surge in infections after suddenly easing anti-epidemic measures, countries had largely lifted quarantine requirements, restrictions for visitors and relentless testing that had limited travel and places people can go to.
Celebrations are being held at the Great Wall in Beijing, while in Shanghai authorities said traffic will be stopped along the waterfront Bund to allow pedestrians to gather on New Year’s Eve. Shanghai Disneyland will also hold a special fireworks show to welcome 2023.
New Zealand greets the new year with fireworks. (Source: Newshub/CNN)
On the last day of the year marked by the brutal war in Ukraine, many in the country returned to capital Kyiv to spend New Year’s Eve with their loved ones. As Russia attacks continue to target power supplies leaving millions without electricity, no big celebrations are expected and a curfew will be in place as the clock rings in the new year. But for most Ukrainians being together with their families is already a luxury.
Still wearing his military uniform, Mykyta gripped a bouquet of pink roses tightly as he waited for his wife Valeriia to arrive from Poland on platform 9. He hadn’t seen her in six months. “It actually was really tough, you know, to wait so long,” he told The Associated Press after hugging and kissing Valeriia.
The couple declined to share their family name for security reasons as Mykyta has been fighting on the frontlines in both south and east Ukraine. Valeriia first sought refuge from the conflict in Spain but later moved to Poland. Asked what their New Year’s Eve plans were, Valeriia answered simply: “Just to be together.”
Concerns about the Ukraine war and the economic shocks it has spawned across the globe were felt in Tokyo as well, where Shigeki Kawamura has seen better times but said he needs a free hot meal this New Year’s.
Workers install the 2023 numerals on New York’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball. (Source: COUNTDOWN ENTERTAINMENT LLC/CNN)
“I hope the war will be over in Ukraine so prices will stabilize,” he said. “Nothing good has happened for the people since we’ve had Mr. Kishida,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“Our pay isn’t going up, and our condition is worsening. The privileged may be doing well, but not those of us, who are working so hard,” Kawamura said.
He was one of several hundred people huddled in the cold in a line circling a Tokyo park to receive free New Year’s meals of sukiyaki, or slices of beef cooked in sweet sauce, with rice.
“I hope the new year will bring work and self-reliance,” said Takaharu Ishiwata, who lives in a group home and hasn’t found lucrative work in years.
Besides the sukiyaki box lunches, volunteers were handing out bananas, onions, cartons of eggs and small hand-warmers at the park. Booths were set up for medical and other consultations.
Kenji Seino, who heads the meal program for the homeless Tenohasi, which means “bridge of hands,” said people coming for meals were rising, with jobs becoming harder to find after the coronavirus pandemic hit, and prices going up.
Final preparations are underway for the big night, and here’s what’s being done to the iconic crystal ball. (Source: WCBS/CNN)
More than 1 million crowded along along Sydney’s waterfront for a multi-million dollar celebration based around the themes of diversity and inclusion.
New South Wales police issued an advisory before 7 p.m. stating that only people with tickets to attend the celebrations should head into the city because all vantage points were full.
More than 7,000 fireworks were launched from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a further 2,000 from the nearby Opera House.
It is the “party Sydney deserves,” the city’s producer of major events and festivals Stephen Gilby told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We have had a couple of fairly difficult years; we’re absolutely delighted this year to be able to welcome people back to the foreshores of Sydney Harbor for Sydney’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations,” he said.
In Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city, organizers have arranged for a family-friendly fireworks display along the Yarra River as dusk falls before a second session at midnight.
The Pacific nation of Kiribati was the first country to greet the new year, with the clock ticking into 2023 one hour ahead of neighbors including New Zealand.
In Auckland, large crowds gathered below the Sky Tower, where a 10-second countdown to midnight preceded a fireworks display.
The celebrations in New Zealand’s largest city were well-received after COVID-19 forced them to be canceled a year ago.
Authorities in military-ruled Myanmar announced a suspension of its normal four-hour curfew in the country’s three biggest cities so residents can celebrate New Year’s Eve. However, opponents of army rule are urging people to avoid public gatherings, claiming the authorities might stage a bombing or other attack and blame it on them.
___
Associated Press journalists Henry Hou in Beijing, Renata Brito in Kyiv, Yuri Kagayema in Tokyo contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
A heroin and crack cocaine dealer has been jailed after police uncovered his stash in a Cardiff neighbourhood. But South Wales Police warned Adamsdown was still being targeted by Class A dealers and an operation to clamp down on them is ongoing.
Akeil Maskeen, 22, tried to make off from officers on September 30 but shortly afterwards he was detained in a Clifton Street shop. “CCTV showed him attempting to conceal several wraps of Class A drugs and a mobile phone which were soon found by officers,” said a force spokesman. “A further search of Maskeen’s home address in Broadway uncovered further drugs which were all seized.”
Police seized an estimated £9,080 worth of drugs and £3,510 in cash from Maskeen’s property. He appeared on December 15 at Cardiff Crown Court where he was jailed for five and a half years for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply heroin and acquiring criminal property.
Inspector Gerallt Hughes said: “Operation Albarn is in place to tackle information and intelligence surrounding the sale of Class A drugs in Adamsdown. The local neighbourhood policing team works tirelessly to keep the area safe for residents and this case is just one example of how we are tackling suspected drug dealing in the community.
“We can, and regularly do, act upon the information provided to us by the public so please keep it coming. If you have information for police you can email swp101@south-wales.police.uk or call 101.”
Iceland has recalled a Mars chocolate product due to an error which may make the item a health risk for some people.
The supermarket is recalling the Mars Dessert Bar because it may contain peanuts and eggs which are not mentioned on the label.
The packaging error has seen some packs incorrectly filled with Snickers Dessert bars, making it a health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts or an intolerance or allergy to egg.
The recall impacts products with a best before date of February 23, 2024.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued a “do not eat” warning.
A spokesman said: “Iceland Foods is recalling the above product from customers and have contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall.
“The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
“If you have bought the above product and have an allergy to peanuts and/or an allergy or intolerance to egg, do not eat it.
“Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For further details or if you have any questions, you can contact the customer care team on 0800 328 0800.”
What is an allergy alert?
Sometimes there will be a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold.
Then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).
Sometimes foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk.
When there is a food allergy risk, the FSA will issue an Allergy Alert.
North East business leaders are celebrating after being named in the New Year Honours List 2023.
Sophie Milliken, founder and CEO of Moja Group and North East Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, has been awarded an MBE for her services to business and education. Ms Miliken was the co-founder and managing director of SRS Recruitment and Employability Experts, which became the leading provider of assessment centre simulations for universities, preparing over 30,000 students for graduate jobs.
She sold the company in 2019, exiting in January 2022 and set up Moja the same month, working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to help business people become known authorities in their industries. Ms Milliken is heavily involved in the wider business community as Chair of Smart Works Newcastle, which supports women into employment through interview clothing and coaching. In addition to this, she runs several business networking events and supports start-ups and scale-ups as an investor and non-executive director.
She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be included in such a prestigious list. I was shocked and delighted when I found out I had been awarded an MBE- I consider myself very lucky to work with so many amazing people across the region and beyond. The North East is a hotbed of talent and philanthropy and I hope that this award will help raise the profile of the great opportunities and initiatives in this region.”
Geof Hodgson, chair of Blyth Harbour Commission, has been awarded an OBE for services to the UK Ports Sector and to the economy in North East England. Mr Hodgson spent his early career in sales and marketing roles for multinational companies including Proctor and Gamble, Diageo and Coca Cola but returned to the region in the 1990s to work for Newcastle Breweries, rising through the ranks to become chief executive of the Federation Brewery.
As well as being chair of the Port of Blyth, Mr Hodgson works as an investor, advisor and mentor with local companies and has held a number of non-executive board positions, with involvement with the Nigel Wright Group, Clearly Drinks, Trustack and UMI amongst other business interests. He is also deputy chair of the Tyne & Wear Community Foundation and Durham School.
Other North East appointments include a CBE for Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor and President at Newcastle University, for services to Health Research and Treatment, and an MBE for BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art director Sarah Munro for services to art.
The past 12 months have been huge here in Wales. From Royal visits to qualifying for the World Cup there have been plenty of big dates for you to note down in your diary – and the 2023 calendar is looking just as busy. With gigs, festivals, sporting events, competitions, and more planned throughout the country there’s plenty to look forward to.
There are a huge range of dates for you to put in your calendar for the upcoming year as Wales is set to host a number of artists on their tours. With big names in music, from Harry Styles to Fatboy Slim, coming to play in Cardiff to Peter Kay’s sell-out tour there will be plenty to keep you entertained throughout 2023.
As well as the return of some major cultural events that have become regulars in the diary – like the Royal Welsh Show and the Llangollen Eisteddfod – a whole host of different music festivals will also be held across the country throughout the year. So, from entertainment to sport, here are some of the unmissable events coming to Wales in 2023.
The New Year’s Day swim at Saundersfoot is returning for the 37th time. The last swim attracted 2,000 swimmers. Thousands flock to the pretty village every year to take part in the event, many of whom have donned some interesting costumes. Find out about other New Year’s Day swims here.
The 1975
Ross MacDonald of The 1975(Image: Getty Images for Audacy)
The 1975 are taking their At Their Very Best tour to the Cardiff International Arena on Tuesday, January 17. The tour was announced in September in anticipation of their album Being Funny in a Foreign Language. The tour will continue throughout the UK and Ireland before finishing on January 30 in Belfast. The gig marks the band’s first time back in Cardiff since the pandemic. They were last in the city in February 2020 just weeks before Wales went into its first lockdown and before any coronavirus cases had been confirmed. Find out more here.
Six Nations
Wales hosted Italy in the last Six Nations but will face Ireland and England at home this time around(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
The Guinness Six Nations home games will be taking place in the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on February 4 and 25. The city centre is set to be packed with fans as Wales take on Ireland and England at the stadium. The annual competition contested is by the national teams of Wales, England, Scotland, France, Ireland and Italy. Find out more here.
Fatboy Slim
(Image: PA)
Appearing at the Cardiff International Arena, the renowned DJ and producer will be coming to the city as part of his latest UK tour. He’ll be playing in the capital on Friday, March 24. He will also be performing in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Brighton, and Bournemouth as part of the tour. You can find out more here.
Laugharne Weekend
Dylan Thomas’ boathouse in Laugharne(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The annual literary and arts festival returns between March 24-26 and there are already a range of performers on the line-up for this coming year. Comedians Stewart Lee and Isy Suttie are on the list of acts as well as American singer PP Arnold. The small-scale festival takes place across the town’s clubs, churches, and halls. Find out more here.
Machynlleth Comedy Festival
The festival that attracts some of the biggest names in comedy is returning for 2023. The festival is set to take place between April 28-30. Past acts have included Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, and Josh Widdicombe but, as well as comedy, there’s a whole host of other events to keep you amused across the weekend. Find out more here.
Paramore
Paramore playing at Reading Festival in 2012(Image: Trinity Mirror Southern)
The legendary American rock band will be coming to the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday, April 15, as part of their upcoming UK and Ireland tour. The tour was announced alongside the band’s new album This Is Why. Five UK dates, including Cardiff, were announced as part of the tour. The band will also be performing in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Birmingham, but their appearance in Cardiff marks their first of their UK dates. Find out more here.
Focus Wales
The Wrexham festival showcases three days of music with more than 250 artists across 20 stages. Taking place between May 4-6 this year will mark the 12th instalment of the festival and is set to welcome around 20,000 people to the north Wales city. In addition to the variety of music acts the festival is also set to host film screenings and arts events. Find out more here.
Snowdonia Half Marathon
On May 14 the Snowdonia Half Marathon will mark its 11th anniversary. The scenic but tough route starts and finishes in the village of Llanrwst, taking runners across the dramatic scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. The route takes participants up Llyn Geirionydd, up and over to Llyn Crafnant, back down to Trefriw, before heading to go up Forest Hill and back down to the finish via Gwydyr Castle. Find out more about the event here.
Cader Idris Race
Another one for the runners’ calendar, Ras y Gader (the Cader Idris mountain race) is set to take place on May 20. One of the toughest fell races in Wales, the event starts and finishes in Dolgellau, climbing almost 3,000ft from sea level to the summit of Pen y Gader. The race is made up of a range of terrain from flat tracks behind Gwernan lake to the boulder fields of the final ascent. Find out more here.
Hay Festival
Hay-on-Wye is famous for the Hay Festival and the many book shops in the town(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The huge literary festival returns to the book town of Hay-on-Wye for 10 days of talks and events featuring some of the world’s greatest writers and performers. Set on the edge of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, the festival takes place just a short drive or walk away from Hay-on-Wye where there are plenty of bookshops for literature lovers to explore. The festival takes place between May 25 and June 4. Find out more here.
In It Together Festival
In It Together 2023 will see performances from a wide range of singers, musicians, and bands(Image: In It Together Festival)
The In It Together Festival comes to Margam from May 26-28 with a variety of music. With many more still to be announced the line-up so far features The Kooks, Anne-Marie, James Bay, Jake Bugg, The Vamps, UB40, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, and James among many more. Find out more information here.
Urdd Eisteddfod
Mistar Urdd(Image: WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
One of Europe’s biggest youth festivals, the Urdd Eisteddfod takes place in Llandovery in Carmarthenshire between May 29 and June 3. The festival attracts around 90,000 visitors every year. It’s the eighth time that Carmarthenshire has hosted the Urdd Eisteddfod but it’s the first time the event will be visiting Llandovery. Find out more here.
Coldplay
Coldplay’s Chris Martin performing on stage at Wembley Stadium(Image: PA)
Coldplay will be in Cardiff on June 6 and 7 for their Music of the Spheres tour. The band is coming to the city as part of their world tour and will also visit Manchester, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The band previously visited the capital on the A Head Full of Dreams tour following a 17-year gap after they brought their debut album Parachutes to Clwb Ifor Bach and Cardiff University’s Great Hall. Find out more here.
Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys will tour in 2023(Image: Zachery Michael)
The Swansea.com Stadium will play host to the British band’s UK and Ireland tour on June 12 as the Sheffield band pays their first visit to the stadium. The tour is in support of its seventh studio album, The Car, which came out in October. The Car comes four and a half years after their last album Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino and 16 years after their smash-hit debut Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. The band will be supported by The Hives and The Mysterines. Find out more here.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles(Image: SJM Concerts)
Harry Styles is bringing his Love On tour to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Having now established his solo career, and having had his previous concerts postponed due to the pandemic, the pop star will be appearing at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21. Find out more here.
Peter Kay
Peter Kay has returned to touring for the first time in 12 years(Image: PA)
One of Britain’s best-loved comedians, more than 100,000 people joined the online queue for Cardiff tickets to see Peter Kay. Both Cardiff dates that were announced sold out within minutes for the comedian’s first tour in 12 years. He will be performing at Cardiff International Arena on June 16 and 17. Find out more here.
Wales Airshow
The Red Arrows in 2022(Image: Richard Swingler)
Across two days in July some of the world’s best pilots visit Swansea Bay for a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. Featuring the incredible Red Arrows, as well as jets and helicopters, the weekend has plenty to keep spectators entertained. Swansea Prom is packed out for the event every year with around 200,000 attending. As well as entertainment taking place in the skies the prom is transformed with food and drink trucks, entertainment, and more. The event this year will take place across July 1 and 2. Find out more here.
Love Trails Gower
Love Trails on the Gower Peninsula inn 2022(Image: David Altabev)
Love Trails is taking place between July 6 and 9 in 2023 with trail running, beach trips, and laid-back music sessions as part of the daytime agenda while festivalgoers can dance under the stars to a selection of DJs and live acts until the early hours of the morning. Find out more here.
Westival
Held deep in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, just minutes from some of the UK’s finest coastlines, Westival will take place between July 20 and 24. The festival, which is strictly for those aged 18 or over, offers a shuttle bus to the beach, an eclectic line-up of performing artists, and beautiful views. Find out more here.
Royal Welsh Show
The Royal Welsh Show will return in July(Image: John Myers)
The Royal Welsh Show returns for another year in July and is set to take place between July 24-27 in Llanelwedd. One of the major events in the British agricultural calendar, it returned in 2022 for the first time since 2019. The show will feature a range of livestock, activities, entertainment for spectators, and a huge array of food and drink across four days. With a 12-hour programme for each day of the show there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Find more here.
Fforest Gather
Wales’ smallest festival is back for another year between July 24-30 and July 31 – August 6. The festival has just 200 tickets per week. It promises to be a new kind of holiday, with “adventures, creativity, making, growing, simple pleasures, good people, good food and good times.” There’s also unique accommodation and camping for those who want to stay at the festival. Find out more here.
Steelhouse Festival
(Image: Alun Griffiths)
Set on a breath-taking location on a mountaintop in Ebbw Vale, Steelhouse Festival features international classic rock music across three days in July. The 2023 festival is set to take place between July 28-30. The festival, which was originally established in 2011, has bands such as The Answer, Blues Pills, Florence Black, and The Vintage Caravan lined up for this year. Find out more here.
Llangollen Eisteddfod
Artist Luke Jerram’s artwork Bridges, Not Walls, covering the Llangollen Bridge in 2021(Image: Getty Images)
The exact dates of the eisteddfod are yet to be confirmed however it will be held in the week commencing July 3. The annual event takes place in the Royal International Pavilion in Llangollen with six days of music and folk dance from all over the world. The event has been running for 75 years, returning for the first time since the start of the pandemic last year. Find out more here.
Cardiff Food and Drink Festival
Yum yum!(Image: Mark Lewis)
The Cardiff Food and Drink festival takes place in Cardiff Bay with a huge range of stalls to visit as well as live music. The festival returned after a two-year hiatus in 2022 and brings together the best local produce, traders, and food to Roald Dahl Plass. The dates for the 2023 festival have yet to be confirmed. Find more here.
The National Eisteddfod
Dawnsio Qwerin group showcasing their dancing abilities in front of the Eisteddfod sign in Tregaron, Ceredigion, in 2022(Image: Iolo Penri)
The National Eisteddfod will take place in Boduan, Gwynedd, between August 5-12. Celebrating the Welsh culture and language the event welcomes everyone. There are plenty of competitions to enter ahead of the event and plenty of tents full of entertainment, music, and more for all ages across the week. Find out more here.
Green Man
(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
The Green Man Festival returns to the Glanusk Estate between August 17-20. The family-friendly festival, set within the stunning surrounds of the Brecon Beacons National Park, includes comedy, relaxation zones, food areas, and talks in addition to a great range of music. This year’s line-up has yet to be announced but you can find out more about the festival here.
Between the Trees
Taking place in Candleston Park, Merthyr Mawr, the festival is held in ancient woodland over the bank holiday weekend between August 25-27. There’s a line-up of indie, contemporary, and traditional folk music across the three days as well as Words in the Woods, which features a medley of authors, speakers, and poets. The festival also features debates and talks from knowledgeable naturalists and academics as well as wellbeing and mindfulness sessions and arts masterclasses. Find out more here.
World bog-snorkelling championships
Not for the faint-hearted(Image: Matthew Horwood)
This year marks the 35th annual world bog-snorkelling championships. The unique event attracted 170 participants on a blisteringly hot August day in 2022 with people coming from Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Ireland, Finland, Poland, South Africa, and the USA to take part. The event takes place at Waen Rhydd bog and, as well as the unusual event, features food and drink stalls, crafts, and live music. This year’s event takes place on August 27. Find out more here.
Ironman
Swimming through the chilling waters is just the start(Image: Adrian White Photography)
The renowned triathlon will be taking place in Tenby on September 3. With a stunning sunrise swim on the sandy North Beach kicking things off participants then embark on a bike course across the Pembrokeshire coastline before a town-centre run in Tenby. The annual event is among the most challenging on the Ironman calendar. Find out more here.
Cardiff Half Marathon
Runners focused while completing the 2022 Cardiff Half Marathon(Image: Ashley Crowden/Huw Evans Agency)
The countdown has begun for the Cardiff Half Marathon which will return to the city on October 1, 2023. The massive event has sold out every year and the October 2022 race saw 25,000 people running the route. In 2023 the race will be marking its 20th year and organisers say a “big celebration” is planned as a result. “Expect a festival of activity and special commemorative finishers items to mark the milestone,” the entry page reads. Find out how you can take part in the event here.
Coral Welsh Grand National
(Image: Huw Evans Agency)
The biggest race of the year in Wales, the Coral Welsh Grand National is scheduled to take place the day after Boxing Day every year at Chepstow Racecourse. The racecourse has been home to the event since 1949 and attracts thousands of spectators each year as well as some of the finest long-distance chasers to compete for the big prize. Find out more here.
LEYTON Orient boss Richie Wellens has declared that Newport County AFC are in ‘a false position’ after the League Two leaders failed to crack the Exiles.
The O’s are highly unlikely to play County next season after a superb first half of the campaign that has earned a healthy lead at the top of the table.
Orient are looking good for promotion while the 18th-placed Exiles are simply looking to stretch away from those in a relegation scrap.
They added another point to their tally after drawing 0-0 with the east Londoners at Rodney Parade on Friday.
Graham Coughlan’s side gave the pace-setters a proper test in their bid to repeat a shock 2-1 win at Brisbane Road under James Rowberry.
Wellens was pleased to leave with a share of the spoils after previously being given a torrid time in Newport with Swindon and Salford City.
“I’ve never got a point here as a manager,” said the former midfielder. “The pitch is actually good now, but my teams have always been footballing teams and they’ve always been beaten up.
“We didn’t get beat up, we stood up to everything that they threw at us. I am happy with a point.”
“I think Newport are in a false position,” he continued. “They are a very similar team to last year, if you take away Finn Azaz and Dom Telford, when they finished in and around the play-offs.
“I think they are a good team and they have had a reaction since the new manager has come in. I like Graham, he’s a good manager.
“But I think the way they play, with a back three, they’re wide open to play through and we should have been better at capitalising on that.”
by Staff
