Homes in a village near Cardiff have been left flooded after a quarry exploded People living in Gwaelod-y-Garth have had to be evacuated from their homes
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Homes in a village near Cardiff have been left flooded after a quarry exploded People living in Gwaelod-y-Garth have had to be evacuated from their homes
GlastonBARRY takes over Romilly Park every summer, with this year taking place on July 25 and 26, welcoming in 18,000 locals and visitors from as far afield as Australia and America.
Music fans took in 22 different tribute acts over the course of the weekend, with a star-studded lineup including Tom Jones, Foo Fighters, ABBA, Coldplay and Queen, among others.
What began as a “silly idea” between friends to host tribute gigs in a theatre has grown into a major event that thousands of people look forward to each and every year, using it as an excuse to reunite with old friends and family members.
Many even use the Juniors event on the Friday as a way to introduce youngsters to the festival world. It’s a family friendly version of the main event that gives kids their first taste of a real festival, filled with games, workshops and entertainers to keep little ones busy between acts.
The people of Barry have come to love this event since its inception in 2013, when just 600 people attended at the Memo Theatre. Now, it’s a highlight of many residents’ year.
Liz Margetson said: “[GlastonBARRY] was amazing again this year and by far the best run festival I’ve been to.
“It was my 7th year, and they just keep getting better and better.”
Beckie Giltinan said that she “had a fab time” and she and her family and friends “look forward to this festival every year”. Like many others, they believe it’s the “best thing that happens in Barry.”
Attendees like Jo Nutt are relatively new in their GlastonBARRY experience, with this being the second year that her and her friends travel from the New Forest to attend. She says the festival is “so friendly,” “so safe,” and “so well run.”
Amanda Meyer and her friends use the festival as an excuse to meet up and “have a yearly university reunion” as part of a group that trained as teachers 33 years ago. They’ve had this reuinion at GlastonBARRY for the last three years and “love it.”
Tickets are already available for GlastonBARRY 2027, with the first 1,000 on sale now through the festival’s website.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) made the announcement on Thursday, July 30, with the expanded drought status affecting the whole of Wales.
The decision comes after only eight per cent of Wales’ long-term average rainfall was recorded so far in July, putting the nation on track for its driest July in 190 years of records.
NRW first declared drought in north Wales and the Upper Severn last week after environmental thresholds were met.
Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said: “The intensity of the heat and the exceptional lack of rainfall means this is a rapidly changing picture in Wales.
“Our teams are closely monitoring forecasts and river flows and responding to increasing environmental concerns and incidents across Wales.”
Across the country, river levels have fallen dramatically, with groundwater reserves also lower than normal for this time of year.
The prolonged dry conditions are having a major impact on the environment, agriculture, and water supply.
Ms Thomas said: “The toll on the environment, our land and agriculture is clear to see, with many of our teams still dealing with the aftermath of extensive wildfires which have devastated forestry, grassland and special habitats.”
She urged the public to conserve water, saying: “With no strong indications for notable rainfall in the forecasts, and risks of further heatwaves over the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all use water wisely.
“Every drop we waste is less water for our rivers and wildlife when they need it the most.”
Incidents reported to NRW include dried-up riverbeds, algal blooms, fish in distress, and ongoing wildfire risk.
The farming community has also raised concerns about crop growth, grazing conditions, and water availability for livestock.
To support river ecosystems and fisheries, additional reservoir releases have been authorised in some locations.
Abstraction controls remain in place and are being managed according to NRW’s Drought Plan.
A ‘drought’ is declared by NRW when indicators show a significant and sustained shortfall in rainfall and water reserves, affecting rivers, groundwater, land use, and ecosystems.
Water companies use separate criteria and thresholds for drought declarations related to public water supply.
NRW drought teams are meeting regularly and have increased monitoring across Wales.
Ms Thomas said: “The extreme weather patterns we’ve seen over the last 12 months are a stark example of the impacts of climate change here in Wales and the UK.
“As an organisation, we’re already planning for these kinds of events to become more frequent, with hotter, drier summers and wetter winters predicted to become the norm.
“This includes our long-term drought planning, flood risk management and how we manage our land to become more resilient to the risks of wildfire and pests in the future.”
NRW is working closely with water companies, Welsh Government, the Environment Agency, and the Wales Drought Liaison Group to coordinate its response.
With drought status also declared in many parts of England, NRW is liaising with the Environment Agency on the cross-border rivers Wye, Severn, and Dee.
The public is being asked to take extra care when enjoying the outdoors to reduce wildfire risk and protect stressed ecosystems.
Wildfires should be reported immediately by calling 999, and environmental incidents can be reported to NRW’s 24-hour hotline on 0300 065 3000.
A new campaign, Let’s Save Water, was launched last month across England and Wales to encourage water conservation during the ongoing drought.
Advice and information are available at www.letssavewater.cymru.
Joshua Smith, 25, appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court over cases dealt with during relating to offences committed in the town.
The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of outraging public decency on August 28 and September 9, 2025.
The court said custody was warranted because of Smith’s “flagrant disregard for people and their property”, noting that the offending was aggravated by a second similar offence.
Smith continued admitted further offences of shoplifting and breaches of a criminal behaviour order imposed by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on February 4.
On June 17, Smith entered Asda at Ffordd y Mileniwm, Barry, despite being prohibited from doing so by the order.
While there, he stole goods worth £203 and a separate quantity of items valued at £174.48.
Magistrates sentenced him to 12 weeks’ imprisonment for the £203 theft, ordering the term to run consecutively to a custodial sentence he was already serving.
Further 12-week sentences for the second theft and the criminal behaviour order breach were imposed concurrently.
He was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £377.48 to Asda.
The court heard that Smith had repeatedly ignored the terms of the order.
He also admitted entering Holton Road, Barry, on March 29 and June 13, 2026, despite being banned from attending the area.
No separate penalties were imposed for those breaches as they were taken into consideration alongside other matters.
Smith admitted earlier shop thefts in Barry, including stealing a four-pack of Stella Artois lager worth £6.75 from One Stop in December 2025 and two jars of coffee valued at £12 from a supermarket in April.
Compensation orders were made, but no separate penalties were imposed.
The latest sentence means Smith remains in custody after a string of offences spanning public decency, shop theft and repeated breaches of court orders.
Archie Gray, a 17-year-old and a member of Dinas Powys Lawn Tennis Club, made his Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon this summer, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
He competed in the singles qualifying round at Junior Wimbledon against Nigerian player Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin, but despite a determined effort, was unable to progress.
In the doubles, Gray teamed up with fellow Briton Harrison McElnea.
The pair faced the tournament’s second-seeded duo from the United States and were defeated by them, before they went on to reach the final.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Gray said: “Playing with Centre Court and Court No.1 in the background was a dream come true.
“I hope to improve further and come back here in future years.”
After Wimbledon, he stayed in West London to compete at Roehampton, representing South Wales men in Division 2 of the UK County Cup.
He contributed several key wins to the team effort.
Looking ahead, Mr Gray plans to compete in men’s professional events in both the UK and Europe while continuing his A-level studies at St Cyres School in Penarth.
He also hopes to secure a place at an American university in September 2027 to further his tennis career.
The family are appealing to the community for support with the growing costs of competition.
A spokesperson for the family said: “If any local business is interested in supporting a talented, determined local lad with the extreme costs of travelling and competing, this would be very much appreciated.”
Those interested in providing sponsorship or support are encouraged to contact Dafydd Gray by email at dafyddgray@btinternet.com.
Thursday will start with some patchy drizzle and cloudy skies, but conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon with brighter skies from the northwest. The day will feel fresher with gentle northwesterly winds, and temperatures reaching a maximum of 22 degrees.
Friday will maintain the fresher feel, with mostly dry and sunny conditions. However, some areas of cloud are expected to move in during the afternoon. The maximum temperature will be 21 degrees.
Saturday will begin sunny and dry, turning partly cloudy for a time in the afternoon before becoming largely sunny again. The maximum temperature will be 21 degrees.
Sunday is expected to start sunny, but cloud will build in the afternoon. It is expected to be a dry day with a maximum temperature of 23 degrees.
Monday is forecast to be largely cloudy, with some chance of sunshine during the early morning and evening. There is a chance of rain in the evening and throughout the night. The maximum temperature will be 23 degrees.
Overall, the weekend is expected to be mostly dry with some sunny spells, though isolated showers are possible.
Anyone caught smoking or using e-cigarettes at the historic site could face confiscation of products, removal from the grounds, or other enforcement action.
Dr Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at Haypp, said: “Many concertgoers assume that if they can bring a vape or nicotine pouch into a venue, they can use it anywhere inside.
“In reality, policies vary significantly between venues, and using products in prohibited areas could result in intervention from security staff.
“Before attending any concert, check the venue’s specific policy on smoking, vaping and nicotine pouches.”
While some venues allow vaping and smoking in designated outdoor sections, many ban it entirely within seating areas, concourses, and enclosed spaces.
Dr Murphy said: “Fans should also be aware that some venues operate strict no-re-entry policies.
“This means that if you leave the stadium to smoke or vape, you may not be allowed back inside.
“Checking the rules in advance can help avoid disappointment on the day.”
Nicotine pouch regulations can be less clear, and fans may be asked by security to explain the product.
Dr Murphy said: “While they do not produce smoke or vapour, concertgoers should still familiarise themselves with venue guidance and be prepared to explain what the product is if asked by security staff.”
The Brookside crossing in Dinas Powys closed on June 26 after a safety assessment by Network Rail deemed it an unacceptable risk to users.
Located at Eastbrook Station on the Vale of Glamorgan line, the crossing was used by around 217 people each day, more than 56 per cent of whom are considered vulnerable, including older adults, families with young children, and those with limited mobility.
A petition calling for its reopening has since been launched, with campaigners arguing that its closure forces residents to take longer and potentially more hazardous routes.
The petition states: “The Brookside foot crossing has been a part of our daily lives, enabling our residents, including the elderly and children, to access essential services and communal spaces safely and efficiently.
“Its closure forces residents to take significantly longer and more dangerous routes, which is especially concerning for those with mobility issues.”
Network Rail said the closure followed a safety assessment that deemed it necessary, despite the introduction of a temporary 10mph speed restriction for passing trains.
A spokesperson for the rail operator said the crossing posed “an unacceptable level of risk to many users” and stressed that public safety was paramount.
The spokesman said: “The safety of the public is always our top priority, and the decision to place an emergency closure at Brookside footpath level crossing was not taken lightly.
“As part of our rigorous level crossing risk assessment process, the crossing was identified as presenting an unacceptable level of risk to many users.
“We cannot ignore those findings or continue to expose people to a level of risk that is not acceptable.”
In the interim, members of the public are being directed to alternative routes, including the Murch Lane road bridge and the stepped footbridge at Eastbrook Station, while Network Rail explores longer-term options.
Campaigners have also questioned the legality of the closure.
In response, Network Rail said the decision was made “in accordance with the legal powers available to us to implement an emergency closure where there is an immediate safety concern, following the appropriate legal, governance and notification processes, and in consultation with the relevant local authority and council partners.”
The spokesperson added: “We understand this change is frustrating for some members of the community and appreciate the impact it has had.
“However, where there is a clear and immediate risk to public safety, we have a responsibility to act.
“We are continuing to explore longer-term options and will keep everyone updated as that work progresses.”
The Barry Island parkrun began on May 2, 2015, and in the last 11 years, 14,825 participants have completed 72,781 parkruns, covering a total distance of 363,905 km.
These figures are made even more impressive by the fact that 9,947 personal bests have been completed on the course.
This weekend’s event was not just a big weekend for the parkrun itself, but also for the participants. There were 16 first-timers taking part, and 43 runners achieved personal bests during the 500th event.
Parkrun events have grown since their inception in 2004, when 13 runners got together in London to complete the first event. It has now grown into a worldwide community that has millions of participants registered, with 6,651 people registered to parkrun with Barry Island parkrun listed as their home event.
Parkrun is all about finishing together rather than finishing first, with everybody that crosses the line cheered on and celebrated on a Saturday morning.
It has become a weekly tradition for so many across Barry, offering up a support network and community where all are welcome.
Barry Island parkrun has welcomed many familiar faces, with this anniversary event seeing BBC Weather duo Derek Brockway and Sue Charles acting as the official starters.
In a post on social media, Barry Island parkrun said: “The biggest shout out has to go to the volunteers who made it possible and helped the day go so well. From blowing up balloons to sorting the tokens, you are all amazing.
“Thanks also to BBC Weather duo Derek Brockway and Sue Charles for supporting us and being our official starters and thank you also every one of you that’s volunteered, run, walked jogged or just turned up to cheer.
“We’ve made it to 500 events because of you; you are all superstars!
“Last but very much not least, thank you to Dame Kelly Holmes Official for gifting us all our new equipment we used for the first time yesterday.
“Please come and join us next week as we make our way towards event number 1000.”
Barry Island parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 9am, with the event beginning under the Eastern Shelter.