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Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Big differences in how Welsh councils are dealing with climate change revealed in report
Big differences in how Welsh councils are dealing with climate change revealed in report Some are making big strides towards a net zero future, says the report, while others less so Energy-saving homes under construction in Swansea (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) A new report has revealed stark differences in how Welsh councils are responding to the issue of climate change, with some making significant strides toward net zero, and others falling behind. The findings come from the Council Climate Action Scorecards 2025, which analysed every local authority in Wales between July, 2024, and March, 2025. Councils were assessed across a wide range of climate-related categories, including buildings and heating, transport, planning and land use, biodiversity, governance, and finance. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Swansea Council emerged as the best-performing authority in Wales, with a score of 48%. It was praised for its work on energy-efficient housing and investment in renewable technologies. Its 'Homes as Power Stations' programme, which uses solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage to cut household emissions, was highlighted as an example of real-world progress. Monmouthshire County Council came a close second with a score of 46%, with its best-performing category being waste reduction and food, scoring an impressive 93%. Article continues below The report is the work of Climate Emergency UK, an independent not-for-profit group that monitors and assesses how councils are acting on their climate promises. The organisation was set up to push for greater transparency and accountability in local climate action, using over 90 questions to evaluate how councils were progressing on cutting emissions, implementing sustainable transport, retrofitting homes, and involving local communities in the climate conversation. The capital city, Cardiff, scored an overall 42%, with its strongest-performing category also being waste reduction, at 72%. Cardiff Council is actively working towards becoming a net-zero city by 2030, focusing on reducing carbon emissions from both its operations and the wider city. The council's 'One Planet Cardiff' strategy, launched in 2020, outlines a vision for a carbon-neutral future and includes specific targets for the council to achieve carbon neutrality in its activities by 2030. At the other end of the table, Merthyr Tydfil was the worst-performing council in Wales, scoring just 23%. The report found limited evidence of serious climate action across most categories, with major gaps in transport, housing retrofit, and public involvement. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council was the second-lowest performer, with an overall score of 29%. Rhondda Cynon Taf and Neath Port Talbot both received a score of just 5% in the transport category — the lowest in Wales. The report said this reflected limited publicly available information on current strategies to reduce transport emissions. It added that this might be due to a focus on other priority areas or the early stages of planning for longer-term transport improvements. While both councils had made progress in certain aspects of their climate work, the low score suggested that further development in active travel infrastructure, public transport planning, and low-emission transport initiatives could help strengthen their overall approach in future assessments, said the report. Wales as a whole averaged 36% across all councils, slightly lower than the average scores in England and Scotland. The report concluded that while a few councils were showing leadership, many were still struggling to turn their climate declarations into meaningful progress. Climate Emergency UK said stronger government support, clearer targets, and increased public pressure were all needed if councils were to meet their commitments and help Wales transition to a greener future. Article continues below
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wales' papers: Bale Bluebirds bid and campsite car crash
Western Mail Daily Post South Wales Evening Post The Flintshire Leader South Wales Echo The Wrexham Leader South Wales Argus Abergavenny Chronicle Monmouthshire Beacon Brecon & Radnor Express Cambrian News Tenby Observer Barry and District News Penarth Times Free Press Series
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wales' papers: Patients put at risk and inquiry into ex-bishop goes on
Western Mail Daily Post South Wales Evening Post The Flintshire Leader South Wales Echo The Wrexham Leader South Wales Argus Abergavenny Chronicle Monmouthshire Beacon Brecon & Radnor Express Cambrian News Tenby Observer Barry and District News Penarth Times Free Press Series
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting'
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting' The Hollywood actor described it as a 'full circle moment' Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, council leader Rob Stewart, Michael Sheen, artistic director for Welsh National Theatre and Sharon Gilburd, the theatre's chief executive officer outside Swansea Civic Centre (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has announced Swansea will be the new home of Welsh National Theatre. The Port Talbot actor has announced his company's first headquarters will be in the city's civic centre, overlooking the beach of Swansea Bay. It comes after it was announced that Welsh National Theatre's first production, Our Town, will debut at Swansea Grand Theatre next year from January 16 to 31. The play, which later tours Wales before closing at co-production partner the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames, is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge with Swansea native Russell T Davies as creative associate. Mr Sheen, who is artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, said there was a special reason why Swansea had been selected. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here . He said: "My theatrical journey began on the stage in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to come full circle to base Welsh National Theatre in the city. "Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration and I'm excited by the possibilities this presents not just for artists, but for the people of Wales. "This isn't about just an office space, but a cultural hub which welcomes creatives in, and we're working on plans to make the space come alive with actors, directors, producers and writers before the work meets audiences. In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first anywhere in the world to see a Welsh National Theatre production live; the countdown is truly on." Article continues below Sharon Gilburd, founding chief executive of Welsh National Theatre, added: "We see Swansea as an integral part of our future. There's genuine heartfelt passion and commitment from the Swansea Council team to work with us so we can all help to create a thriving and innovative cultural scene — both for today and for generations to come." After taking to the stage in Swansea in Our Town, Sheen will play Owain Glyndŵr in Gary Owen's epic new play, Owain & Henry, in a Welsh National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre co-production in November 2026. The decision by Welsh National Theatre to set up in the city has been welcomed by council leader Rob Stewart. He said: "This is a proud moment for Swansea. Having Welsh National Theatre based here shows how far we've come as a creative city. The creation of Welsh National Theatre marks a bold step in raising the profile of Welsh storytelling on a global stage — and by choosing Swansea as its home, it strengthens the city's role as a hub for national and international creative talent. "This brings real opportunities for those working across the performance sector — from actors to musicians, artists and writers to designers, producers and technicians — to be part of something world-class, creating new intellectual property, rooted in Swansea and rooted in Wales. "Wales deserves an English language national theatre company — and we're thrilled that, through the vision of its artistic director Michael Sheen, Welsh National Theatre has chosen Swansea as its home. The impact of hosting world-class theatre in Swansea will be transformative. It has the potential to stimulate a new generation of local talent and inspire even more visitors to come to our city." Article continues below And the council's cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, Elliott King added: "From the Swansea Building Society Arena to grassroots music and performance spaces, the many creative people who help make our local culture so vibrant, innovative and diverse also ensure it's the best place for audiences to enjoy. "Welsh National Theatre being based in Swansea will help attract even more attention to our creative industries and cultural sector. Working with schools, universities, digital trend-setters and businesses, our ambition for Swansea to make its mark on an international stage has never looked brighter."
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
All the biggest gigs and events in Swansea this summer
All the biggest gigs and events in Swansea this summer This is your complete guide to summer events across Swansea this year People enjoying a music festival at Swansea Beach (Image: John Myers ) Swansea has lots going for it, several beaches, lush green parks, bespoke businesses, and a thriving, welcoming community. If that weren't enough, there's also tonnes going on! With several gigs and events lined up from early July until mid-September, people are not going to be starved for choice in the upcoming months. Making full use of the city's many beautiful beaches, its coastline, and its gorgeous parks, there are several events planned that can put a spring in your step this time of year. Singleton Park has been a popular venue for music festivals in Swansea (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) If you are looking for a way to spend your many summer days, we've compiled a list of some of biggest events and gigs that will be coming to Wales' second largest city so you don't have to look much further. These are: Campfire Country Festival What: The festival will be a 'celebration of country music' under the open sky featuring rising local performers and tributes to: Article continues below Dolly Parton Kenny Rogers Taylor Swift Zach Bryan Post Malone Johnny Cash It will feature a fun fair including a carnival with thrilling rides and classic games, a marketplace featuring local artisans, crafts, cowboy-inspired merchandise, food, and drinks including BBQ, gourmet burgers, or local craft brews. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Where: Singleton Park When: Saturday, June 20, from 3pm to 10pm Tickets and price: Tickets for the festival start from £27.75, and you can buy them by clicking here . Beatmasters Festival What: The festival promises to 'turn back the clock', allowing you to revisit the 90s in and all day outdoor festival. The event will feature performances from the 90s, cocktails, glitter dust, and merchandise along with food trucks, and snack bars. Where: Singleton Park When: Saturday, June 21, from 12pm to 10pm Tickets and price: Tickets for the festival start from £27.75, and you can buy them by clicking here . We Love It Festival What: The outdoor festival will feature performances that will celebrate some of the greatest hits from rock & pop legends that will be performed by bands live on stage. It will also feature 'FamJam Arena' where you will be able to play games, get your face painted or take part in the funfair. Food Trucks & Local Vendors will also be serving food including local favourites, from BBQ to ice cream and everything in between. Where: Singleton Park When: June 22, from 12pm to 10pm Tickets and price: Tickets for the festival start from £22.25, and you can buy them by clicking here . Wales Airshow What: The annual Wales Airshow organised by the city council will be returning to Swansea this year. Purported to attract more than 200,000 residents and visitors from across Wales and the UK, it is one of the biggest events to happen in Swansea the whole year. People will be treated to spectacular views as the famed Red Arrows, known for their daring displays and precision flying, will perform during both days of the show. Other big names and flying performances are also expected to join in on the fun. Additionally, there will also be other entertainment available, including trade stalls, food and drink, live music performances, and fun activities for all ages. Where: Swansea Bay When: July 5 and 6 Tickets and price: You can enjoy the Wales Airshow for free IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea Swansea Ironman 2024 drew over 2,500 participants (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) What: Thousands take part in this gruelling triathlon each year to prove their mettle or raise money for noble causes. Just last year, over 2,500 people competed in the event, according to Swansea Council. Competitors in the IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea will embark on a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim at the Prince of Wales Dock, followed by a single-loop 56-mile (90km) bike ride. The cycling route takes athletes through Mumbles and along the coastal clifftops of Gower, before heading out into rural Swansea and then back along Swansea Bay into the city. They will then return to Swansea, preparing for transition in the Maritime Quarter next to the River Tawe. Finally, participants will tackle a 13.1-mile (21.1km) two-loop run course that leads them from the city centre, past the striking gold-coloured Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles and then back to the finish line at the Marina. When: The event itself will take place on July 13, but the registration, check-in, and other formalities will take place earlier. You can check the full event schedule by clicking here . Tickets and price: The general registration for the event has been sold out, but there are a limited number of charity entries and premium packages available. You can check the availability by clicking here . Swansea International Jazz festival What: The music festival will be returning this year, and will feature some of the best local and international artists and bands. More details about the festival are awaited. When: September 4, 5, 6, and 7 Admiral Swansea Bay 10k What: The 10k run is returning for its 44th race and will take runners along a beautiful sweep of Swansea Bay. Contestants will need to be over 15 years of age and will be open for all abilities. The run will be incorporating the Welsh 10km Championships and the fourth fixture in the 2025 Welsh 10k Series. Where: Swansea bay Article continues below When: September 14, from 11am Tickets and price: Tickets for the run cost £33.50, and you can buy them by clicking here .
