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Wales Online
16 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Noah Kahan promises Cardiff return after being blown away by city
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Noah Kahan played his first Cardiff show tonight at Blackweir Fields, and it was the perfect opener to the brand new venue. Early in the set, he looked out and told the audience he could see everyone in the back, which got a great reception from the crowd, and his compliments towards the Cardiff crowd kept on coming. Like a lot of gigs, the energy definitely grew throughout the night, but things properly came to life when Noah walked down the stage to perform surrounded by his audience by walking through one of the sections which fenced off different areas. Overall it was a 5 star experience and I think most people left feeling extra buzzy and excited which is something you can never underestimate, especially at a Cardiff show where standards are often pretty high, with the city seeing some massive names over the years. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here After sunset, everyone got involved, which you could tell he appreciated. And having never been to one of gigs before, I'm not familiar with his usual demeanour up close but judging off what I'd seen and heard online, his Welsh show definitely seemed to have an effect on him. (Image: CUFFE & TAYLOR/DEPOT LIVE) He said on more than a couple of occasions that it was 'amazing to be here', and promised Cardiff he would 'definitely be back again soon.' We will hold you to this, Noah. The singer, originally from Stafford, Vermont, mentioned he had 'lots of jokes planned,' but seemed to suggest he'd been so caught up in the atmosphere - which to me felt moving, real, and full of life - that he forgot to use them, although he still saw his loose and light-hearted side come out at different points throughout the night. At one point, Kahan glanced up at the sky, noticed a few seagulls, and asked: 'Are we near water?' which got a big laugh and added to the sense that nothing with him is too staged, as he noted that he wasn't too confident about his geography. When someone in the crowd mentioned they'd come from Boston, he also leaned into this, noting: 'Welcome to Cardiff,' and dedicated 'Northern Attitude' to them. He also ran through a solid mix of fan favourites like 'Homesick', 'False Confidence,' and 'You're Gonna Go Far.' (Image: CUFFE & TAYLOR) He saved 'Stick season' until right at the end after coming back for the encore, although there were concerned whispers around that he might give it a miss. I tried to reassure one lovely couple in their late fifties standing beside me that I reckoned he was teasing us, and I thought it was so cute how they were just as invested as the teenagers stood on the other side of them who had been singing and dancing their hearts out at the same time. This was another thing I loved, which was the massive mix in the age range of his fan base. It felt unusual for a Cardiff gig as often there's usually one demographic which massively outweighs another, but not for Noah - and I have a couple of theories about why this is. Number 1 is the influence of social media and the impact it's having on plummeting artists to the top of the charts at the moment. Many chunks of his songs have gone viral on TikTok in a range of different video styles meaning that it's easier for them to reach a wider fan base. And number 2 is that Noah's music also feels a bit like a combination of youthful uncertainty and more complex reflection, so it's kind of fitting that it draws in lots of different people, which I am obsessed with, and definitely made the experience more magical seeing people of all ages loving the same thing. Not long ago, seeing a Coldplay concert live was collectively considered a bucket-list experience and if tonight was any indication, I reckon Noah Kahan may be on his way to earning that same status as his popularity continues to soar. Supporting Kahan was Stranger Things actor and musician Djo, aka Joe Keery, who brought a huge smile to everyone's faces with his vibey, relaxed stage presence and of course his famous track "End of Beginning" which I'm now chuffed that I've seen live. The German-born, London-raised busker turned songwriter Sebastian Schub also opened the night with a bang, warming the crowd up perfectly. Blackweir continues on Wednesday, July 2 with seven-time GRAMMY Award winning singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette.
Wales Online
16 minutes ago
- General
- Wales Online
Delayed grass cutting service to begin across Bridgend County
Delayed grass cutting service to begin across Bridgend County The authority made the decision to develop an in-house grass-cutting service in 2024 Coity Road Bridgend (Image: Google Maps ) Grass cutting services across Bridgend county have begun after delays which residents said left grass up to knee height in some parts of the borough. The announcement was made by the council's leader Cllr John Spanswick at a full council meeting held by the authority on June 25, 2025. At the meeting he said teams would now be starting the work after the completion of a training scheme which ensured all staff were qualified and ready for the job. He added that the situation was one he couldn't go a day without mentioning in recent months, though noted that the teams were now making their way around urban parts of the borough. Speaking outside of the meeting a council spokesperson said: "This year's grass cutting service started slightly later than usual as the council had to ensure that the new members of staff were qualified and ready to undertake the work. "The service has started by prioritising driver and pedestrian safety and ensuring there are clear lines of sight at junctions and roundabouts. "This part of the work has targeted a total of 48 locations around the county borough, including busy locations such as the A473 Waterton Lane junction and the Pyle to South Cornelly roundabout. Article continues below "The next phase will divide the county borough into two zones – North and South – to ensure they can be cut quickly and efficiently. "Each zone will feature two grass cutting teams, one working in the east of that zone and the other covering the west. "Both teams will follow established grass cutting routes, with each route designed to maximise cutting times while minimising travel." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice The issues with the service began after the authority made the decision to develop an in-house grass-cutting service in 2024 as opposed to outsourcing the work to a private contractor as they had done since 2015. The move came with the transfer of more than £300,000 worth of capital funding from the authority to put towards the cost of purchasing new plant and equipment such as mowers. Article continues below With the work now underway Cllr Paul Davies of Caerau added: "I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we have been tackling this issue, and getting the grass cutting schedule back on track." A later motion put forward by councillor Martin Williams to consider contacting town and community councils in the borough with an offer to pay them to carry out the service in their areas as an interim measure was deffered to a later meeting.
Wales Online
16 minutes ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Government warned that Welsh universities are in an 'precarious position'
Government warned that Welsh universities are in an 'precarious position' The alert from MPs follows a union claiming there is a real danger that a Welsh university could collapse as they face a £70m+ combined deficit, squeezed budgets and rising costs Welsh Affairs Committee chair Ruth Jones MP (Image: Mark Lewis Photography ) Welsh universities are in an "acutely precarious position", a parliamentary committee has warned. The alert follows a union claiming that there is "a real danger a Welsh university could collapse". The Welsh Affairs Committee is calling on the UK and Welsh governments to look at university funding again. Vice chancellors claim the current model isn't working as they face vast deficits and cuts. MPs on the Welsh affairs committee are calling on the UK Government "to think again on how universities are supported at a systemic level and to work with the Welsh Government to put them on a sustainable footing." Universities say they are struggling to make ends meet with fewer higher paying international students, increased costs and home tuition fees not covering the price of running those courses. Swansea University Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle says the current university funding model is "unsustainable" In a statement after taking evidence from of all Welsh universities the committee, chaired by Newport West and Islwyn MP Ruth Jones ,said said: "universities in Wales are in an acutely precarious position, as they face up to wide-ranging challenges including falling admissions among Welsh young people, declining international student numbers and tuition fees lagging far behind inflation." The statement went on to say that the committee noted that this week's Industrial Strategy acknowledged the critical role universities play in driving skills and innovation, while they also hold "huge economic and civic importance to communities up and down Wales". You can read details of what vice chancellors told the Welsh Affairs Committee here. Article continues below Professor Wendy Larner, Vice Chancellor of cardiff-university>Cardiff University, told the committee on June 25 that this is 'an existential moment for universities' and that universities 'need to be different for the future'. Professor Paul Boyle, Vice Chancellor of Swansea University, added that universities are working towards financial sustainability within a system that 'does not lend itself to that sustainability'. Hearing from them and other vice chancellors the committee said: "The status quo is unsustainable. It's therefore crucial that the UK Government acts, together with its Welsh Government partners, as part of its promised major reforms for higher education." Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Despite recent rises in home tuition fees and an extra £18m+ from the Welsh Government this year for universities in Wales say this extra income was all but wiped out by a collective £18m+ national insurance bill and other rising bills. But critics, and some university staff say thay there is a risk in increasing domestic fees. A further rise may deter home students from applying at the same time as fewer international students want to come to university here. It could also make university less attractive to people from less well off households and affect widening participation. Article continues below Nearly every university is making cuts with hundreds of jobs shed, courses earmarked for closure and warnings of more savings ahead.
Wales Online
17 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
1% Club contestant reveals 'fake' scenes and strict rule that could cost the prize
1% Club contestant reveals 'fake' scenes and strict rule that could cost the prize The 1% Club has been a huge hit with viewers since it launched earlier this year, but a former contestant has now lifted the lid on what really goes on behind the scenes A former contestant revealed her thoughts on host Lee Mack (Image: ITV ) Since it's launch in 2022, ITV game show The 1% Club, has quickly cemented itself as a favourite in prime time television. Hosted by Would I Lie to You star, Lee Mack, the programme stands out with its IQ test-like questions that challenge logic and reasoning, rather than the usual general knowledge. For those who don't know - out of 100 participants, individuals are gradually eliminated until at least one remains, faced with a final 30-second question that only 1% of people can answer correctly. Success at this stage could lead to a jackpot win of £100,000. Despite the show's popularity, there have been eye-opening revelations from a former contestant about some behind-the-scenes manipulations that may astonish avid viewers. Heidi Phillips, 49 years old, lifted the lid on her experience as a participant after discovering the chance to compete on The 1% Club through a Facebook ad, leading to an initial quiz mirroring the game show via Zoom, reports Bristol Live. Sharing insider details about the workings of this top ITV show, Heidi alleged that certain aspects were not entirely authentic. She claimed that Lee Mack's humorous interjections are not actually filmed concurrently with the contestants' answers. In conversation with Fruity Slots, Heidi shed light on the production methods: "While contestants are answering questions on the tablet, Lee usually takes the time to make a joke to the audience at home. But all his comical parts are filmed later. Article continues below "When we're answering the question, he remains silent. Then he has to be filmed asking the question again and we have to pretend to put our answers in. That was a bit weird!" Heidi shared that there was one particularly strict rule for contestants once they were seated with their tablets; they had to keep their eyes fixed on their screens without looking around. "There were actually invigilators who go back through the show episode to make sure every contestant plays the game fairly. "You could have won the cash prize but if they go back through filming and see you glanced over at another contestant's screen before answering, you'll forfeit the prize." Heidi said: "That's not happened yet - but it was a stern warning!" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter She spoke fondly of the host, Lee Mack, adding: "He's honestly really funny. Very naturally funny. He also has banter with the warm-up comedian and creates a nice atmosphere." Heidi expressed her enthusiasm for a return to the show, commending the staff for their careful consideration of contestants' comfort with sharing personal stories. On the matter of clothing, Heidi pointed out that contestants must dress appropriately, with a caution against wearing "nothing low cut". "They seemed really concerned about our welfare and us being happy to share things on TV. They really took the time to check in with us," she said. Article continues below Heidi wrapped up by offering her two pence to those who might follow in her footsteps, advising: "When they ask you how you'll spend the winnings, don't say something boring like paying off the mortgage. Give a really wild question. "I made silly jokes that if I won the prize, I'd spend it on opening a trifle sandwich shop."
Wales Online
17 minutes ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Cardiff City star being eyed by 12 Championship clubs as European interest emerges
Cardiff City star being eyed by 12 Championship clubs as European interest emerges Cardiff City are facing a big turnover of players this summer Alex Robertson of Cardiff City (Image: Cardiff) Reports claim up to 12 Championship clubs are keeping tabs on Cardiff City's Alex Robertson this summer. The midfielder signed for the Bluebirds last year but his first season in south Wales unfortunately ended in relegation. Brian Barry-Murphy is the man now at the helm at Cardiff City Stadium and Robertson will know his new boss well, having worked with him during their respective times at Manchester City. Robertson has been putting in extra training in his native Australia, training with new Portsmouth signing Adrian Segecic. He was filmed on Joner Football's YouTube channel doing some drills. When asked by the host of the channel about his stint at Cardiff, Robertson said: "Good, really good." Robertson's future could be the subject of speculation though, with The News in Portsmouth stating that the former City starlet will have talks with Barry-Murphy this coming week. The News report that a dozen second-tier outfits are keen on the midfielder, with one of the three relegated sides from the Premier League included in that list. Former club Pompey are said to be in the mix, with European and MLS interest also cited. Article continues below Robertson still has three years left on his Cardiff contract. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Barry-Murphy is set to revamp the Bluebirds squad in the coming weeks, with the new man hoping to put his stamp on things after arriving from Leicester City. Michael Reindorf has already left for Newport County on loan, while Roko Simic is also edging towards the exit door in the Welsh capital. "My belief is the smaller the squad, within reason, the more it aligns to having a culture of improvement and players having a strong opportunity to play," Barry-Murphy said when asked about the summer window. "It allows the younger players the opportunity to grow and play. If we have too many players and they don't play then it's a contradiction to the way I see it. "So have a strong squad from the players who are here, then complement it with the players coming through from the academy and the younger ones. Article continues below "Then, adding quality then means we can be specific on what it looks like to have an elite team in this division." Players will be heading to the exit door next week. All nine out-of-contract stars will be leaving for good, while the two loan players they had last season, Will Alves and Sivert Mannsverk, have returned to their parent clubs. Four will return to the fold from their respective loan stints away - Eli King (Stevenage), Joel Colwill (Exeter City), Ryan Wintle (Millwall) and Ryotaro Tsunoda (KV Kortrijk).
