BURRY PORT: Local lad Brook Fox lands support slot for Emeli Sandé at one of the world’s biggest music festivals

A singer-songwriter from Burry Port has landed one of the most prestigious support slots in Welsh music this summer.

Brook Fox will open for international superstar Emeli Sandé at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Friday 10 July – a world-exclusive, one-night-only orchestral spectacular at the iconic North Wales venue.

It’s a major moment for the young Carmarthenshire artist, who has gone from writing songs in his bedroom during the pandemic to sharing festival stages with McFly and Kaiser Chiefs in just a few short years.

Fox is currently a BBC Radio Wales A-Lister and is fast emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in Welsh music.

He started writing during the 2020 lockdowns, drawing inspiration from artists like Sam Fender and Catfish and the Bottlemen – and developing a sound defined by sharp, working-class storytelling and emotional honesty.

His debut EP, Everybody’s in Love, is set for release later this month.

Before Llangollen, he has already been supporting Liverpool indie favourites Keyside and Welsh pop sensation Mali Haf – and 2026 is shaping up to be his breakthrough year.

The Llangollen support slot is the biggest yet.

Emeli Sandé burst onto the music scene in 2012 with her debut album Our Version of Events – which featured timeless hits Next to Me, Read All About It (Part III) and Clown, and went on to become the UK’s biggest-selling album of that year.

She has since picked up multiple BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and an MBE for services to music.

Joining her on stage in Llangollen will be The Absolute Orchestra, conducted and arranged by the Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford. The orchestra is known for pushing creative boundaries and has previously collaborated with the likes of KT Tunstall and Kosheen.

Danford said the lineup reflected what makes the festival special. “Bringing together world-class artists with bold new voices is at the heart of what makes Llangollen and the Eisteddfod so special,” he said.

He singled out Fox for praise. “Brook Fox is an exceptional emerging talent – and pairing him with Emeli Sandé and The Absolute Orchestra will create a night that celebrates both the future and the brilliance of live music,” he said.

Founded in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is one of the world’s most vibrant celebrations of music, dance and international friendship – bringing thousands of performers and visitors from across the globe to North Wales every year.

Tickets for Friday 10 July are available now at llangollen.net.

BURRY PORT: Irish man living in West Wales detained by Israeli navy on his 75th birthday after Gaza aid ship seized in international waters

An Irish man who has made his home in Burry Port is among more than 175 activists detained after Israeli naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters off the coast of Greece.

Martin Guilfoyle, who previously lived in County Clare in Ireland before moving to Wales several years ago, was on board a vessel called the Romantica when Israeli forces boarded it in the early hours of Thursday 30 April, around 600 miles from Gaza. He turns 75 today.

Martin is the uncle of Sinn Fein Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle, who represents Clare and has been raising the alarm with Irish authorities since the interception. “They have intercepted the boat my uncle, Martin Guilfoyle, an Irish citizen, is on – and no one knows the whereabouts of that boat at the moment,” Cllr Guilfoyle said. He described those who boarded the vessels as “Israeli pirates” and said he had contacted the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Greek embassy and the Israeli embassy demanding action to protect his uncle.

Before he was taken, Martin recorded a video message. “My name is Martin Guilfoyle,” he said. “I am an Irish citizen, I hold an Irish passport, but I come from the UK. If you’re watching this video I have been kidnapped by the IDF and taken to Israel against my will. Tell my government to end complicity with Israel and to bring me home. Stop the genocide.”

His daughter Laura Guilfoyle shared the video publicly, writing: “He is an Irish citizen, a proud Cork man. He will be 75 tomorrow. Please share his story and encourage people to contact the Irish embassies and the DFA to demand the immediate release of my dad and all the crews who have been kidnapped by the Israeli Navy.”

Burry Port resident Shelly Godfrey-Coles, who knows Martin locally, also shared an appeal on social media. “Local man Martin Guilfoyle has been abducted by Israel whilst attempting to deliver aid to Palestinians,” she wrote. “Demand Martin’s release now.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla – the largest ever sea mission attempting to deliver aid to Gaza – was sailing near the Greek island of Crete when Israeli military speedboats moved in on Wednesday evening. Activists reported their communications being jammed, followed by drones overhead and military vessels surrounding the fleet. Israeli soldiers then boarded 22 of the 58 boats at gunpoint, detaining more than 175 people in total. Seven of those detained are Irish citizens. The flotilla was carrying essential supplies including food, medicine and baby formula.

Also detained was Chris Hill from Clwt y Bont near Caernarfon in north Wales, who was on board a vessel called the Eros 1st. A third Welsh-connected sailor, Hannah Schafer from New Quay in Ceredigion, remained free on Thursday – her boat was not among those boarded and she was continuing the voyage.

It is not the first time a Welsh-based activist has been seized by Israeli forces while attempting to reach Gaza by sea. Deidre Murphy, a Swansea great-grandmother, was jailed by Israel after protesting in Palestine and later fought deportation while being denied legal counsel. She eventually returned home to Swansea after her case attracted widespread attention. Her case drew questions in Westminster from local MPs about the safety of British and Welsh activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed that around 175 activists had been detained and were being transported to Israel. Israel says its blockade of Gaza – in place since 2007 when Hamas took control of the territory – is necessary to prevent weapons being smuggled to militant groups. Critics argue the blockade amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s two million civilians, who face severe restrictions on food, medicine and basic supplies.

Flotilla spokesperson Gur Tsabar said: “Israel has no jurisdiction in these waters. Boarding these boats amounts to illegal detention – potentially kidnapping on the high seas. It’s critical that all governments act now.” Turkey described the interception as an act of piracy. The UK Foreign Office had not publicly commented as of Friday morning.

Solidarity events are being planned across Wales, and families of those detained are being kept informed as the situation develops.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea humanitarian among Britons on Gaza flotilla as MPs raise safety concerns
Our earlier coverage as Welsh activists joined a previous Gaza flotilla mission.

Swansea activist great-grandmother jailed by Israel after protest in Palestine
Deidre Murphy’s story – a Swansea great-grandmother detained by Israeli authorities.

Swansea pensioner fighting deportation in Israel denied legal counsel
The legal battle that followed Deidre Murphy’s detention.

Swansea activist pensioner arrested in Palestine set to return home
Deidre Murphy eventually returns to Swansea after her case attracts national attention.

FERRY FARCE? Doubts grow over Swansea crossing as ‘fairy story’ jibe lands

The proposed Bristol Channel crossing – linking Swansea with south-west England – has been talked up as a game-changer for travel and jobs.

But cracks are starting to show.

At a tense council meeting this week, opposition councillor Stuart Rice questioned whether the scheme was realistic at all, asking leader Rob Stewart if it was “more of a fairy story than a ferry story”.

The comments come just days after a new report suggested the idea had a “compelling” economic case and overwhelming public backing, with strong support recorded for a Swansea-based service.

The proposal centres on a high-speed, low-emission ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Bristol Channel – with backers claiming it could slash journey times and ease pressure on major roads.

But despite the optimism, key details remain missing.

No ports have been confirmed.

No vessel has been designed.

And no firm agreements are in place with partners across the water.

Even Swansea Council has admitted in responses seen by reporters that no formal discussions have taken place with councils in Devon or Somerset in recent years.

That raises serious questions about how close – or how far – the plan really is.

Cllr Stewart defended the project, insisting it was worth exploring.

“I don’t think there is anything really to knock on this one,” he said, arguing journey times could be cut dramatically and that Swansea’s appeal would draw visitors.

He also stressed the ferry would not just be about passengers – but freight too, boosting its viability.

But others are not convinced.

Liberal Democrat group leader Chris Holley backed the idea in principle but warned there were practical issues – including whether vessels could even dock close to the city centre.

He pointed to past problems with ferry schemes, including vessels being unable to pass through Swansea’s lock gates.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that passengers could simply drive straight out of the city via the M4 – limiting the economic boost locally.

Adding to the uncertainty, the report behind the plans admits major hurdles remain.

These include dealing with the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal range, designing specialist vessels, and building the necessary port infrastructure.

And in a new twist, Burry Port has quietly emerged as a potential landing site – despite there being no detail yet on how a ferry could operate from a harbour known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

Now, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed it has not been involved in any talks.

Director Ainsley Williams said: “There have been no discussions on specific proposals relating directly to Carmarthenshire at this time.

“We remain open to further discussions should any formal proposals come forward.”

That lack of engagement will raise eyebrows given the scale of what’s being suggested.

Elsewhere, questions remain about where the ferry would land in England, with Ilfracombe already ruled out and larger ports like Bideford mentioned as alternatives.

For now, the ferry remains firmly in the “idea” stage.

And while supporters point to potential benefits like cutting congestion on the M4 and M5 and boosting tourism, critics say the fundamentals are still missing.

For people across Swansea Bay, it leaves a simple question.

Is this the start of a bold new transport link – or just another grand plan that never leaves the drawing board?

What do you think – ferry future or fairy tale?

COCKLE RAID CHAOS: 4x4s stuck in mud as four men hit with £36k fines

Four men from Llanelli and Burry Port have been ordered to pay more than £36,000 after being caught illegally gathering cockles from the protected Burry Inlet.

The group drove their 4×4 vehicles more than a kilometre out into the estuary in a bid to collect cockles without permission — but their plan quickly unravelled.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers swooped on the scene after receiving reports of unlawful activity on June 12, 2025.

When enforcement teams arrived, they discovered Ethan Thomas, Brogan Phillips and Finley Harvey Jones, all from Llanelli, along with Korey Kathrens from Burry Port, in the middle of the estuary.

But the operation turned into a farce when two of the vehicles became stuck in the mud, leaving the group stranded and needing to be towed to safety.

Officers seized a significant haul of cockles along with equipment used in the illegal gathering operation.

Despite denying the charges, all four men were found guilty following a trial at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 23, 2026.

Each man was fined £4,000, ordered to pay a £1,600 victim surcharge and £3,546 in prosecution costs — bringing the total penalty to £9,146 each.

The court heard the men will pay the fines back at a rate of £200 per month.

NRW said the case highlights the serious impact illegal cockle gathering can have on the environment and legitimate fisheries.

Huwel Manley, Head of South West Wales Operations for NRW, said:

“This case highlights the seriousness of illegal cockle gathering, which can damage fragile ecosystems and undermine licensed fisheries operating within the estuary.”

He added: “We welcome the court’s decision and hope it sends a clear message that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”

The Burry Inlet is a tightly regulated shellfishery, with strict rules in place to protect both the environment and the livelihoods of licensed cockle pickers.

Natural Resources Wales say that illegal harvesting not only threatens the delicate ecosystem but also puts lives at risk, with fast-moving tides and treacherous mud making the estuary one of the most dangerous in the region.

The organisation added that this latest case serves as a stark warning to anyone tempted to cash in on the area’s natural resources without permission — you could end up seriously out of pocket.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Illegal cockler caught after escape by 4×4
A previous case saw a cockle picker flee enforcement officers before being tracked down and fined. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Cleaner water linked with smaller cockles that die younger
Research reveals how environmental changes are impacting cockle stocks in the Burry Inlet. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

PCSO works to bring end to unscrupulous cockle pickers
Police efforts to clamp down on illegal cockling across Carmarthenshire communities. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

New art exhibition celebrates Gower’s cliffs, coves and cockles
A creative look at the heritage and culture surrounding cockle picking along the coast.

Get ready to eat seaweed: National Laverbread Day announced
Celebrating Wales’ coastal food traditions, including the iconic cockle and laverbread combo.

BURRY PORT FERRY? Harbour emerges as surprise option in cross-channel plan

Burry Port Harbour has emerged as a surprise potential location for a new cross-channel ferry — despite never previously being part of the discussion.

Until now, plans for a Bristol Channel crossing have focused firmly on Swansea.

But a newly released feasibility report has, for the first time, identified Burry Port as a possible landing site — shifting attention to a harbour that has seen little progress on long-promised regeneration.

First time Burry Port has been suggested

The report — commissioned by Swansea Council — marks the first time Burry Port has been linked to the ferry proposal.

As previously reported in our coverage of how plans for a Swansea ferry crossing gained overwhelming public backing, the focus until now has been entirely on Swansea.

The inclusion of Burry Port represents a significant — and unexpected — shift.

Council yet to respond

Swansea Bay News has approached Carmarthenshire Council to ask whether it has been involved in any discussions around the proposal.

Questions have also been raised about whether the existing Burry Port Harbour masterplan would even allow for a development of this kind, and whether infrastructure upgrades are being considered.

At the time of publication, no response had been received.

Regeneration still stalled

The renewed attention comes against the backdrop of stalled regeneration at the harbour.

Plans to transform the area stretch back more than 20 years, with multiple masterplans failing to deliver meaningful change.

Even more recent investment ambitions — including those outlined in our earlier reporting on plans to overhaul the harbour and lighthouse — have yet to result in large-scale redevelopment.

Harbour’s troubled recent history

Behind the scenes, the harbour itself has faced significant challenges.

Carmarthenshire Council handed over the running of the harbour under a long-term lease in 2018, but the operator later ran into financial difficulty.

In 2023, the marina company entered administration, forcing the council to step in with funding to maintain safe operations before ultimately taking back control of the lease.

The harbour continues to operate, but remains reliant on public funding.

Ongoing cost to taxpayers

Latest figures show the harbour is fully funded by the council, with annual running costs of around £281,000.

That raises further questions about how a major new infrastructure project — such as a ferry terminal — could be delivered and sustained.

Traffic fears already a concern

Any suggestion of a ferry link is also likely to reignite long-standing concerns about traffic in and around Burry Port.

Residents have repeatedly raised issues about congestion on key routes, particularly along the A484 towards Llanelli via Sandy Road.

A ferry operation bringing increased passenger and freight traffic could add further strain to already busy roads.

Calls for wider infrastructure upgrades

The proposal is also likely to intensify calls for major transport improvements in the area.

Among the long-discussed projects is the Gwendraeth Valley link road between Cross Hands and Kidwelly — seen by many as essential if the area is to handle increased traffic.

Without upgrades of that scale, questions remain about whether Burry Port could cope with the demands of a ferry service.

More questions than answers

Despite the headline-grabbing mention, there is little detail on how a ferry operation at Burry Port would actually work.

The harbour is subject to one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, with dramatic shifts in water levels that already pose challenges for marine activity.

Yet beyond a brief reference in the report, there is no explanation of how a regular passenger or vehicle ferry could operate reliably in those conditions.

Outlandish or opportunity?

That lack of detail is likely to leave many questioning whether the idea is realistic — or simply speculative.

While the potential economic boost of a ferry link could be significant, the practical barriers — from tidal constraints to infrastructure and traffic — are considerable.

For a harbour that has struggled to deliver long-promised regeneration, the leap to an international ferry terminal may seem ambitious at best.

A familiar story?

For some in Burry Port, the proposal may feel like another big idea added to a long list of plans that have yet to materialise.

With regeneration schemes dating back decades still largely unrealised, there may be scepticism about whether this latest vision will ever move beyond paper.

What do you think?

For now, the idea remains just that — an early-stage possibility with more questions than answers.

But its inclusion in the report has already sparked debate about the future of Burry Port Harbour.

Is this a bold opportunity to transform the town — or an unrealistic proposal that fails to reflect local realities?

#BurryPortHarbour to be renovated this spring and summer

#BurryPort

£146m Carmarthenshire capital plan includes market demolition, school upgrades and Debenhams delay

Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet has been told that the £40m transformation of the former Debenhams building in St Catherine’s Walk will require an extra £2m after engineers uncovered a structural issue during construction. The defect was not visible during earlier surveys and only emerged once extensive internal work had begun.

The building, which closed when Debenhams collapsed in 2021, is being turned into a new health, leisure and education hub with support from UK and Welsh Government funding. The council had hoped the site would open in 2026, but the newly identified problem is expected to push the timetable back.

Cllr Alun Lenny, cabinet member for resources, said the setback was unavoidable but insisted the project remained vital for the future of Carmarthen town centre. He said boarded‑up Debenhams stores continued to blight high streets elsewhere and that Carmarthenshire would not allow the same to happen.

Structural issue delays major town centre redevelopment

The council has not yet disclosed the nature of the defect, but a full report is being prepared for councillors and the public. The redevelopment will house community health services, council facilities, a 24‑hour gym, soft play, adventure golf, go‑karting and education space linked to Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Work began in 2024 and the council had originally targeted a 2026 opening. The additional £2m will be used to address the structural issue and keep the project moving.

Llanelli market and multi‑storey car park set for demolition

The capital programme confirms that Llanelli Market and the Murray Street multi‑storey car park above it are scheduled for demolition, with £2m allocated across 2028‑29 and 2029‑30. The market would relocate to Vaughan Street, a proposal that has already prompted concern from traders and opposition councillors.

Swansea Bay News has previously reported on calls for a clearer vision for the town centre and fears that the loss of the market and car park could further weaken footfall.

Former leisure centre to be knocked down

The former Llanelli Leisure Centre in Park Crescent is also earmarked for demolition, with £1.2m set aside for 2026‑27. The building has been empty since the new leisure centre opened and has been discussed as a potential site for Ysgol Dewi Sant, although no final decision has been made.

Investment in schools, roads and the Towy Valley path

The report outlines £5.2m for continued improvements at Ysgol Bryngwyn in Llanelli next year, alongside £12.9m for other school projects over the next five years. This is in addition to £46m already available but unspent.

A further £2.2m will be invested in parking areas, electric vehicle charging points and flood‑mitigation work along the Towy Valley shared‑use path between Carmarthen and Ffairfach, which is nearing completion.

Road repairs will receive £4.5m in 2026‑27, with continued spending on bridges, drainage and street lighting across the county.

Harbour and heritage buildings included in programme

Burry Port Harbour will receive another £1m in 2026‑27, following £1m already committed this year. Kidwelly Town Hall, a Grade II‑listed building, will undergo £1.1m of essential repairs over the next two years.

The council says the five‑year programme will be funded through a mix of Welsh Government grants, borrowing, council reserves and funding that has not yet been identified. The full budget will go before councillors on February 25.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli market move: Labour calls for trader‑led vision as concerns mount
Traders and opposition councillors react to proposals to relocate Llanelli Market.

Reaction to Llanelli market and car park plans: optimism, concern and calls for clarity
Mixed views as plans emerge to demolish the market and Murray Street multi‑storey.

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi‑storey car park
Community reaction as Carmarthenshire Council confirms demolition proposals.

Llanelli leisure centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant
The future of the former leisure centre site and its potential role in school planning.

6 kitesurfers at Burry Port today.

#kitesurfing. #BurryPort

£500k gym deal pumps new life into Llanelli fitness scene

Led by local entrepreneur Ioan Jones, the takeover brings together gyms in Llanelli, Trimsaran and Burry Port, with all sites staying open and memberships, staff and services continuing as normal.

The new Hyve Gym brand promises slick strength equipment, functional fitness zones and a packed timetable of classes — from indoor cycling and group training to conditioning and circuits.

Jones says he’s ready to grow the brand and keep the community at the heart of it: “Buying three gyms at once was a major step. I wanted a legal team who could guide me through every stage — and Peter Lynn and Partners did just that.”

No disruption, no downtime

The deal was wrapped up in just seven weeks, with Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors handling the legal side — including lease transfers, TUPE staff arrangements and protection of existing memberships.

Greg George, James Lewis Hyndman and Rob Cherry led the negotiations, with funding from the Development Bank of Wales.

George said the team worked fast to keep everything running smoothly: “Each gym had its own lease, so we had to complete three assignments at the same time as the funding drawdown. We made sure the transition was seamless.”

Hyve Gym locations

Llanelli
Sandy Bridge Trade Park, Llanelli SA15 4AX

Burry Port (Express)
WDA Industrial Estate, Burry Port SA16 0NN

Trimsaran
Trimsaran Leisure Centre, Trimsaran SA17 4AA

What’s next for Hyve Gym?

Jones says the focus now is on expanding the timetable, upgrading equipment and building a fitness community that works for everyone — from first‑timers to seasoned lifters.

All three gyms are open with extended hours, accessible layouts and a growing list of classes.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Olympic champion Emma Finucane opens new women-only gym in Carmarthen
Olympic gold medallist launches a new health and wellbeing centre in her hometown.

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli
New pool, gym and leisure hub marks the first phase of the £218m wellness village at Delta Lakes.

Images revealed of planned new Llanelli Leisure Centre
Designs unveiled for the £27m leisure centre forming part of the Pentre Awel development.

Major step forward for Llanelli wellness village
Multi-million pound project including leisure, health and education facilities moves ahead.

Former Llanelli supermarket could become gym
Plans submitted to transform a recently closed Aldi store into a new fitness facility.