BRYNCOCH: £1,000 boost for ‘friendship and hope’ school as pupils celebrate big win

Persimmon Homes West Wales handed over the four-figure cheque to Ysgol Maes y Coed — a much-loved school supporting young people aged two to 19 with complex learning needs.

And the cash couldn’t come at a better time.

The school’s inspiring “19 Things” initiative aims to make sure every pupil enjoys at least 19 unique experiences before they leave — from trips and competitions to social activities many families would otherwise struggle to access.

Now, thanks to the funding boost, even more of those moments are set to become reality.

Teachers and pupils gathered to celebrate the donation, proudly holding up giant cheque boards as the school’s “Friendship and Hope” banner looked on — a fitting backdrop for a day full of joy.

Deputy headteacher Catherine Tucker said the money will go directly towards enriching pupils’ lives beyond the classroom.

She said: “We pride ourselves on our warm, caring and supportive atmosphere — a place where young people can flourish, learn, enjoy, be happy and safe.

“This donation is very much appreciated and will help us fund visits and away days… allowing them to take part in fun and social experiences.”

The funding comes through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme, which dishes out around £50,000 every year to good causes across Wales — with local sports clubs and community groups also among recent winners.

Sales director Sharon Bouhali said the firm was delighted to support the school, adding that staff wanted to recognise the “hard-working team” and help create more opportunities for pupils.

With developments already built nearby and more homes planned across the region, the company says it’s keen to give something back to communities on its doorstep.

And for the pupils of Ysgol Maes y Coed, that means more trips, more experiences — and more chances to make memories that will last a lifetime.

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#Bryncoch #donation #Neath #PersimmonHomes #specialSchool #YsgolMaesYCoed

Car plunges into Neath canal as rescuers wade in to save trapped pair

Emergency crews raced to Riverside Drive at 10.48am, where they found a silver vehicle partially submerged in the water with two casualties still inside.

Photos from the scene show the car nose‑down in the canal, doors flung open, as police, firefighters and paramedics lined the roadside.

Firefighters, police and paramedics respond after a vehicle plunged into a water-filled ditch in Neath.
(Mid and Wet Wales Fire and Rescue Service)Emergency crews at the scene after a car left the road and ended up partially submerged in water near Neath.
(Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters from Swansea Central, Neath and Pontardawe scrambled into the water, deploying a specialist wading team to reach the trapped occupants. Both casualties were pulled from the vehicle and handed to ambulance crews for assessment.

The incident drew a large emergency response, with multiple fire engines, police units and paramedics attending.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews left the scene at 11.18am, around half an hour after the first 999 call.

The condition of the two people rescued has not yet been released.

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#canalRescue #emergencyServices #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #RiversideDrive #SouthWalesPolice #WelshAmbulanceService

NCP enters administration putting key Swansea car parks at risk

National Car Parks (NCP), which operates around 340 car parks across the UK, has called in administrators from PwC after running out of cash.

The company employs more than 680 people nationwide and manages parking at key locations including city centres, hospitals, airports and transport hubs.

What it means right now

Despite the move, drivers are being told it’s business as usual — for now.

Administrators say all car parks remain open, staff are still in place, and there will be no immediate changes for customers.

But a full review of the business is now underway — and that could ultimately lead to closures or changes at some sites.

NCP Swansea Orchard Street car park, a major multi-storey facility serving Swansea city centre.
(Image: Google Maps)

Major Swansea sites under the spotlight

In Swansea, NCP operates several of the city centre’s best-known car parks — all of which are now part of the administration process.

These include Kingsway (328 spaces), Orchard Street (512 spaces), City Gates (251 spaces), Jockey Street (36 spaces), and a small additional site at Northampton Lane. A further NCP car park also operates in Neath on Orchard Street.

Together, these sites provide hundreds of spaces used daily by shoppers, commuters and visitors, making them a key part of the city’s infrastructure.

While no specific closures have been confirmed, administrators have made clear that every site will be assessed for viability.

NCP Swansea City Gates car park near the Vue cinema complex in Swansea city centre.
(Image: Google Maps)

A company with decades of history

National Car Parks is one of the UK’s oldest parking operators, with roots dating back to the 1930s as car ownership began to rise across Britain.

Originally formed to manage growing demand for city parking, the business expanded rapidly in the post-war years, becoming a familiar name in towns and cities across the country.

Over the decades, NCP grew into a dominant force in the sector, operating hundreds of sites and becoming synonymous with multi-storey car parks in urban centres.

However, like many traditional parking operators, it has struggled to adapt to changing travel habits in recent years — particularly the decline in daily commuting.

Why NCP has entered administration

According to PwC, the company has struggled for years following the pandemic.

Changes in working habits — particularly the shift to home working — have reduced demand for city centre parking, while long-term lease agreements have left the business locked into high costs.

In a statement, PwC said the company had insufficient cash to meet its financial obligations, forcing directors to place it into administration.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said:

“NCP has faced a challenging trading environment over several years, with changing consumer behaviours impacting volumes, and a high fixed cost-base leading to trading losses.”

He added:

“All sites are open, staff remain in post, and trading continues as normal.”

Jobs and closures risk

Although staff remain employed for now, the future is uncertain.

Administrators are exploring options including selling all or part of the business, while also negotiating with landlords in a bid to cut costs.

However, they have warned that some locations may not be viable, meaning closures are a real possibility.

What happens next

For now, drivers across Swansea and Neath can continue to use NCP car parks as normal.

But with every site under review, the longer-term future of some locations remains unclear.

For city centre businesses already facing challenges, any loss of parking could have a knock-on effect — making this a story that’s likely to develop in the weeks ahead.

#administration #businessNews #carParks #CityGates #CityGatesMultiStoreyCarPark #featured #jobs #Kingsway #KingswayMultiStoreyCarPark #MSCP #NationalCarParks #Neath #OrchardStreet #OrchardStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #parking #pwc #SalubriousPlace #Swansea

From Resolven to RuPaul: Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis makes a splash in Drag Race makeover

Daniel Jervis, who grew up in Resolven near Neath, took on one of the show’s most famous challenges – being transformed head-to-toe into a drag queen.

The Team GB swimmer was paired with US drag performer Mariah Balenciaga for the makeover episode, which saw a group of elite athletes step into the world of drag before walking the runway in front of judges and a global TV audience.

When Jervis stepped onto the main stage in full makeup, costume and towering heels, he adopted the drag name Amirah Balenciaga.

And the transformation proved to be a winning combination.

Judges praised the pair’s performance on the runway – with guest judge and singer Anastacia even admitting she struggled to tell which one of them was the Olympian.

Mariah Balenciaga and Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis walk the runway after their drag transformation during the makeover challenge.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

From Resolven to the Olympic Games

Jervis is one of Britain’s leading long-distance freestyle swimmers.

He represented Team GB at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, competing in the gruelling 1500-metre freestyle, one of swimming’s toughest endurance events.

The Welsh athlete has also enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games, where he won medals for Wales and established himself as one of the UK’s top distance swimmers.

But despite his success in the pool, the Neath Valley swimmer told viewers his personal journey hasn’t always been straightforward.

Jervis publicly came out as gay in 2022, revealing on the show that he had delayed sharing his sexuality until he was 26.

“You can sometimes feel like you’re being told you can’t be Christian and be gay,” he said during the episode.

However, he said he was fortunate to receive support when he did come out.

“My church didn’t change towards me. For me, that’s acceptance,” he explained.

“I understand how privileged I was to have that.”

Jervis added that he had also seen how difficult the experience could be for others.

“I’ve seen someone very close to me come out in a church setting and it’s gone really bad for them.”

Despite the challenges, he said coming out ultimately changed his life for the better.

“My life did turn upside down – but it turned the right way around. Honestly it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Stepping into the world of drag

Olympic swimmer Daniel Jervis is transformed into drag as Mariah Balenciaga prepares him for the makeover challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World.
(Image: BBC / World of Wonder / Guy Levy)

The swimmer said he wanted to appear on the show partly because he knew it would reach a huge audience – including people who might still be struggling to come out themselves.

He hoped sharing his story could offer reassurance to viewers facing similar challenges.

Before agreeing to take part, Jervis said he sought advice from his father.

“My dad said only do it if you’re going to give it 100%,” he explained.

And once the cameras started rolling, he threw himself fully into the experience.

“It was fun but hard work because I wanted to make Mariah proud and the drag community proud.”

Jervis said he was struck by how welcoming the performers were.

“I’ve never felt so included and comfortable around a group of people in my life. They were from all around the world and so welcoming to us.”

The makeover challenge is one of the most popular parts of the Drag Race format, with contestants judged on how well their guest partner embodies drag performance and how closely the pair resemble members of the same “drag family”.

For Jervis, the transformation was a completely new experience – but one he embraced fully.

Asked by host RuPaul what his favourite part of the makeover was, the Welsh swimmer had a simple answer.

“The heels,” he joked.

“I wanted to go method.”

Jervis said he approached the challenge with the same respect he would expect if drag performers were stepping into his world.

“I have so much respect for these queens,” he said.

“If they were coming into my world, I’d want them to give it 100% and respect what I do.

“It’s the other way around – I’m going into their world and I want to give 100% and respect what they do.”

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#BBC #DanielJervis #DragQueen #dragRace #LGBTQ #MariahBalenciaga #Neath #NeathPortTalbot #OlympicSwimming #Olympics #realityTv #Resolven #RuPaulDragRaceUK #RuPaul #RuPaulSDragRaceUKVsTheWorld #swimming #TeamGB #television #tv #WelshAthletes #WelshSport

NEATH LEGEND: Hollywood’s first Welsh Oscar winner honoured with blue plaque at childhood home

The tribute was unveiled at the house on Dalton Road where the legendary actor lived from the age of four.

Milland, who was born Alfred Reginald Jones in 1907, remains a titan of the silver screen and was once Paramount’s highest-paid star.

The installation follows a special exhibition at Melincryddan Community Hall on Friday, March 6, which brought together relatives, fans, and local dignitaries.

Organised by the Neath Antiquarian Society, the event marked the 80th anniversary of Milland’s historic Academy Award win for his role in The Lost Weekend.

He was the first Welsh actor to ever scoop an Oscar, a feat that cemented his place in cinematic history alongside greats like Grace Kelly and John Wayne.

Relatives of the Hollywood star attended the celebratory exhibition in Neath to mark the 80th anniversary of his Oscar win. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

The plaque was successfully nominated by the Neath Antiquarian Society through Neath Port Talbot Council’s Blue Plaque Scheme.

It serves as a permanent reminder of a man who told the world he was from Neath, even at the height of his global fame.

Jonathan Davies, Chair of the Neath Antiquarian Society, hailed Milland’s “varied and lasting” career which spanned more than 55 years.

“From romantic leads to comedy, horror, Broadway Theatre and his own TV shows, I don’t think there are many other careers in Hollywood that have been as varied or lasted as long,” he said.

“Over the course of 55 years, he won everything; Oscar, Grammy, Cannes Film Festival, the lot.”

The blue plaque is now a permanent fixture on the wall of the actor’s former home on Dalton Road in Neath. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

The actor’s incredible journey saw him serve in the Royal Horse Guards before a chance meeting with an American actress convinced him to try his hand at acting.

His 1929 debut in The Flying Scotsman led to a contract with MGM and a move to Hollywood that would change his life forever.

Milland went on to star in classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder and the terrifying spy thriller Ministry of Fear.

Despite his stardom, he never forgot his roots, famously being “lionised” in Cardiff in 1946 and touring Neath by car during a visit in 1947.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing for Neath Port Talbot Council, said the plaque celebrates a key part of the area’s “incredible cultural legacy.”

The ceremony was attended by Milland’s relatives and local residents, including the current tenant of the house on Dalton Road.

(L-R) The current tenant of the Dalton Road house, Ray Milland’s cousin, Councillor Cen Phillips, and Jonathan Davies of the Neath Antiquarian Society at the unveiling. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

Funding for the 2026 Commemorative Blue Plaque window will open from April 1 to September 30 for new nominations.

The scheme is part of the council’s wider Heritage Strategy, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore and celebrate local history.

#BluePlaque #Hollywood #localHistory #Neath #NeathAntiquarianSociety #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #OscarWinner #RayMilland

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

Location Average Monthly Searches for ‘Will AI take my job’ and related keywords per month per 10-thousand people.  Bangor 494 Bridgend 309 Port Talbot 279 Llanelli 194 Ammanford 177 Swansea 152 Neath 137 Wrexham 119 Newport, Wales 106 Cardiff 90 Maesteg 1  #AI #Ammanford #artificialIntelligence #Bridgend #Business #employment #Llanelli #Neath #PortTalbot #Swansea

SEISMIC SHOWDOWN: 51 Welsh rugby clubs move to AXE WRU chairman as crisis deepens

Leaked documents have revealed the scale of the growing rebellion, with nearly a fifth of all member clubs now demanding an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to “save the soul” of the national game.

The move, led by the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union, targets WRU chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and Professional Rugby Board boss Malcolm Wall in a bid to halt controversial plans to cut the number of professional teams from four to three.

It follows weeks of mounting pressure from clubs and intense political criticism over the WRU’s “stitch-up” of the professional game in the west.

Clubs from across our core coverage areas of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Carmarthenshire have dominated the list of rebels, with 23 teams from the Ospreys’ heartland leading the charge.

Local giants such as Bonymaen, Morriston, Swansea, and Gowerton have all put their names to the move, alongside Neath Athletic, Taibach, Baglan, and Aberavon Green Stars.

The revolt has also spread deep into Carmarthenshire, with clubs like Llandybie, Llanybydder, and Laugharne joining the fight as the seismic showdown over the union’s leadership reaches boiling point.

The rebels have put forward three key motions for the EGM, including a vote of no confidence in the leadership and a demand for fresh elections for the four elected WRU council member board positions.

It comes as Swansea Council seeks an urgent High Court injunction to stop the WRU’s deal with Y11 Sports & Media, which many fear would signal the end of the Ospreys as a professional outfit.

In a scathing letter sent to the governing body, the rebels accused the WRU executive board of causing “reputational damage” to the sport through “extortionate” spending on outside consultants.

“If people are paid to do a job and have to use consultants to guide them, then it begs the question if we have the right personnel in those roles,” the letter blasted.

The rebellion has also taken a personal turn, with claims that a “small minority” of the WRU leadership have been “disrespectful” and shared “misinformation” at local meetings.

The clubs are also demanding that any future WRU chair be “immersed in Welsh culture,” have a strong understanding of Welsh rugby values, and ideally be a Welsh speaker living in Wales.

Despite the growing pressure, the WRU boss has insisted the Ospreys are “not doomed yet”, even as the battle for the West Wales rugby licence looms.

For the EGM to go ahead and be valid, at least 94 clubs—one third of the total membership—must be present for the showdown.

#CardiffRugby #EGM #Neath #Ospreys #PortTalbot #RichardCollierKeywood #Rugby #Scarlets #Swansea #WelshRugbyUnion #WRU

REVEALED: Swansea named worst for commuters in Wales as gridlock hits home

Shocking new analysis has revealed that the city has the toughest commute in the country, topping the rankings for average journey times, congestion, and slow traffic speeds across Welsh towns and cities.

The research, conducted by office infrastructure experts Co-space, shows that Swansea workers face a gruelling 26-minute average commute each way.

When combined with a 15% congestion level and average peak speeds of just 25 km/h, Swansea hits a chart-topping “commuter pressure score” of 19.7.

Over a full year, that 26-minute journey adds up to more than 215 hours spent travelling to and from work—the same as sitting in a car or on a bus for nine entire days.

The findings highlight a massive divide in travel experiences across the region, with Port Talbot motorists already feeling the pinch from a year of major roadworks. Motorists on Mumbles Road are also facing three months of lane closures for vital gas pipe upgrades.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cardiff didn’t take the top spot, despite having the highest congestion rate at 16%. The capital’s shorter 22-minute average commute kept its pressure score down at 9.7, ranking it well outside the top ten.

In our area, Neath and Ammanford both saw smoother runs with average commutes of 22 minutes, while Llanelli recorded a 24-minute average journey and a pressure score of 12.1.

RankTown/CityCommute (mins)Congestion (%)Speed (km/h)Pressure Score1Swansea26152519.72Newport25142618.13Wrexham25132617.94Bangor24122717.35Bridgend24142613.16Port Talbot23142512.47Llanelli24132612.18Barry23132610.09Rhyl23132610.010Tenby23132610.0

William Sokes, CEO of Co-space, has warned that even small differences in commute times can have a “knock-on effect” on employee wellbeing and productivity.

“What’s striking about this data is how clearly Swansea stands apart from the rest of Wales,” Mr Sokes stated, adding that infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with growth.

The news comes as Swansea-based research programmes continue to look into smarter, greener ways for the region to move forward amid the ongoing climate challenge.

#Business #Cardiff #commuting #congestion #Llanelli #Neath #Newport #PortTalbot #Swansea #traffic #trafficCongestion #trafficJam #Transport #Wales

Hollywood legend who told the world he was from Neath to be honoured with blue plaque

Ray Milland, who starred alongside screen legends like John Wayne and Grace Kelly, was the first Welsh actor to win an Oscar and became one of Paramount’s highest-paid stars during a career that spanned five decades.

Now, 80 years after his career-defining Oscar win for the film The Lost Weekend, Neath Port Talbot Council has announced he will be recognised with a blue plaque.

Milland joins a prestigious list of local figures to be honoured, including fellow acting giants Richard Burton and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The public will get a first look at the plaque at a free event this Friday, 6 March, at Melincryddan Community Hall from 3pm. It will later be installed at Milland’s childhood home on Dalton Road.

The successful nomination for the plaque came from the Neath Antiquarian Society.

Jonathan Davies, Chair of the society, said Milland never forgot his roots:

“I have little doubt that there are few people in our history that have reached more corners of the world and told them he was proud of the fact that he was from Neath.

“He’s known to have said, ‘When people say to me, you are English, I tell them I’m not English. I’m Welsh. Call me British if you like but never, never call me English’. His death was reported on every continent.”

1946 was a golden year for Milland. As well as the Academy Award, he also won Best Actor at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globes.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“It’s great to honour the first Welsh Oscar winner, Ray Milland. He had an amazing career and became a household name in Hollywood. This blue plaque celebrates yet another figure from the incredible cultural legacy that we have across the whole of Neath Port Talbot.”

The council has confirmed that a further two blue plaques will be funded this year, with the funding window opening on 1 April.

#AnthonyHopkins #BluePlaque #GraceKelly #Hollywood #JohnWayne #Neath #Oscar #RayMilland #RichardBurton

Katherine Jenkins celebrates St David’s Day with celebrity friends and her Swansea-based gin brand

The annual celebration, which has become a highlight of the Welsh social calendar, was held at The Chancery Rosewood hotel in London on Monday evening — the eve of St David’s Day itself.

The guest list read like a who’s who of Welsh celebrity, with Carol Vorderman — who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Swansea University last year — among those raising a glass to Wales.

Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Amy Dowden, Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, TV presenter Alex Jones, former Wales rugby captain Alun Wyn Jones OBE, Wales football captain Ben Davies, bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, composer Sir Karl Jenkins, and singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti were also in attendance.

Katherine Jenkins looked elegant in a striking red Rebecca Vallance dress. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)Katherine Jenkins with TV presenter Carol Vorderman. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)The table is set for Katherine Jenkins’ St David’s Day dinner. (Image: Jordan McGibney)

The evening was described as a blend of “warmth, music and genuine national pride”, with guests treated to Welsh-inspired cuisine and a traditional Welsh harp performance.

The night’s entertainment culminated in a surprise performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Catrin Feelings, who wowed the crowd in a traditional Welsh costume.

Katherine herself looked striking in a red Rebecca Vallance dress — a deliberate nod to the national colours of Wales.

Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Owain Wyn Evans at the St David’s Day celebration. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)Katherine Jenkins with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Catrin Feelings. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)Singer Jack Savoretti and actress Jemma Powell. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)Katherine Jenkins with Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden. (Image: Jonathan Hordle/PA Media Assignments)

At the heart of the evening was Cygnet Gin, the ultra-premium gin brand co-founded by Katherine and her husband, professor and film-maker Andrew Levitas. Guests enjoyed Cygnet 22 Martinis, Cygnet G&Ts and Cygnet 77 Old Fashioneds throughout the night.

Cygnet is distilled at the Cygnet Distillery in SA1, Swansea, and has rapidly established itself as one of the most decorated gin brands in the world. Earlier this year, it made its Hollywood debut as the official gin partner for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes — a milestone Katherine marked on the red carpet in Los Angeles.

The brand’s flagship expression, Cygnet 22, is crafted using 22 botanicals and Manuka honey, and is presented in a hand-blown, hand-constructed decanter called “Eirlys” — the Welsh word for snowdrop. It was named sole gin winner at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024.

Cygnet’s newest launch, Cygnet Infinity — the brand’s first non-alcoholic expression — recently won a Gold Medal at The Spirits Business Low & No Masters 2026.

Speaking about the evening, Katherine said:

“St David’s Day creates a deep sense of pride in where I come from, in the language, the landscape, the music, the warmth of the people. Wales shaped me long before the world stage ever did. Saint David lived simply, preached kindness and said “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” — “do the little things”, I love that.

“Greatness doesn’t always arrive with noise; often it’s found in humility and small daily acts of goodness. That ethos feels very Welsh: hardworking, grounded, quietly strong.”

The evening also served as a platform for Katherine to announce her upcoming 25th anniversary tour, which will see her perform at venues across the UK later this year. Tickets are on sale now.

It is the latest in a string of high-profile events for the Neath-born singer, who has used her platform to champion Welsh talent and culture on the world stage. Last year, she hosted a midsummer celebration of Welsh excellence at Swansea’s copperworks distillery, bringing together some of the biggest names in Welsh public life.

#AlunWynJones #AmyDowden #CarolVorderman #celebrity #CygnetGin #IanHWatkins #KatherineJenkins #Neath #SirBrynTerfel #StDavidSDay #Swansea