If you’re already planning those days off in the Easter break this might give you some inspiration

Easter isn’t too far away and you might be thinking you need to sort out a few activity days in advance so you know you’re not sitting at home doing nothing for two weeks during the school holidays.

Luckily south Wales has a number of things happening around the capital including a musical outing, castle trip filled with Easter activities, and a cooking workshop.

There’s something for everyone so we’ve pulled together some of the best options you can still book. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

1. Easterland at Fonmon Castle

At £10 a ticket there’s a lot packed into this Easter fun day at the Vale of Glamorgan castle.

There’s an Easter egg stamp trail, Alice in Wonderland themed area, a golden egg hunt, and Easter crafts. You can also explore the castle and the dinosaur trail too.

Find out more here.

When: March 28-April 6

2. Flowers And Friendship Bracelets, New Theatre

Dubbed as ‘the ultimate pop concert’ to celebrate the biggest hits from pop stars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and more it’s definitely one for your potential pop queens.

Tickets are a little on the pricier side at £30 and you can get them here.

When: April 7

3. Girl-Coded, Wales Millennium Centre

One for the teenagers this Easter as the play explores themes of consent, identity, and the complex ways young women navigate relationships and intimacy throughout adolescence. It follows three childhood best friends, Lauren, Ange, and Cas, who reunite on August 13, 2024, exactly five years after their friendship fell apart at the hands of jealousy during Ange’s results day party.

Girl-coded is suitable for 14-plus and it’s a pay what you can event. Click here to get those tickets.

When: April 9-11

4. Cook Stars Easter workshop, Cyncoed

If your child is keen on helping out in the kitchen this could be just the Easter activity for them. Children will be baking some delicious Easter treats and making and decorating Easter baskets. Classes are £25 and ages from two to 11 can attend. Click here for more on Cook Stars and to book the event.

When: March 28

5. Easter Eggstravaganza, Rhondda Heritage Park

Ticket price includes an egg hunt with chocolate treat at the end, a chance to explore the Easter Bunny’s underground burrow, small children’s rides, Easter craft, balloon modelling, a petting farm, and a teddy bears’ picnic. Click here for tickets and more information.

When: April 1-2

6. Easter at The Meadows, Caerphilly

The Easter experience at The Meadows will cost £13.50 for kids aged thee and up and tickets include park entry, Easter trail, chocolate prize, Easter craft activities, and rabbit and guinea pig petting sessions. The farm itself has an exotic barn, reptile house, and a wallaby walk-through. Buy tickets here.

When: March 28-April 66

7. Easter fun with dragon trails at Caerphilly Castle

The Easter bank holiday weekend will see eight days of dragon-egg-themed trails, face painters, crafts and storytellers. Advice is to book your ticket for the castle in advance.

When: April 3-6

Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident shortly after 11.10pm on Sunday night (March 15) in Whitby, North Yorkshire Police said.

The force said a manslaughter investigation has been launched after the man, in his late 40s and from the Halifax area, died at an address in Flowergate.

“On arriving, officers encountered a man in his late 40s who was unresponsive and gave him CPR while the ambulance arrived,” a police spokesperson said.

“Sadly the man, who is from the Halifax area, could not be revived by medics and was pronounced dead following sustained attempts to save his life.

“Detectives at North Yorkshire Police have launched a manslaughter investigation and the man’s family is being supported by officers.”

They said four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation while police inquiries continue.

The spokesperson said there would be a “significant police presence in the area to support the community”.

They urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Detectives have already spoken to a number of witnesses but are urging anyone with information who has yet to speak to them to get in touch,” the police spokesperson said.

“Please contact North Yorkshire Police by calling 101, and quoting reference 12260046853.”

If you’re going to Saundersfoot this year then you need to treat yourself to a cocktail

There’s a lot to love about the seaside Pembrokeshire village of Saundersfoot. The long, sandy beach, plentiful pubs, fish and chip shops, cafes, and shops are all draws.

But did you know there is also a speakeasy tucked away on the main street making fresh gold-sprinkled cocktails? Hourglass’s stylish small bar is within the Hourglass boutique so there’s an opportunity for some vintage shopping at the same time.

Hourglass, found in The Strand, was previously an antique shop but when owner Holly Thompson decided on a change of scene for the shop Hourglass became somewhere to to relax with an espresso martini or coffee as well as pick up a stylish piece of jewellery or outfit.

Owning the shop with her mother Kim the pair, as well as Holly’s dad Colin and partner Harrison, redesigned and refurbished the shop themselves. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

Advertisement

Holly said: “When we had the antiques shop the plan was always to move it more towards a boutique and focus on the fine jewellery, designer bags, and accessories we were already selling. Just before starting the refurbishment we had the idea to add a cocktail bar.

“I’ve always loved the idea of a speakeasy-style bar but I didn’t want to leave the jewellery and pre-loved designer industry, so we thought: ‘Why not combine the two?’ We wanted to create somewhere people could shop beautiful pieces, enjoy a cocktail, and have an experience they wouldn’t expect to find in a small seaside village.

“We’ve always focused on excellent customer service and creating a unique client-focused experience and the cocktail bar really adds to that.”

Advertisement

With a menu changing seasonally those wanting to escape from the hubbub of Saundersfoot at peak time can enjoy Old Fashioneds, Cherry 75s, and Martinis or cool down with an iced matcha.

“Our cocktails change seasonally with around 20 on the menu at any one time,” said Holly. “As we’re a small space we like to focus on offering a good variety while keeping things special. We use fresh quality ingredients and try to support local suppliers wherever possible.

“We’re really proud of the cocktails and the feedback we’ve received. It’s another way for us to be creative, especially with the presentation – and there’s always a touch of gold. We also serve great coffees, matcha, and loose-leaf teas.”

Holly added customers coming in and seeing the bar for the first time are surprised but she hopes it makes an impact all the same.

“Some people aren’t quite sure what to expect at first when they see the bar. We love that moment of surprise – it creates a memory and makes someone’s day or holiday a little more special and we love being part of that.”

Which team will end the day in third place? The winning team today would move three points clear of their opponent in the Premier League.

Manchester United Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Substitutes Bayindir, Mazraoui, Mount, Zirkzee, Malacia, Ugarte, Heaven, Sesko, Fletcher.

Aston Villa Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Barkley, Onana; McGinn, Rogers Buendia; Watkins
Substitutes Bizot, Lindelof, Elliott, Torres, Garcia, Abraham, Douglas Luiz, Maatsen, Bailey.

Referee Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Thierry Henry says Bruno Fernandes ‘killed’ teammate Amad Diallo during Manchester United’s Premier League win over Aston Villa.

Fernandes produced a sensational display to help United beat top-four rivals Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford, providing the assist for two of the goals.

Arsenal legend Henry was hugely impressed by Fernandes’ performance and expressed his ‘love’ for the Portuguese playmaker during a segment on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.

Henry nicknamed the United captain ‘Braino Fernandes’ due to the fact ‘he doesn’t play football – he thinks football’ and was a step ahead of his rivals throughout the game.

‘If you can control the speed of your brain you’re going to be faster than anyone on the field and this is what this guy has in abundance,’ Henry said of Fernandes.

‘I’ve said it before, he doesn’t play football he thinks football. He did it so well again at the weekend.

‘In the second half he was like the kid at school who’s better than everyone, he just got on the ball and passed it forward whenever he could.

‘Something that people don’t often see with Bruno – because he’s so great on the ball – is his work ethic. He can walk around the pitch if he wants because he’s the best player but then he pops up defending.’

Henry also highlighted the moment Fernandes ‘killed’ Amad for not giving him the ball late on during the match.

Fernandes had made a run behind Aston Villa’s defence but Amad did not pick him out and the United captain was seen berating his teammate for a fair while afterwards.

‘He wanted the ball [off Amad Diallo], he wanted the ball,’ Henry added. ‘He gets the ball after but he’s flat-footed by that point.

‘He wanted the ball from Amad Diallo, not Manuel Ugarte, and I wanted to show that because this is at 3-1 with just a few minutes to go.

‘He killed Amad Diallo for at least seven seconds! That’s just him, he will argue with his Dad or with anyone but he still finds a way.

‘Even when he wins he’s like that, he demands excellence from himself and his teammates. For me, that’s a real leader. Look at him, he’s still going at Amad! He didn’t like it.

‘My name for him now is Braino Fernandes because this guy thinks on the pitch and I love it.’

Fernandes’ two assists against Aston Villa took his overall tally for the season to 16 – the most by a Manchester United player in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old is just four behind the overall Premier League record – held by ex-Arsenal striker Henry and former Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne – with eight games still to play.

Henry has ‘always liked’ Fernandes and says the Portugal international deserves respect for staying at Manchester United during some tough times.

Fernandes has been one of the best players in the world since moving to Old Trafford but may have won more silverware at another club, having only lifted the FA Cup and EFL Cup with United.

The playmaker was also offered a huge salary to leave Manchester United for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer but decided to stay put as he wants to keep playing at the top level.

‘I’ve always liked him,’ Henry said. ‘What he’s been doing at Man United in some difficult moments for the club is outstanding.

‘We have to give him credit as well because he could have walked away but he stayed and he’s fighting in every game, I love him.’

Manchester United have a three-point cushion in third after beating Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and return to Premier League action on Friday night against Bournemouth.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Mikel Arteta sends class message to former Arsenal star after West Ham’s draw vs Man City

MORE: Chelsea suffer huge Reece James injury setback ahead of PSG clash

MORE: Chelsea handed suspended transfer ban and fined £10.75m for breaching Premier League rules

Local outrage after individual destroys wild growing public space

A call has been made to the NI Executive to give special protected status to a coastal North Down public park that suffered a large-scale act of vandalism earlier this year.

In January locals in Donaghadee were outraged after an individual destroyed much of the villages’ second, or rough, Commons, a largely wild growing public space. A person was witnessed by locals to enter the area in a hired tractor and set about destroying hedges, shrubs, trees and wild grasses, which have been a feature of the area for years.

Onlookers at first thought it was work by the local council, but this was later shown to be not the case. Allegations emerged that the person responsible was a local resident, and some have said the person did it to get a better view of the sea. Police are investigating the incident.

READ MORE: Football coming home to Newtownards as Ards FC stadium approved after 25 year wait

READ MORE: 8,000 hand-knitted poppies approved for outdoor display in Newtownards

At the March meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Environment Committee a motion by local elected representatives, DUP Councillor James Cochrane and UUP Alderman Mark Brooks, was adopted.

It states the council “notes with deep concern” the recent destruction caused to bushes, trees and wild grass in the Commons, Donaghadee. Councillors agreed for officials to write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, calling upon him to designate the Commons as either an Area of Special Scientific Interest, or another appropriate form of protected status, to help safeguard the space.

Councillor James Cochrane said at the meeting: “This isn’t about a single incident, it is about recognising the value of natural spaces that exist within our towns and communities. The Commons in Donaghadee is not just a manicured park, it is a piece of land where biodiversity has been allowed to flourish naturally for many years, and spaces like this are increasingly rare in Northern Ireland, where natural habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate.

“When they are lost they are often replaced with development, or overly managed landscapes that lack the richness of the natural environment they replace. But the Commons has always been different, it has existed in its natural state for generations, and the land has been allowed to grow and evolve for many years.

“So when that landscape has been altered or destroyed, the loss is not only visual, it is ecological.”

He added: “Designations exist for exactly this purpose, to recognise and protect places that have environmental value, biodiversity significance, or scientific importance. Designation would help that the ecological importance of the site is recognised and safeguarded.

“It would also send a clear message that natural heritage matters, and the landscapes are not disposable, and that they deserve protection. And perhaps most importantly it would give the people of Donaghadee reassurance that the place they cherish will be protected for generations to come.”

UUP Alderman Mark Brooks said: “The local community are rightfully outraged. First of all, they want to see action, and they want to see punishment. In the long term, what we are asking for (with the motion) is correct, it has to be a protected area.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

It’s our second day inside Iran – a country at war, and its capital Tehran is tense and subdued.  Many have fled, those left behind carry on as best they can.

There is the regular sound of outgoing anti-aircraft fire and the thuds of incoming missiles. Police stations and checkpoints are regularly being targeted, we are being told.

But only two weeks in, people barely seem to register the sounds of war nearby.

Latest updates: Trump threatens NATO

In the market, people were shopping ahead of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, at the end of the week. Shoppers shared their fears and concerns, most unwilling to do so on camera.

It is not just the war of course, this comes after weeks of protests and the crackdown that followed.

Some expressed hope there will be some kind of change after the conflict but most had more pressing worries: last night’s bombardment that came too close and the fact no one knows how this will end.

After a 48-hour marathon journey overland via the snowy passes of Armenia’s border with Iran, we entered Tehran.

Most striking were the faces of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and his assassinated father, ubiquitous, on huge banners lining the highways. Authorities are trying to project continuity.

The government seems firmly in control but the new leader has not been seen in public. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh insisted he is very much alive and ‘in charge’ as we interviewed him.

His message was angry and defiant. The war, he insisted, has no mandate and is illegal. And as speculation grows about America’s next move, he had an ominous warning for the enemy.

Advertisement

Share

Iran’s deputy FM: US boots on the ground would be ‘reckless’

The US leadership should remember Vietnam, he told us, if it’s thinking about putting “boots on the ground” in Iran. That, he said, would be the action of a rogue nation and the US would come to regret it.

We are here for a week, one of only a few international news teams given visas for now.

The capital is dotted with the scars of Israel and America’s air campaign. Entire buildings flattened. The strikes may be called precise and targeted, but try telling that to one elderly man we found in the blackened ruins of his apartment after a missile came in next door at the start of the war.

The attack happened mid-afternoon without warning. The blast wave blew in the windows and filled the flat with dust and smoke. When it settled, he found his wife and daughter injured, peppered with shrapnel and hurt with broken bones.

They were given surgery in hospital but had to leave as quickly as possible, a number of hospitals have also been hit, we were told. They are recovering but their home is devastated.

And 24 hours a day, the people of this city must live wondering if the building next door is also on the target list and they could be next.

Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from this week’s Miami Open as she continues her recovery from a recent illness.

The British number one became unwell while playing in the Middle East last month, and is still suffering with post-viral symptoms.

Raducanu decided to play last week’s event in Indian Wells, and reached the third round before losing in just 52 minutes to the world number six Amanda Anisimova.

The 23-year-old has 215 ranking points to defend from reaching the quarter-finals in Miami last year, but has decided it would be best to take a break to recover fully.

Raducanu beat both Anisimova and the then top 10 player Emma Navarro before losing to Jessica Pegula in three sets in last year’s quarter-finals.

This year she had a first-round bye, and could have played British childhood rival Sonay Kartal in the second round.

Raducanu had already decided not to play in Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie in Melbourne next month, but is currently scheduled to return to the tour in three weeks’ time.

She has entered the WTA event in Linz, which would be her first clay-court tournament of the season.

Alex Jones and Roman Kemp presented The One Show together this evening

Advertisement

The One Show viewers were left unimpressed as Alex Jones shared the news about a new show coming to Channel 4 soon.

During Monday’s (March 16) episode of the BBC hit chat show, Alex and co-host Roman Kemp made a return to our TV screens as they delivered the day’s leading stories alongside exclusive chats with several celebrity guests.

Among the many guests joining the duo on the iconic red sofa was Sarah Beeny, who came on to promote her new home renovation show titled I Bought It At Auction.

Speaking to viewers at home, Alex announced: “Now talking about big projects, Sarah is helping home owners renovate new properties in her brand new series, which give viewers front row seats into the world of property buying at auction.”

The show then cut over to a preview clip of the show as Alex said: “Sarah Beeny, I can feel a binge coming on. This looks brilliant.”

Advertisement

She pointed out: “Now you haven’t done this sort of programme before have you? The auction side of it all. What sort of journey do you go on with the contributors on the show?”

Sarah explained: “Buying at action has changed considerably from 20/25 years ago because now I think it is more accessible. I think buying a house or selling a house has got more complicated.

“It takes longer so people are going to auction so at least when you sell a house at auction it’s sold and if you buy a house at auction it’s bought. There is no time wasting.”

However some viewers watching at home were not keen on the idea of another renovation show, as one wrote: “Are people really wanting to watch property buying programmes anymore, dull dull dull. #TheOneShow.”

Another fumed: “Guessing all renovations being paid for by the beeb just to make the programme #theoneshow.”

Another commented: “Surely we DO need another property buying and renovation TV show #theoneshow.”

I Bought It At Auction with Sarah Beeny, explores the risks and rewards of property auctions. Each of the six episodes will follow the people who bravely buy a property at auction, from the initial purchase through to the final renovation.

Beeny will be on hand to offer her advice and guidance to the buyers as she follows the highs and low of their property journey. Speaking about the new show, Sarah previously said: “Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, way to get on or move up the property ladder.

“I’ve always believed there is possibility in almost any piece of land or building, and those sold in auction are sometimes packed with potential – if you know what and what not to look for.”

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.