News & Sport

A new development agency will “improve productivity”, according to a Welsh Government minister – but opponents have dubbed it “yet another quango”.

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg has received a highly positive report from Estyn, with inspectors praising the Barry secondary school for its caring community, rich curriculum and strong commitment to Welsh language development.

Construction has begun on a major new‑build project for Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge, with pupil capacity at the Welsh-medium school set to double to meet increased demand.

Visitors to Jackson’s Bay have been urged to take extra care after a rockfall was reported at the popular Barry Beach on Monday morning.

The Vale is buzzing this week, with theatre, music, family fun, community action and more taking place across Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Dinas Powys. Here are ten standout events to look out for between 7–12 July.

Wales & West Utilities will begin a major upgrade of gas pipes in Dinas Powys on 6 July, as part of a long‑term investment programme to improve the reliability of the local gas network.

St Illtyd Primary School has been officially recognised as a School of Sanctuary, marking its ongoing commitment to welcoming and supporting learners who seek refuge.

Residents in Llantwit Major are being invited to take part in a public event aimed at shaping the future development of the town, as work continues on a new Placemaking Plan and a series of upcoming improvement projects.

A Senedd Member who lost her birth mother at just three weeks old has spoken about her childhood experiences during a debate on the lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences. 

CCR Energy has thanked South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for its swift response following a fire breaking out at the former Aberthaw Power Station on Thursday.

Plans have been put in place for an upgrade to a “state-of-the-art” Cowbridge horse hospital.

Volunteer lifeboat crews in Barry were called into action on Wednesday evening — just 15 minutes after their D‑class lifeboat had been declared back on service following a day of essential maintenance.

A new community-focused programme is set to help people across the Vale of Glamorgan build confidence in cooking, nutrition, and healthy eating through free, accessible learning opportunities.

CCR Energy says Emergency Services remain on site after a fire broke out at the former Aberthaw Power Station earlier this morning.

Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth was challenged on budget decisions and the NHS in this week’s First Minister’s Questions.

Wales-based consultancy Littlechild & Haley has been named the regional winner in the Professional Services StartUp of the Year category at the UK StartUp Awards 2026.

Meningitis B vaccines are set to be offered to 17 and 18-year-olds in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan from July.

An application to run a wood processing facility at Barry Docks has been withdrawn, following months of complaints from residents and scrutiny from councillors.

The Post Office is appealing for applicants to take over services in Dinas Powys, after Morrisons confirmed that the village’s only remaining branch would close in early October.

South Wales Police have thanked a Bridgend gardening firm after its staff stepped in to help clear a fallen tree that was blocking a road near St Brides Major.

Head coach Steve Tandy has announced the Wales team to play Argentina at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in round two of the Nations Championship on Saturday 11 July

Penarth cyclist Ciara Oliva is set to make a remarkable return to international competition after being named in Team Wales’ track cycling squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Barry Town United will kick off the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier campaign against Cambrian United at Jenner Park on Friday, 31st July.

Men’s head coach Steve Tandy has confirmed the 33-player Wales squad for the July window of the inaugural Nations Championship.

Written by Charley Greatrix

The Vale is buzzing this week, with theatre, music, family fun, community action and more taking place across Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Dinas Powys. Here are ten standout events to look out for between 7–12 July.

Metallica made history at Principality Stadium, bringing the biggest live music event ever staged in Wales to Cardiff.

The Barry Arts Festival will welcome the acclaimed Elizabeth Singers to the town next month for a special performance at St Mary’s Church, Barry Docks. The concert takes place on Sunday, 12 July at 4pm.

Police are remaining "open-minded" about the motive behind the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe after the arrest of a man in Yorkshire.

A British woman who was taken to hospital after a wildfire swept through southern Spain has become the 13th person to die in the tragedy, officials in the Andalusia region have said.

More than 2,700 people in England and Wales died from heat-related causes during May and June's record hot spells, experts estimate.

A 24-year-old woman has been killed and a man injured in a double stabbing in west London.

Jannik Sinner has retained his Wimbledon men's singles title with victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev.

Residents are reported to have been evacuated as 20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters were called to a "serious" fire in Walthamstow, east London.

A major incident has been declared by emergency services dealing with a large wildfire in North Wales.

Two men have died after going into the water in a rescue attempt at Seaton Carew beach, Hartlepool.

Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has died aged 39, her family said in a statement.

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made UK chart history after their duet Rein Me In became the longest-running British No 1 single of all time.

Top Boy actor Micheal Ward sobbed in court as he was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The residents of Coronation Street might have survived serial killers and tram crashes, but the biggest ITV plot twist has been unfolding in the boardroom.