Last Orders At The North Star As It Prepares For a Final Night of Trading

By James Roberts Last week, student favourite The Northstar announced that it will close permanently from 1 January, as rising costs have made the business unfeasible. Owner Tom Edwards told Gair Rhydd: “It’s been absolutely heartbreaking, thinking of all the hours we’ve put in, all of our efforts the pub has been our life these last five years.” He added that “telling the staff was … Continue reading Last Orders At The North Star As It Prepares For a Final Night of Trading

Cardiff University Concedes on Job Cuts as The UCU Vows To Continue Action

By Oliver Hanlon After six months of industrial friction, Cardiff University management has agreed to a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies in 2026 and the removal of 187 academic staff from immediate risk of redundancy. While in a statement given to Gair Rhydd, the UCU has welcomed these “major concessions,” at an Extraordinary General Meeting, members voted unanimously to continue the dispute until concerns regarding … Continue reading Cardiff University Concedes on Job Cuts as The UCU Vows To Continue Action

Two Teens Charged With Terror Offenses After Allegedly Planning Attack on a Cathays Mosque

By Gabriela Hunt Two Welsh 18 year-olds have been jointly charged with terror offences. Rhys Edwards and Talan Vincent appeared in court on the 12th December, accused of plotting terrorist attacks against Jewish and Muslim targets in the Welsh Capital, according to Counter Terrorism Policing Wales (CTPW.) Edwards and Vincent appeared before the Old Bailey, London from the 21st to 22nd of November and remanded … Continue reading Two Teens Charged With Terror Offenses After Allegedly Planning Attack on a Cathays Mosque

Imogen and the Knife: Songwriting, Performing and Music as a tool

By Ruby Collins After listening to Imogen and the Knife supporting The Last Dinner Party at Utilita Arena on 3 December, Gair Rhydd managed to secure a few moments talking with Imogen after the show.  Imogen’s debut, extended EP, ‘Some Kind of Love’ shows fluid versatility. From intimate and bare ‘Paris Night’, to the choral and eerie ‘Some Kind of Love’ to her electric single ‘Mother of … Continue reading Imogen and the Knife: Songwriting, Performing and Music as a tool

When Powell Came to Cardiff, Revisiting Enoch Powell’s Controversial 1968 Union Visit

By Oliver Dermody It has been 57 years since Enoch Powell, described by some as the “best prime minister his country would never have” and by others as a racialist provocateur, made his eventful Cardiff University visit and speech. So, what can the events of November 1968 tell us, and are we currently seeing a reincarnated Powell sneaking his way to electoral victory in the … Continue reading When Powell Came to Cardiff, Revisiting Enoch Powell’s Controversial 1968 Union Visit