Author: Contributing Writer

Travel

Under All the Pretty Lights: A Trip to Cardiff Bay to Trace the History of Nadifa Mohamed’s The Fortune Men

‘This is a story that belongs to Butetown.’ – Nadifa Mohamed, Acknowledgement to The Fortune Men. I get a rare moment of pride when I read a novel set in Cardiff. Normally, I prefer to use fiction as an escape into countries I’ve never been to and cultures I’ve never experienced; stories set in harsh Siberian winters, or the drab Midwestern suburban counties of America. But … Continue reading Under All the Pretty Lights: A Trip to Cardiff Bay to Trace the History of Nadifa Mohamed’s The Fortune Men

Contributing Writer
Ed Sheeran Performs at Fitzalan High School
Music

The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.

Music is such a big part of Welsh life. Singing at the rugby, school assemblies, anywhere we get the chance. For those of us with remarkable talent, though, there isn’t always the outlet to get further in the music industry. The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to change this across the UK and allow young people the opportunities and industry links to turn their passion into success.  … Continue reading The Ed Sheeran Foundation Visits Cardiff- The Importance of Funding the Arts in our Communities.

Contributing Writer
Ticketmaster app on phone
Music

The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?

Dynamic pricing, outrageous costs and an increasing monopoly: Ticketmaster’s users cry out evermore for the company to relent on the underdog. The past year has seen the promotion of many hit tours: Oasis’ reunion concerts, Swift’s Eras Tour and the emergent Sabrina Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet shows. Alongside the excitement and anticipation amongst fans for these gigs, frustration and disappointment has become a common theme … Continue reading The War on Ticketmaster, Prices and Venues – Are Gigs becoming more inaccessible?

Contributing Writer
Love

“Your Body, My Choice” Why Women Are Turning to the 4B Movement

After months of campaigning, America has elected its 47th president and with it, many women have turned to the feminist movement, 4B. When I first heard of the 4B movement, I felt hopeless and fed up with dating. Not that I went on many dates to begin with, but the ones I had were uneventful and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Too many … Continue reading “Your Body, My Choice” Why Women Are Turning to the 4B Movement

Contributing Writer
Travel

One Keychain at a Time

Last summer, when I went to Italy with my sisters, I unintentionally started a little tradition: collecting keychains from every place I visited. It started in Verona, where I picked two keychains shaped like keys, one for me and, of course, one for my mum. Then, in Lake Garda, I found a beautiful golden one with engravings of the lake, and at our final stop in Venice, a Venetian … Continue reading One Keychain at a Time

Contributing Writer
Travel

Mementos

Ever since I can remember, I have been super fortunate to travel the world. From city breaks to relaxing on a white sandy beach to exploring the USA. As a Starbucks enthusiast, a tradition of mine, in every place I travel to, is to visit a Starbucks, order an iced latte and purchase one of their location mugs as a precious keepsake. It is so important to me … Continue reading Mementos

Contributing Writer
Food

Anti-Resolution Revolution

Resolution or trend? New Year’s Resolutions are out, constant self-improvement is in.  It is futile to attempt to better yourself once a year, especially considering most resolutions fail anyway: I, myself failed Veganuary on day five this year. However, in attempting Veganuary it made me consider why I decided to take up resolution in the first place. I have never wanted to be a vegan, … Continue reading Anti-Resolution Revolution

Contributing Writer
Travel

Danger of Travel: Misconception or True?

Travelling is one of the best ways to expand your horizons, but there is no denying that safety concerns are often on our minds. We’ve all heard the stories: dangers lurking in places like Rio, pickpockets in Barcelona, or civil unrest in Budapest. But are these fears truly justified, or are they just misconceptions fuelled by media and hearsay? When planning our next trip, most … Continue reading Danger of Travel: Misconception or True?

Contributing Writer
Love

The Trad Wife: A Redux

TikTok is flooded with this image of spotless kitchens, flowery aprons and picture perfect homes – neatly folding together retro glamour and domestic bliss. For audiences tired of hustle culture and girlbossing, the trad wife lifestyle holds a certain allure. It’s a throwback to an era we’ve been told was simpler and happier. Yet, like all nostalgia, there’s a catch: this rose-coloured view overlooks the … Continue reading The Trad Wife: A Redux

Contributing Writer
Christmas Tree and Christmas decor at Cardiff Bar
Features

Best Places for Christmas Drinks in Cardiff 

As the Christmas season approaches, Cardiff transforms into a magical hub of festive cheer. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy hot chocolate or a festive cocktail under the twinkling lights, the city offers a range of delightful spots to relax after a day of shopping. Here’s your guide to Christmas drinks in Cardiff! Of course, I’ll start with Winter Wonderland itself. Situated within … Continue reading Best Places for Christmas Drinks in Cardiff 

Contributing Writer
Film & TV

The New Sex: How Horror Films Have Reckoned With Threats To Bodily Autonomy

Content Warning: Discussions of abortion and sexual assault At its core, horror is a genre of fear. It is the fears of uncertainty and inhumanity manifested in a monstrous figure. One such fear that has manifested itself throughout history is the loss of bodily autonomy. At its most basic it can be a killer impaling his victim with a machete, a woman under the trance … Continue reading The New Sex: How Horror Films Have Reckoned With Threats To Bodily Autonomy

Contributing Writer
Travel

A Review of the York & Whitby GIAG Trip

I recently joined a two-day “Give It a Go” trip to York and Whitby, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, the trip was well-organized and stress-free, with a comfortable coach ride that allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey. In York, I had the chance to explore some incredible attractions. The York Chocolate Story was a sweet highlight, where … Continue reading A Review of the York & Whitby GIAG Trip

Contributing Writer
Travel

Overcrowded and Unwanted: How Locals In Popular Vacation Spots Are Starting To Reject Mass Tourism

A growing tide of resentment is sweeping across popular holiday hotspots as locals, overwhelmed by the influx of tourists, begin to push back against the costs of mass tourism. With 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals in 2024, this summer marked a tipping point for many locals increasingly concerned about over tourism driving up housing costs, harming the environment and eroding the fabric of local communities … Continue reading Overcrowded and Unwanted: How Locals In Popular Vacation Spots Are Starting To Reject Mass Tourism

Contributing Writer
Winter Wonderland Sign with stalls and lights in the background with a Welsh Dragon teddy in the centre
Features

The Arrival of Winter Wonderland

It is that time of year again when, as the festive season approaches, Cardiff transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland! From the festive markets to the food and drink stalls to the big wheel – there is something for everyone. This article will be discussing the best attractions this seasonal event has to offer! Christmas Markets In the heart of town on St. John’s … Continue reading The Arrival of Winter Wonderland

Contributing Writer
Literature, Live Reviews

Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

Charles Dickens is renowned for shaping our Christmas experience, so when I went to watch A Christmas Carol, I had high expectations. The show appealing to everyone, brings the festive magic to life with it’s charming humour. Debuting back in 2021, it has now returned and become a performance worth watching repeatedly. Staged at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and adapted by Gary Owen, this … Continue reading Review: A Christmas Carol At The Sherman Theatre

Contributing Writer
Beyond

In Conversation With Jasper Wilkins

Jasper Wilkins is a video director, producer and photographer based in London. In his current role as a Senior Producer at the BBC he leads the creation of digital content for flagship shows like Gladiators, The Apprentice, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. His industry accolades include being a Media Week 30 Under 30 Winner, Cardiff 30 Under 30 Winner, and a Promax Gold Winner. He … Continue reading In Conversation With Jasper Wilkins

Contributing Writer