Latest news with #BrilliantBasics

Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wildlife doodle workshop at Loggerheads Country Park
The event, organised by Nature for Health, will take place on Thursday May 29 and will feature a range of activities, including an interactive art installation by illustrator and artist David Setter, known as Doodleplanet. The artwork was commissioned through funding from the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics scheme, which supports local authorities and national parks in improving visitor infrastructure at key tourism destinations across Wales. The fund aims to enhance the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and promote environmental sustainability by investing in essential amenities. Visitors on the day can enjoy a variety of activities, including a doodle workshop where participants can explore various drawing techniques, such as drawing games, speed drawing, and continuous line drawing. They will also have the opportunity to watch and learn from David as he demonstrates his drawing techniques, offering tips and tricks to help create wildlife masterpieces. All materials will be provided, and participants will be able to keep their artwork as a unique memento of the day. Councillor Alan James, lead member for local development and planning, said: "This workshop is perfect for all ages and skill levels. "Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, come along and enjoy a day of creativity and fun in the beautiful surroundings of Loggerheads Country Park. "Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and unleash your inner artist." The event will take place in The Gallery at Loggerheads Country Park from 11am to 3pm. For more information, email or book on Eventbrite.


Powys County Times
20-05-2025
- Powys County Times
Powys communities improve public toilets with £40,000
Two Powys communities have benefitted from £40,000 of funding from the Welsh Government towards new public toilet facilities. Berriew and Crickhowell have revamped the public toilets via funding secured by Powys County Council from the Welsh Government, with Berriew receiving £22,500 towards improving the 50-year-old toilets in the centre of the village and Crickhowell getting £18,000 towards a revamp of the toilets at the Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre. The funding was secured by the council's economy and climate service to cover 80 per cent of the project costs, while the improvements were managed by by Crickhowell Town Council and Berriew Community Council. Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council's cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said: 'It's great that visitors to Crickhowell and Berriew now have access to better toilet facilities. 'I hope more people will now be encouraged to stop off and see what both places have to offer and spend more than just a penny.' Crickhowell Town Council used its funding, along with a Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Sustainable Development Fund grant, to install new water-saving toilets, waterless urinals, 8kWp PV solar panels and battery, and low energy light fittings. Crickhowell town councillor Tony D'Anna said: 'This project took over six months to complete, but the hard work will pay off in the end. The town council and CRiC should save £5,000 per year on the operating costs for the toilets – currently more than £23,000 – and we will reduce our carbon footprint by over one tonne. 'Its success will be down to terrific partnership work with Powys County Council's tourism team, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and CRiC staff.' Berriew Community Council used its funding, along with a National Lottery Awards for All grant, to create two modern public toilet compartments, accessible to all, including those in wheelchairs and families needing baby change facilities. Councillor Phil Bettley, chair of Berriew Community Council added: 'This major refurbishment was long overdue and entailed us buying the freehold from the landlord for £1 to secure the facilities into the future. "We now have two modern, self-contained, private spaces with hygienic facilities which are frequented regularly by locals, tourists and those passing by. 'This couldn't have achieved without the Brilliant Basics grant and the National Lottery, Awards for All, scheme and we are very grateful to both bodies for their tremendous support.'


Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Tourism Projects Set to Share £5m To 'Get the Basics Right'
Tourism projects which are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right have been announced. The £5 million Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations. The Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, announced the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 during Wales Tourism Week. They include new changing facilities on Barry Island, glamping pods in Carmarthenshire and campervan parking facilities across Denbighshire. The latest round of funding will mean the Welsh Government has provided over £15 million towards Brilliant Basics since the fund was established in 2021. The Cabinet Secretary said: 'I am delighted to announce this significant investment in tourism infrastructure as Visit Wales' latest campaign – 'Year of Croeso' – continues to share our warm 'croeso' and unique 'hwyl' with the world. 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. 'By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' Priority areas for this funding round included alleviating pressures at tourism 'hot spots', promoting environmentally sustainable destinations, enhancing accessibility, and improving the overall visitor experience. The Cabinet Secretary recently visited Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, which was previously awarded £288,000 from the fund to create an accessible event space within the park. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council invested in transforming an under-utilised area into an event space with an accessible pathway and improved entrance. The space now provides a flexible venue for cultural events and performances, catering to both community needs and visitors. Cllr Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, said: 'It's fitting the important Brilliant Basics funding was announced following a visit to the new events space in beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. 'The space was made possible thanks to past Brilliant Basics funding and has been, or will be, used for a range of important community events in the park, including the Big Welsh Bite, VE Day commemorations and, of course, 'the best Eisteddfod ever,' which was held in Pontypridd in 2024 and welcomed tens of thousands of people to the park, to Pontypridd's shops and eateries of Pontypridd and to attractions across our county borough. 'We are pleased to work with the Welsh Government to secure such funding on behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf and look forward to the opportunities Brilliant Basics will present for Clydach Vale Countryside Park, for which we have secured funding this year.'


Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Motorhome stops, Llandudno revamp and better beaches on list of new tourism projects
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp Tourism projects in Wales are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right for visitors. The £5m Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations across the length and breadth of the country. Announcing the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 today during Wales Tourism Week, the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said the fund plays a part in ensuring all visitors continue to receive a warm Welsh welcome The Cabinet Secretary said: 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' North Wales list of projects : Conwy ■ Porth Eirias Visitor Amenities: Improvements to toilets and changing facilities at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay Waterfront including improved facilities for disabled users. ■ Llandudno Colonnade Enhancements: The restoration of a scenic 'viewing platform' in Llandudno with improved accessibility. (Image: Google) Denbighshire ■ Motorhome/Campervan Aire Provision for Denbighshire : Campervan parking facilities across the County Eryri National Park ■ Discovery centre: The establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre at Betws y Coed. ■ Public toilet improvements (Llyn Cwellyn, Llangywer and Nant Gwynant): Toilet and parking improvements at key visitor honey pot sites in Eryri National Park. Flintshire ■ Connecting Coast to Countryside: New interpretation and signage at key sites within the Flintshire Coast Park. Gwynedd ■ Parc Padarn – Fit for the Future: Visitor infrastructure, carbon reduction and wayfinding improvements at the Gilfach Ddu site, Padarn Country Park, Llanberis. ■ Mwyniant ein Arfordir: Improvements to enhance visitors' enjoyment and safety at beaches in Gwynedd with a focus on Morfa Bychan and Pwllheli. Wrexham ■ Wrexham City Centre: Pedestrian wayfinding signs in Wrexham and a new 6ft Wrexham/Wrecsam gateway sign. ■ Trevor Basin (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site main arrival point). Refurbishment of toilet facilities and the addition of a new disabled changing places toilet along with digital signage. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox


North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Motorhome stops, Llandudno revamp and better beaches on list of new tourism projects
Tourism projects in Wales are set to receive a share of millions of pounds to invest in getting the basics right for visitors. The £5m Brilliant Basics fund supports schemes that deliver improvements to essential visitor infrastructure at tourism destinations across the length and breadth of the country. Announcing the full list of projects set to benefit between 2025 and 2027 today during Wales Tourism Week, the Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for tourism, Rebecca Evans, said the fund plays a part in ensuring all visitors continue to receive a warm Welsh welcome The Cabinet Secretary said: 'Tourism is a vital part of the Welsh economy, but we recognise that increased visitor numbers can sometimes put pressure on local infrastructure, particularly in popular destinations. This funding will help address these challenges while supporting our commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "By investing in these basic but essential facilities, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting local communities and protecting our natural environment for generations to come.' North Wales list of projects : Conwy ■ Porth Eirias Visitor Amenities: Improvements to toilets and changing facilities at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay Waterfront including improved facilities for disabled users. ■ Llandudno Colonnade Enhancements: The restoration of a scenic 'viewing platform' in Llandudno with improved accessibility. Denbighshire ■ Motorhome/Campervan Aire Provision for Denbighshire: Campervan parking facilities across the County Eryri National Park ■ Discovery centre: The establishment of a visitor Discovery Centre at Betws y Coed. ■ Public toilet improvements (Llyn Cwellyn, Llangywer and Nant Gwynant): Toilet and parking improvements at key visitor honey pot sites in Eryri National Park. Flintshire ■ Connecting Coast to Countryside: New interpretation and signage at key sites within the Flintshire Coast Park. Gwynedd ■ Parc Padarn – Fit for the Future: Visitor infrastructure, carbon reduction and wayfinding improvements at the Gilfach Ddu site, Padarn Country Park, Llanberis. ■ Mwyniant ein Arfordir: Improvements to enhance visitors' enjoyment and safety at beaches in Gwynedd with a focus on Morfa Bychan and Pwllheli. Wrexham ■ Wrexham City Centre: Pedestrian wayfinding signs in Wrexham and a new 6ft Wrexham/Wrecsam gateway sign. ■ Trevor Basin (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site main arrival point). Refurbishment of toilet facilities and the addition of a new disabled changing places toilet along with digital signage.