Latest news with #InItTogether
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The best pictures as thousands brave the rain at In It Together 2025
Thousands of festival-goers gathered for an incredibly rainy weekend full of good music, good food and good company at Margam's In It Together festival. We saw headline gigs from the Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill and Ronan Keating as well as other big names like James Morrison, Pixie Lott and Jax Jones. The festival in Margam had those attending on the edge of their seats as they had several surprise mystery guests appearing across the weekend, including English singer/songwriter Example. The second mystery guest was Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones who popped on the main stage to say hello and introduce mystery guest, The Greatest Showman star Keala Settle. We were very lucky to meet a few of you lovely lot and hear all about your time at the festival, so here are a few images of In It Together 2025.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I went to In It Together festival and despite the pouring rain one thing stood out
I went to In It Together festival and despite the pouring rain one thing stood out Despite the rain and the prices, there really was something for everyone at In It Together 2025 Kaiser Chiefs headlined the Friday night of In It Together festival (Image: Indigo Jones ) As soon as I walked into In It Together, I was completely surprised by the scale of the festival. Having gone to their first ever festival in 2022, I couldn't believe how much they developed the event which honestly felt like a mini Coachella just down the road from my hometown. It was quite overwhelming just how large the grounds were and how many people were gathered in a farm in Port Talbot to have a few drinks and see such a varied line up of acts. The line-up included Jax Jones, Gareth Gates, James Morrison, a surprise appearance from Ruth Jones and Example, as well as headline acts Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill and Ronan Keating. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . In true Welsh style, the weather was absolutely horrific and I spent most of the festival very cold and damp, but I still managed to have a really good time. The atmosphere was amazing and everyone at the festival seemed to be really happy and enjoyed themselves despite the rain. People were walking around in all sorts of costumes; I saw the Mystery Gang, minions, the Avengers and even Ali G. Rather than the fashion show you normally get at festivals, it felt like everyone was wearing what they felt comfortable in, whether that was dressing up as Shrek or staying warm in a Dryrobe. I think Gru lost some of his Minions (Image: Tom Williams (@mrtomw) ) Article continues below There were all sorts of different stalls and shops including the local brand San Portablo, which you could spot on everyone around the festival. They also had a shop from one of my favourite brands, Lucy & Yak, who had a special 20% off deal at the festival, which meant I bought a lovely new fleece to keep me warm for a fraction of its normal price. It is fair to say my bank has taken a good beating though. Now, many people have complained about the prices of food and drink, which I agree were quite steep, but this is expected at a festival. We know when we go to any type of big event we are going to be spending a lot of money - unfortunately that is the way it is and it does add up. I did however have one of the best burgers I have ever tried from Wholesome Junkies, a plant-based food vendor from Manchester. The burger was a truffle and caramelised onion beefless burger, and I had hoisin tofu loaded fries as a side. These two dishes and a can of 7UP did come to a whopping £26.85, which brought a tear to my eye, but it was absolutely worth it. This cost over £20, but honestly it was worth it (Image: Indigo Jones ) There was a wide variety of vendors across the weekend varying from Greek food to a jacket potato van. It was also great to see some local vendors like The Grand Sultan, an Indian restaurant which is based just down the road in Pyle. I'm a girl in her 20s and I have very little experience of being around children other than having many cousins (I'm Welsh, what do you expect?) but I could tell that this festival is great for families. There were so many options and activities for children; they had a cinema screen, a specific tent which played child-friendly music and even a fun fair. It was great to see all the parents pulling their children around in carts - in fact I was a little jealous and wished they made adult-sized ones! I must be getting older, because the only thing that let me down about the festival was the sheer abundance of teenagers, who were very rowdy, but I think it's because this is the perfect event for them to let loose with their friends. I do know if this festival was around when I was a teenager I would have been in my element. It is a great social hub for youngsters and allows them to meet other people their age from the surrounding area. The point of the whole festival is the music, which is why I've left it until last. Wow, just wow. The variety of genres that In It Together hosted meant that whether you liked some dirty drum and bass or cheesy bangers, there was something for you. Somebody's mam was going wild for Ronan (Image: Tom Williams (@mrtomw) ) Article continues below I think the headliners sum up the diversity. The Friday night was headlined by Kaiser Chiefs who were celebrating 20 years of their album Employment; the second night was headlined by the powerhouse vocals of Becky Hill and the last night was headlined by '90s icon and former Boyzone member Ronan Keating. The line-up managed to cross generations and really summed up the family nature of the festival, so you and your mam can enjoy the acts together. Overall, I would definitely go to In It Together again. D espite being incredibly tired post-festival I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Each headline act appealed to a different part of my music taste, and we definitely finished on a high with Ronan Keating singing Life is a Rollercoaster. If you're looking for a festival which well and truly appeals to all ages, In It Together does just that.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones reunited with Neil the Baby at Margam festival
Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones reunited with Neil the Baby at Margam festival The pair shared a cwtch on the main stage of In It Together festival, after a surprise appearance from Ruth Jones Ruth Jones was reunited with her on screen son, Oscar Hartland aka Neil the Baby (Image: Richard Swingler ) In It Together festival which was held in Margam this weekend had those attending on the edge of their seats as they had several surprise mystery guests appearing across the duration of the event. The first was the English singer and songwriter Example. The second mystery guest was a little more local, as Ruth Jones popped on the main stage to say hello on Sunday, May 25. Although, she didn't just come on to say "what's occurin", she also came on stage to introduce mystery guest, The Greatest Showman star Keala Settle. There was one more surprise in store for Gavin and Stacey fans, as Ruth was also reunited with Neil the Baby who had performed at the festival a day earlier. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . After a countdown, the host said "Port Talbot make some noise for Ruth Jones, followed by the Gavin and Stacey theme song, Run by Stephen Fretwell. Inevitably the audience erupted in screams as the writer and actress took to the stage. To which she then shouted "Oh, what's occurin", in true Nessa style. She then went on to say: "I don't really speak like that you know, listen it's so fantastic to be here. I'm literally five or six miles away from my hometown of Porthcawl." Article continues below She then asked if anyone in the crowd was from Porthcawl, before giving them a wave and saying "alright?" It was then time for her on screen son, Oscar Hartland who plays Neil the Baby, to join her. Ruth then said, "my son", as he gave her a big hug. The actress then asked if he was performing, to which he replied that he had the day previously. Oscar performed his debut show alongside his band on Saturday, May 26 at In It Together's Wonky Lizard stage. Since appearing on Gavin and Stacey from a young age, the actor has turned to music as fans of the show may be aware of after his rendition of The Beatles' Blackbird in the show's final episode. She then said: "Isn't he amazing? He takes after his mother he does." Content cannot be displayed without consent Ruth later addressed 'the fishing trip', saying: "I don't know, I wasn't there." The host replied: "I was hoping today, we would have found out." In It Together posted on Instagram: "WOW! Thank you to the incredible Ruth Jones for creating one of the best moments in In It Together history! " Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Fans shared their excitement about Ruth's appearance as well as the reunion on social media. One person even said: "We just needed Rob Brydon too with a little bit of 'Islands in the Stream' and the place would have erupted."
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Best and worst times to travel according to motoring experts this bank holiday weekend
Best and worst times to travel according to motoring experts this bank holiday weekend The RAC and transport analysts Inrix have warned of a potential 'double dose of delays' with the bank holiday weekend preceding half term Traffic Wales has warned that several major events, including In It Together in Margam, will create additional traffic over Bank Holiday weekend (Image: Jessie Myers ) Drivers have been warned of the best and worst times to travel as there's set to be more than 17.9m road trips over the late May bank holiday weekend. Almost four in ten journeys are expected to be squeezed into the first two days, according to research. The RAC and transport analysts Inrix have warned of a potential 'double dose of delays' on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24, when the highest number of leisure trips are projected to be made by car – 3.4 million on both days respectively. This figure drops slightly to 2.7 million on Sunday, jumping to 3m on Bank Holiday Monday, for the start of half-term. With most getaway trips due to begin before lunchtime, the research suggests the best times to hit the road will be very early in the morning or into the evening. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here A majority 68% of drivers say they will head off at some point between 5am and 12pm. 14% plan to leave between 5am and 8am, and nearly a third (30%) intend to travel mid-morning between 8am and 10am, with a further quarter (24%) will set off later between 10am and 12pm. Traffic is expected to peter out significantly later in the day, with those that can do so advised to leave their journeys as late as possible. According to the RAC's analysis, just 3% of motorists are planning trips between 7pm and 11pm after the evening rush hour. Article continues below Traffic Wales has warned that traffic is set to increase by approximately 15% on the M4 near Cardiff, with major events set to be held. They are as follows: EPCR Challenge Cup Final - May 23, kick off 8pm, at Principality Stadium, Cardiff Investec Champions Cup Final - May 24, kick off 2.45pm, at Principality Stadium, Cardiff In It Together Festival, May 23 to 25, from 10am onwards, at Old Park Farm, Margam, Port Talbot Eisteddfod yr Urdd, May 26 to 31, at Margam Country Park, Port Talbot Traffic Wales has previously warned that the busiest hotspots when traffic is most congested during holidays weekend periods are the M4 junction 28 to 29, the M4 junction 24 Coldra, and the A48 Carmarthen. Planned roadworks over the coming months could also mean the roads are busier. One lane will be closed due to resurfacing work on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge westbound between junction 22 M49 and M4 junction 23 / M48. There will be some overnight closures until July 7. Inrix is also warning M25 users to plan well ahead over the bank holiday weekend, as the UK's busiest motorway is expected to bear the brunt of the worst delays. On Friday, May 23, the day most drivers will be setting off, the M25 anticlockwise from junction four to junction one, near the Dartford Crossing, may see lunchtime journeys delayed by more than 45 minutes compared to normal. Later in the day, the M25 anticlockwise between Cobham services (junction 10) and Clacket Lane services (junction six) may face queues of 35 minutes longer at 5pm during the evening rush hour. Elsewhere, multiple routes connecting the west Country to the rest of the UK are expected to carry the lion's share of journeys on Saturday, May 24. Stretches of the A30 westbound towards Okehampton, the M5 southbound to Bridgwater and the A303 westbound past Stonehenge may suffer hold-ups of up to 55 minutes more than usual. With the bank holiday weekend marking the start of the school half-term break in many parts of the UK, there's little reprieve for drivers travelling home on Friday, May 30, when return journey times are expected to increase across the country by more than a third (35%). Offering guidance for drivers ahead of the long weekend, RAC mobile mechanic Aaron Bryan said: 'Our research shows it really is best to leave as early or late as possible this bank holiday weekend, as the majority of motorists are planning to set off in the morning. If the warm weather continues, travelling at cooler hours of the day saves fuel, puts less strain on the air conditioning system, and means older cars have much less chance of overheating. 'Regardless of the weather, always check your vehicle's oil and coolant levels before setting off, as well as tyre pressure and tread depth. Article continues below 'In hot temperatures, it's wise to carry lots of water, food and a tool kit, with jump leads, torch and some first aid basics. In the worst-case scenario of a breakdown, make sure you've got an umbrella and sunscreen to provide shade for all passengers when awaiting assistance." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
In It Together Festival 2025 line up, how to get there and banned items
In It Together Festival 2025 line up, how to get there and banned items In It Together festival is back for it's third year in Margam, and here is everything you need to know to prepare for the weekend. In It Together welcomes festivalgoers of all ages (Image: Mark Lewis ) This bank holiday weekend will see In It Together popping back up in Margam, Port Talbot. Just off junction 38 of the M4 we'll see big acts from the world of music grace the stage of the third year of the local festival. Headlining the weekend will be the Kaiser Chiefs, Becky Hill and former Boyzone member Ronan Keating. The weekend will run from Thursday, May 22 (for campers) and finish on Sunday, May 25, before the Eisteddfod yr Urdd starts in Margam Park the following week. So, what can you expect from the festival? Here's everything you need to know. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here When is it on? The festival will take place on Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th May 2025, with exclusive campers party on Thursday 22nd May which will be headlined by Boys and Girls singer Pixie Lott. The campsites will be open for arrivals from 9am-7pm from Thursday (with an early access ticket), and 9am – 7pm on Friday and Saturday. The festival site will be open from 2pm on Thursday and close at 11pm. It will open at 10am on Friday and Saturday and close by 2am. Sunday will also open at 10am, but will be closing early at midnight. Article continues below Last entry to the festival arena will strictly be 7pm, and they recommend you arrive early to avoid the queues and guarantee entry. How to get there? In It Together festival takes place at Old Park Farm, Water Street, Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2TG. It is easily located by car and bus. The nearest train station is Port Talbot Parkway, which has a bus station directly outside. Content cannot be displayed without consent Parking If you plan on driving to the festival, there will be parking available. The car park will be open from 9am until 7pm on each day and passes are available at a cost of £29 per vehicle. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so the organisers recommend booking in advance. There will also, be two car parks, one for weekend camping and one for day visitors. Camping The campsite will be open from 9am to 7pm on Friday 23rd May and Saturday 24th May. However, if you added early access to your ticket you can enter the campsite from 9am on Thursday, May 22 which also allows access to the exclusive campers party. The event have said that if you paid for camping tickets in full at time of purchase before 01/01/2025, you will receive Early Access and Thursday Campers Party for free. Although, if you purchased your tickets using a payment plan, you will have to purchase the add on separately unless you booked on November 6, which was a promotional day run by the festival. There will be camping convenience stores available, as well as a selection of breakfast food traders. You will be able to also have access to showers, toilets and a dedicated BBQ area. They also offer Boutique Camping upgrades. You can also upgrade your camping experience by booking one of our Boutique Camping packages. They have said that all campers but have vacated the festival grounds by 12pm at the latest on Monday, May 26. What can I bring? Upon entry, everyone will be searched and management reserve the right to confiscate prohibited items so here is what you can and cannot bring with you to In It Together 2025. Those who are camping on the site and wish to bring stoves can only bring purpose-built gas stoves with small gas bottles (2.2kg), and you will not be able to bring spare gas bottles. These stoves can only be used for cooking in a designated area of the Campsite, and should not be used inside individual tents. Gazebos are not permitted as they have limited camping spaces available on the site. The following list are prohibited items from In It Together: Glass items Candles Gas canisters Flares, knives Illegal substances Drugs 'Legal highs' Laser equipment/pens Megaphones Nitrous oxide Animals (Guide and assistance dogs are, of course, welcome) Fireworks Smoke canisters Poles Drones Any items which in the absolute discretion of the Promoter are considered to be a risk to the safety of the audience and/or affect the enjoyment of the audience and/or the running of the Festival are prohibited. So, if you are camping you can bring your own food and alcohol (within moderation) to the campsite. They have said that "w hen unloading your camping equipment from your car, you are only permitted to bring alcohol in on the FIRST trip, all other attempts to bring in alcohol will not be allowed." They have said that you can bring one combination of the following into the campsite PER PERSON: 10 x cans of beer or lager or cider OR 10 premixed spirit cans (max 250ml) OR 1 bottle of wine decanted into a plastic bottle. They have noted that: Strictly no spirits or hard liquor are permitted No glass is permitted on site Searches will be undertaken upon entry to ensure this is complied with Any alcohol above this allocation will be confiscated This alcohol may only be consumed within the campsite Sealed bottles of water and soft drinks are allowed, but will be checked on entry to the campsite. There will be no limit on soft drinks In It Together only allows you to go back to your car between 9am-11am. In the main area, you are not permitted to bring your own food or alcohol with you, they will make an exception of baby food for the littlest ones. However, there will also be concessions serving coffee and breakfasts each morning and throughout the day, and a wide selection of food and drink vendors in the Main Arena. Any alcohol you bring, you can only consume it within the campsite and they will provide bins the gates to dispose of any items before entering the main arena. You will be able to purchase a wide variety of alcohol within the venue itself from the vendors available. Unfortunately, they have not yet released a list of which vendors will be available on site during the weekend. Who is performing? Friday- Main Stage Kaiser Chiefs The Pigeon Detectives Vengaboys Amy Winehouse Band Calum Bowie House & Garage Orchestra Special Guest TBC following Myles Smith having to drop out of the line up, due to conflicting schedules. Saturday- Main Stage Becky Hill Bru-C Peter Doherty Sugarhill Gang & Furious 5 Chesney Hawkes Grace Gachot Himalayas Shola Ama Sunday- Main Stage Ronan Keating James Morrison Daniel Bedingfield Jason Donovan Feet So Solid Crew The Hoosiers A mystery special guest You can find the line up for the other stages below. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent
