Latest news with #JackSargeant
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Britain's 2nd biggest castle is finally reopening after £8MILLION revamp – and will transport guests back to 1320s
BRITAIN'S second biggest castle is finally reopening after £8million revamp. Following two years of conservation and refurbishment work, the public will finally be able to get a peek at the monument. 5 Caerphilly Castle is about to be reopened after an £8million redevelopment Credit: Getty 5 The public will get to visit areas of the castle for the first time Credit: Alamy Caerphilly Castle is the largest of its kind in Wales and it was constructed in the 13th century. Second only to Windsor Castle, it was constructed by Gilbert de Clare, the seventh Earl of Gloucester. Now, visitors will once again get to experience the grandeur of the medieval age when it reopens on July 19th. Huge rooms to receive renovations include the famous Great Hall and the inner castle ward. READ MORE ON CASTLES Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were all brought in to make sure guests would be transported back to the 1320s. The public will also get to experience new digital exhibits which will tell the stories of both the building as well as the inhabitants. Visitors will get to learn even more about the men, women and children who lived in the castle over the seven centuries. New areas have also now been made accessible to the public, as tourists will get to see the medieval water-gate passageway. Most read in Travel They will see the connection between the Great Hall to the southern lake as major repairs were also carried out to the Inner East Gatehouse. Management have also made features more accessible across the site in the £8million development. This European castle was the inspiration for Disney Jack Sargeant is Wales' culture minister who gushed about the impending reopening. He said: "[The £8m investment] has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone. "The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by Meanwhile, housing secretary Jayne Bryant added: "The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years, and through this sensitive restoration, we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come." 5 The inner-ward has been renovated as well as The Great Hall Credit: Alamy 5 Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were brought in Credit: Alamy 5 New digital exhibits will bring the stories of the castle to light Credit: Flickr RM - Getty
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Britain's 2nd biggest castle is finally reopening after £8MILLION revamp – and will transport guests back to 1320s
New areas have been opened to the public for the first time OUT WITH THE OLD OUT WITH THE OLD Britain's 2nd biggest castle is finally reopening after £8MILLION revamp – and will transport guests back to 1320s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITAIN'S second biggest castle is finally reopening after £8million revamp. Following two years of conservation and refurbishment work, the public will finally be able to get a peek at the monument. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Caerphilly Castle is about to be reopened after an £8million redevelopment Credit: Getty 5 The public will get to visit areas of the castle for the first time Credit: Alamy Caerphilly Castle is the largest of its kind in Wales and it was constructed in the 13th century. Second only to Windsor Castle, it was constructed by Gilbert de Clare, the seventh Earl of Gloucester. Now, visitors will once again get to experience the grandeur of the medieval age when it reopens on July 19th. Huge rooms to receive renovations include the famous Great Hall and the inner castle ward. Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were all brought in to make sure guests would be transported back to the 1320s. The public will also get to experience new digital exhibits which will tell the stories of both the building as well as the inhabitants. Visitors will get to learn even more about the men, women and children who lived in the castle over the seven centuries. New areas have also now been made accessible to the public, as tourists will get to see the medieval water-gate passageway. They will see the connection between the Great Hall to the southern lake as major repairs were also carried out to the Inner East Gatehouse. Management have also made features more accessible across the site in the £8million development. This European castle was the inspiration for Disney Jack Sargeant is Wales' culture minister who gushed about the impending reopening. He said: "[The £8m investment] has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone. "The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations." Meanwhile, housing secretary Jayne Bryant added: "The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years, and through this sensitive restoration, we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come." 5 The inner-ward has been renovated as well as The Great Hall Credit: Alamy 5 Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were brought in Credit: Alamy 5 New digital exhibits will bring the stories of the castle to light Credit: Flickr RM - Getty
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Britain's 2nd biggest castle is finally reopening after £8MILLION revamp – and will transport guests back to 1320s
BRITAIN'S second biggest castle is finally reopening after £8million revamp. Following two years of conservation and refurbishment work, the public will finally be able to get a peek at the monument. 5 5 Caerphilly Castle is the largest of its kind in Wales and it was constructed in the 13th century. Second only to Windsor Castle, it was constructed by Gilbert de Clare, the seventh Earl of Gloucester. Now, visitors will once again get to experience the grandeur of the medieval age when it reopens on July 19th. Huge rooms to receive renovations include the famous Great Hall and the inner castle ward. Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were all brought in to make sure guests would be transported back to the 1320s. The public will also get to experience new digital exhibits which will tell the stories of both the building as well as the inhabitants. Visitors will get to learn even more about the men, women and children who lived in the castle over the seven centuries. New areas have also now been made accessible to the public, as tourists will get to see the medieval water-gate passageway. They will see the connection between the Great Hall to the southern lake as major repairs were also carried out to the Inner East Gatehouse. Management have also made features more accessible across the site in the £8million development. This European castle was the inspiration for Disney Jack Sargeant is Wales' culture minister who gushed about the impending reopening. He said: "[The £8m investment] has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone. "The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations." Meanwhile, housing secretary Jayne Bryant added: "The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years, and through this sensitive restoration, we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come." 5 5
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon: £250,000 secured to explore Caerleon Roman remains
The Caerllion Rufeinig - Porth i Partneriaeth/Roman Caerleon Gateway Partnership Project in Caerleon, Newport, has been awarded the sum from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aims to improve Caerleon's heritage and tourism offerings for both residents and visitors. The initiative will bring together the Welsh Government's historic environment service Cadw, Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), and Newport City Council. Over the next 18 months, the partners will engage with the community and stakeholders to reconnect them with Caerleon's Roman remains and collections and finalise a shared vision for the future. The funding will support a series of studies and plans that aim to share Caerleon's history, address heritage crime and antisocial behaviour, understand visitor and community needs, and enhance the visitor experience. The project will culminate in comprehensive master plans for Roman Caerleon. Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant, said: "By bringing together key heritage organisations with the local community, this partnership creates an exciting opportunity to transform how we experience Caerleon's remarkable Roman heritage. "This collaborative approach embodies our commitment to making Wales's cultural heritage accessible to all while ensuring its preservation for future generations." Caerleon is home to major visitor attractions, including the National Roman Legion Museum, run by Amgueddfa Cymru, and the excavated remains of an amphitheatre, fortress baths and military barracks in the care of Cadw. Dating from AD 74-5, the Roman fortress of ISCA remained one of just three permanent legionary bases in Britain for over 200 years. When this initial project is complete, the partners intend to seek further funding to develop and deliver an ambitious project to kickstart the delivery of the new vision and plans alongside the community and stakeholders. On behalf of Caerleon Community Advocates, Neil Pollard said: "We are thrilled that Caerllion Rufeining/Roman Caerleon will be receiving the funding. "This will help us work directly with the local community, ensuring that the 'partnership's' plan is developed with community voices at its forefront." Andrew White, the National Lottery Heritage Fund director of Wales said: "We're delighted to support this innovative partnership project with £250,000, made possible by National Lottery players. "This will help unlock the extraordinary potential of Roman Caerleon, one of Europe's most significant archaeological sites, whilst delivering real benefits for the local community." Lessons learned from the project will be applied to other high-profile or under-appreciated heritage sites where attractions run by different organisations could benefit from collaborative approaches with their communities. The project aligns with the Welsh Government's recently released Priorities for Culture, as well as recommendations in various organisational plans including the Tailored Review of Amgueddfa Cymru and Newport City Council's 10-year Culture Strategy. This comes just over a year after the council agreed a proposed partnership with the museums service Amgueddfa Cymru, which runs the National Roman Legion Museum, while Cadw – the Welsh Government's historic environment service – cares for the Roman Fortress Baths and amphitheatre.
North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
'My memories of Theatr Clwyd in Mold and hopes for the future'
My first visit to Theatr Clwyd was as a primary school pupil experiencing live theatre for the first time. I was blown away that we had such a facility in Flintshire, writes Jack Sargeant, now Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. When I visited in a hard hat back in January, the main theatre was nearing completion and excitement for the coming months was building. So it was fantastic to be back again last weekend, standing outside the transformed building watching representatives of the 300 local community groups who meet in the theatre perform and celebrating with them the £50m redevelopment of a north Wales cultural institution. What I enjoyed most was everyone there had a story about what the theatre means to them. The full re-opening of the building is happening gradually. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now The curtains have raised and fallen on the first in-house production for the new-look theatre, and the unveiling of the restaurant and bar (in partnership with Welsh chef Bryn Williams) will happen over the next few weeks. But it's already impossible not to be impressed by renowned architects' Haworth Tompkins' redesign that makes the most of the theatre's hilltop setting. Since being appointed Culture Minister, I have stressed that every person in Wales should have the right to access, create, participate in, and see themselves reflected in the cultural activity of our nation. This is what Theatr Clwyd has always delivered and our investment will only build on this legacy. What struck me on Saturday was the variety and diversity of the groups who call this building home. The community members attending were aged between nine and 95 and represented a fraction of the 6,840 people with whom the theatre's creative engagement team work every year. On completion the redeveloped building will see more beneficiaries from this outstanding programme with dedicated spaces for increased referral work with NHS, Social Services, housing associations and local refugee charities. There will also be increased facilities for heart Clwyd Music Trust through whom over 3,000 pupils every week, across 74 schools in Flintshire, are learning to play a musical instrument. This is important to Theatr Clwyd, and it's important to me and to the Welsh Government, which is why we've invested over £26m to secure the future of this flagship national arts venue whose doors are wide open to the local community. It's vital that young people are given a gateway to culture from an early age. As I said earlier, for me - and thousands of fellow North Walians - Theatr Clwyd was our first introduction to live theatre. I also remember how proud I felt as an eight-year-old going with my Ysgol Bryn Deva classmates to watch our own film (about a missing guinea pig) being screened in the theatre to celebrate Welsh Cinema Day. Once work is complete, Theatr Clwyd will be a sustainable building: completely fossil fuel and gas free and able to harvest solar energy and rainwater from its external walls and roofs. It is also going to help sustain the local creative workforce, creating a minimum of 100 additional permanent jobs and tripling its economic contribution to north-east Wales (estimated to reach over £20 million per year following the redevelopment). I haven't even begun to talk about the extra training and apprenticeship opportunities for the tourism, hospitality and theatre sectors. We should be proud of the top tier arts venue we have on our doorstep. Proud, and expectant. Because the new look Theatr Clwyd will be the setting for first-time cultural experiences, community action and world-class productions for generations to come.
