Wales

What began as a pub wager has grown into a world‑famous test of stamina and grit, set in the striking landscape of mid Wales. The story starts in the Neuadd Arms Hotel, where the then landlord, Gordon Green found himself in a spirited debate with the leader of the local hunt. During a pint (or three) Green insisted that over long distances, a runner could beat a horse and rider. The hunt master disagreed.

The award was presented by broadcaster and The One Show host Alex Jones to Novaya, made up of Pierre-Alain Giraud, Stéphane Foenkinos and Tania De Montaigne. As well as receiving a cash prize of £20,000, Novaya will collaborate with the Wales Millennium Centre on a residency to support the creation of new work. Novaya’s piece, Colored (Noire) brings the US Civil Rights struggle to vivid life.

Wales' connections with India are built on centuries of shared history, cultural exchange and people to people relationships. Earlier this year, we marked St David's Day in Kolkata with an event celebrating the deep rooted connections between Wales and East and North East India. We celebrated our national day in Kolkata alongside the British Deputy High Commission. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the deep rooted connections between Wales and East and North East India.

Sport is helping Wales strengthen its relationship with India, creating opportunities to promote the nation internationally while supporting connections across education, business and culture. Hoci Cymru visited Hyderabad for the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year. A St David’s Day reception was held for them, in partnership with Global Wales and the British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) on the eve of their big match against India.

Though often the setting of divisive sporting clashes, Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium took on a more unifying role recently, when it served as the launchpad for the Urdd’s Peace and Goodwill Message 2026, which this year focuses on the importance of preserving languages.

When it comes to great dining experiences in the Welsh capital, The Classroom, a restaurant staffed by students from Cardiff and Vale College, has always been a grade A choice, with the venue receiving a number of awards through the years, including an AA College Rosette. Now, both the college and its on-site restaurant have another accolade on their report card, after the institution was inducted into the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

Before 2010, the beautiful Welsh market town of Machynlleth was perhaps best known for being the spot where Owain Glyndŵr set up his parliament during his bloody, ill-fated uprising against the English monarchy in the early 15th century. These days, however, the town has taken on a new, somewhat lighter guise, as the home of one of the UK’s great comedy festivals.

Harrison Tipping is an actor from Wrexham who, at 18, swapped North Wales for New York to study at the prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and now works as a professional stage and film performer in the city. His most recent project saw him make his off-Broadway debut, starring in a much-lauded production of The Honey Trap at the Irish Repertory Theatre.

If you’re drawing a blank when it comes to exciting things to do this April, then the Cardiff Animation Festival might be just the thing to add a little colour to your calendar. Whether you know your Kiki’s Delivery Service from your Cowboy Bebop or are a complete newcomer to the genre, Cardiff Animation Festival is certain to have something to pique your interest, bringing some of the most exciting animated films from around the world to the Welsh capital.

For anyone who fancies themselves as the next Manic Street Preachers, Adwaith or Lemfreck, the news that Green Man festival has launched the latest edition of its grassroots music competition should come as music to their ears. The Green Man Rising competition is a yearly contest to uncover the best up-and-coming musical acts in the UK, granting winning artists an opportunity to play to sold-out crowds at Wales’ Green Man festival in the summer.