Visit Porthcawl

15/08/2025

Local entrepreneurs Chris and Glenn have breathed new life into a previously unoccupied kiosk on Porthcawl seafront by launching ‘Porthcawl Distillery’, a unique gin experience and gift-shop with support from the council's Economic Development and Enterprise team.

Porthcawl Distillery is a fully independent, family run business where every spirit created is unique thanks to a truly small batch and individual approach.

With help from the ‘Business Start-up Fund’, a collaborative initiative with UK Steel Enterprise, the council has provided crucial financial support, in the form of 50 per cent of funds to cover the shop-fitting costs and the purchase of essential distilling equipment.

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing said:
"This is exactly the type of innovative business we want to see flourishing in Porthcawl. The support we can provide to local entrepreneurs, like Chris and Glenn, demonstrates our commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurship, revitalising community spaces and boosting the local economy."
Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing

"Opening the doors to our very own gift shop and gin experience feels completely surreal. After dedicating the last two years to building Porthcawl Distillery from the ground up, this moment is one we’ll never forget. The support from our local community has been incredible, and we’re especially thankful to Simon and Rhys from the council’s Economic Development team, local councillors and Cabinet Members, our local MP, and the Mayor of Bridgend

Chris and Glenn, owners of Porthcawl Distillery said:
County Borough, who’ve backed us from the very beginning. We’ve had visitors travel from across Wales and the UK just to try our gin, which is truly humbling. We’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline — and we’re excited to see what the future holds."

The Business Start-up Fund targets micro-businesses - defined as enterprises with fewer than ten employees and a turnover under £2 million - providing flexible financial assistance to transform entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

As Council Leader, Councillor John Spanswick said:
“Porthcawl Distillery represents more than just a new business; it's a testament to the town's resilience and creative spirit, transforming an empty kiosk into a vibrant hub of local craftsmanship and tourism potential.”

The above article is from
Andrew Highway
Town Centre Manager - Communities - BCBC

15/08/2025

Last month we shared the news that our Deputy Station Manager John Osbourne had recently completed his 1,000th watch at Porthcawl NCI… an average of two a week for 10 years! That Facebook post received well over 7,000 views.

Since then, at our bimonthly Crew Meeting, John has been presented with a certificate marking this incredible commitment and achievement, along with some tokens of our appreciation, by Station Manager Laurence Bater.

(See comments for a photo of John receiving a certificate after his 100th watch in 2017)

Photo Credit: Dennis Donovan

15/08/2025

15/08/2025

Entertainment for everyone to enjoy

15/08/2025

Today marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day when victory over Japan was declared and the global conflict that was the Second World War finally came to an end.

While Europe celebrated the surrender of Germany on VE Day in May 1945, the fighting against Japanese forces had continued until August 1945.

Among those who never returned from the Pacific theatre of conflict were two Glamorgan police officers – Joseph Hubert Hill, who died of injuries sustained during a Japanese air raid in Malaya in December 1941, and Godfrey Howard Stenner, who was killed in action at the Battle of Kohima in India in April 1944.

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said:

💬 On VJ Day we honour all those that fought and served in the Far East during the Second World War, paying particular respects to our colleagues Joseph Hubert Hill and Godfrey Howard Stenner.

Their courage and sacrifice secured a peace they themselves would never see. It is our duty to remember them. They will never be forgotten. 💬

We remain committed to remembering those who lost their lives in the Second World War. They will not be forgotten.

15/08/2025

15/08/2025

NEXT WEEK 🎷 Pop-Up Pavilion Jazz at Awel Y Môr.

Join us for an evening of great music with The Sarah Bolter Quartet (‘Not Just Sax') 🎶 a group of four professional musicians from the south led by Sarah on sax, flute, clarinet and vocals. The band share a love of melodic, rhythmic jazz and enjoy pushing the boundaries of the idiom with both a variety of well known jazz favourites and more obscure choices.

📆 Friday 15 August
🕛 8pm
📍 Awel y Môr, Hutchwns Terrace, CF36 5TN
🔗 https://ow.ly/TNOM50WAx1j

15/08/2025

31/01/2025

Official opening of Porthcawl Promenade on 8 April 1995.
WOW!! Nearly 30 years ago!!!
Filmed by our 3rd Eye Productions reporter who is now 30 years older!
Were you there???

For those who like looking back in time, here is 20 minutes of Porthcawl history. 17 years old video footage from the official opening of Porthcawl Promenade...

22/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/588858163800181