For the first time since devolution began in 1999, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Senedd, with the party securing 43 seats in the newly-expanded 96-member chamber.

The election also saw a major breakthrough for Reform UK, which surged into second place with 34 seats, marking one of the biggest political shake-ups Wales has seen in decades.

Meanwhile, Welsh Labour suffered a devastating collapse, falling to just nine seats — its worst ever Senedd result. First Minister Eluned Morgan also lost her own seat and later announced her resignation as Welsh Labour leader.

Across North Wales, several key constituencies reflected the wider national trend. In Bangor Conwy Môn, Plaid Cymru strengthened its position, while in Clwyd, Reform UK secured three seats, alongside two for Plaid Cymru and one Conservative seat for Darren Millar.

The election was the first to use Wales’ new proportional voting system and an expanded Senedd with 96 members, changes designed to make results more representative across the country. Turnout was reported at just over 51%, the highest in Welsh devolved election history.

Political experts say the result signals a major realignment in Welsh politics, with voters increasingly moving away from the traditional Labour-Conservative dominance seen for generations.

Attention will now turn to coalition talks and negotiations over who will lead the next Welsh Government, with Plaid Cymru expected to begin discussions in the coming days.

The Clwyd result confirms Reform UK as a growing political force in North Wales, with the party emerging ahead of both Labour and the Conservatives in another dramatic shake-up of Welsh politics.

The elected candidates are:

Adrian Mason (Reform UK)
Louise Emery (Reform UK)
Thomas Montgomery (Reform UK)
Becca Martin (Plaid Cymru)
Llyr Gruffydd (Plaid Cymru)
Darren Millar (Conservative)

The result means Reform UK takes half of the available seats in Clwyd, while Plaid Cymru secured two seats and the Conservatives claimed one.

Labour again failed to secure representation in the constituency, adding to mounting evidence of a collapse in support for the party across large parts of Wales.

The declaration follows Plaid Cymru’s strong performance earlier in Bangor Conwy Mon, suggesting North Wales is becoming one of the key battlegrounds in a historic Senedd election night.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth topped the poll as his party secured three of the six available seats in the constituency, underlining the party’s growing momentum in the race to become the largest group in the Senedd.

The confirmed results for Bangor Conwy Mon are:

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru)
Helen Jenner (Reform UK)
Mair Rowlands (Plaid Cymru)
Elfed Williams (Plaid Cymru)
John Clark (Reform UK)
Janet Finch-Saunders (Conservatives)

Plaid Cymru secured 31,057 votes, comfortably ahead of Reform UK on 19,440.

The Conservatives polled 8,555 votes, while Labour suffered another damaging result with just 4,448 votes. The Green Party received 3,101 votes.

The result means Labour failed to win a single seat in the constituency, adding to mounting evidence of a collapse in support for the party across Wales.

For Plaid Cymru, the victory represents a hugely symbolic breakthrough in North Wales, while Reform UK’s strong second-place finish continues the party’s rapid rise in Welsh politics.

The bombshell developments came as results began to emerge from across Wales in the first Senedd election fought under the expanded 96-member parliament system.

Labour’s deputy first minister admitted the party would not lead the next Welsh Government, marking a stunning collapse for a party that has dominated Welsh politics since devolution began in 1999.

Both Reform UK and Plaid Cymru have made major early breakthroughs, winning the first two declared constituencies — Casnewydd Islwyn and Pen-y-Bont Morgannwg — in a fiercely contested race that could reshape the political future of Wales.

Celebrating Reform UK’s success in Casnewydd Islwyn, newly elected MS Dan Thomas described his party as “the people’s army”, as Reform candidates and supporters hailed what could become the party’s biggest electoral breakthrough in Wales.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell said the election represented a “battle for Wales’ soul”, adding that voters had clearly demanded change after years of Labour-led government.

The early results point towards a deeply fragmented Senedd, with Plaid Cymru and Reform UK emerging as the dominant challengers while Labour suffers catastrophic losses across large parts of the country.

Turnout also appears set to break records, with early indications suggesting participation could rise above 50% for the first time in a devolved Welsh election — a sign of the enormous public interest in what is rapidly becoming a historic political moment.

Counting is continuing throughout Wales, with the full composition of the next Senedd expected to become clear later this evening.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has once again teamed up with Dee Valley Tours to bring back “Tren a Thref: The Corwen Heritage Adventure” on Friday, May 29, during the half-term holidays.

The experience combines a heritage train journey through the Dee Valley with a guided walking tour exploring the history, landscapes and legends of Corwen.

Passengers will travel by heritage train from Llangollen to Corwen before joining local guide Louise Scotcher for an expert-led tour around the historic market town.

Louise said the aim of the event is to bring the area’s stories vividly to life.

“Tren a Thref is all about bringing the stories of Corwen to life in a way that’s engaging, accessible and memorable,” she said.

“Combining the railway journey with a guided walk allows visitors to experience the landscape as people would have in the past, while discovering the rich history, characters and legends that make this area so special.

“We’ve been delighted with the response so far and are really looking forward to welcoming more visitors on 29 May.”

Anitka Piatkowska said organisers were thrilled to see the experience returning after its successful launch earlier this year.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Tren a Thref back following such a positive response from visitors,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic way to showcase not only the heritage railway itself, but also the wider Dee Valley and the historic town of Corwen.

“Working in partnership with Dee Valley Tours allows us to offer something truly special that combines travel, history and outstanding scenery in one experience.”

Previous visitors praised the event for its storytelling, scenery and local knowledge.

One visitor described it as “a lovely day out”, adding: “Many thanks to Louise who was a brilliant, and very friendly, tour guide. She has encyclopaedic knowledge of the area and its history. I learned more about Owain Glyndŵr today than I ever did in school.

“The highlight for me was the walk up to Pen y Pigyn overlooking Corwen. Thoroughly recommended.”

The event includes an all-day ranger ticket from Llangollen to Corwen, departing at 10am, a guided walking tour from Corwen Railway Station, and return train journeys later in the day. Visitors can also choose to take part in an additional walk up Pen y Pigyn for panoramic views across the valley.

Adult tickets cost £30, while tickets for children aged three to 15 are priced at £6. Children under three can attend free of charge.

Acclaimed writer Patience Agbabi has released her new young-adult verse novel Wonderland on May 14, inspired in part by her own experiences growing up on the North Wales coast during the 1980s, when Northern Soul collided with the Mod Revival scene.

Set in Colwyn Bay in 1980, Wonderland follows 16-year-old Tamilola, who moves from London to North Wales and struggles to fit in before discovering a Northern Soul club at the end of the pier.

Agbabi says the novel is deeply personal and rooted in memories of nights spent dancing on Colwyn Bay Pier, where live 2 Tone bands, soul records and youth subcultures mixed together.

“I grew up on Colwyn Bay Pier, dancing to Northern Soul and live 2 Tone bands,” she said. “When it was demolished in 2018, I was devastated and wanted to bring it back to its heyday.”

The author described the scene as a place where music crossed social boundaries and brought together young people from different backgrounds and styles.

Wonderland captures the atmosphere of a changing seaside town where mods, soul fans and other youth “tribes” found common ground through music, fashion and nightlife.

Agbabi, who was born in London in 1965 to Nigerian parents and fostered by a white English family, spent much of her teenage years in North Wales. She later studied English Language and Literature at Pembroke College before gaining an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Sussex.

Known for blending literature and performance, Agbabi’s work explores identity, race, gender and belonging, often drawing on influences ranging from rap and disco to traditional English poetry.

In Wonderland, Tamilola finds herself immersed in the energy of the Northern Soul scene while tensions simmer with a rival nightclub.

The novel has already attracted praise from leading writers.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the former UK Children’s Laureate, described it simply as: “Do I Love It? Indeed I Do!”

Writer Luke Palmer called the book “a note perfect homage to time and place”, while Jasbinder Bilan praised its “booming heartbeat of Welsh Northern Soul”.

Publisher Penny Thomas of Firefly press said: “Patience is an outstanding poet and storyteller and has captured an essence of youth culture in this energetic new novel of time and place. We’re delighted to be publishing Wonderland as part of our Firefly Modern Wales series.”

Agbabi’s previous children’s novel, The Infinite, won Wales Book of the Year for children’s fiction in 2021.

With Wonderland, she hopes to preserve a vivid snapshot of North Wales youth culture and the soundtrack that united a generation on the pier at Colwyn Bay.

Voters across North Wales joined millions of people nationwide in casting ballots in an election that will reshape the Welsh Parliament for the first time in its history, with major changes to how people vote, how seats are allocated and even who is allowed to take part in the democratic process.

Counting centres across Wales are now preparing for the next stage of the process, but unlike a UK General Election, the votes themselves will not be counted overnight.

Instead, ballot boxes are being transported to count venues where verification checks may begin to ensure all ballot papers are properly accounted for before official counting starts on Friday morning.

Under guidance from Wales’ Electoral Management Board, all Senedd election counts will begin between 9am and 11am on Friday. Because this election is using an entirely new voting system and larger constituencies, officials expect the process to take longer than previous Welsh elections.

The first declarations are expected around lunchtime on Friday, while political experts believe a clearer national picture may begin to emerge later in the afternoon. It could be late afternoon or early evening before it becomes clearer which party — or possible coalition of parties — is on course to form the next Welsh Government.

This election marks the first time the Senedd has operated under a completely redesigned electoral system.

Instead of the previous arrangement of 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs), Wales will now elect 96 politicians to Cardiff Bay. The increase was introduced to strengthen scrutiny within the Welsh Parliament as its powers and responsibilities have grown significantly since devolution.

The old Additional Member System — where voters chose both a constituency candidate and a regional party list — has now been scrapped.

In its place is a new proportional “closed list” system. Voters now cast a single vote for a political party or independent candidate, rather than an individual constituency representative. Seats are then allocated proportionally using the D’Hondt formula.

The changes also mean Wales has been politically redrawn.

The previous 40 constituencies have been replaced by 16 larger “super constituencies”, each electing six Members of the Senedd.

For North Wales, that means major changes to the electoral map. New constituencies now include Bangor Conwy Môn, Clwyd, Fflint Wrecsam and Gwynedd Maldwyn — combining communities that were previously represented separately.

The reshaped boundaries mean votes from coastal towns, rural communities and major population centres across North Wales are now grouped together in far larger electoral areas than ever before.

Another historic feature of this election is that 16 and 17-year-olds have been able to vote in a Senedd election for the first time.

The change was introduced as part of wider democratic reforms aimed at encouraging greater participation among younger people in Wales. Schools, colleges and youth organisations across North Wales have spent months promoting voter registration and helping first-time voters understand the new system.

The expansion of the Senedd and introduction of proportional representation is designed to make election results more reflective of how people vote across Wales overall, rather than producing a system dominated by constituency winners alone.

With 96 seats now available, a party would need 49 seats for an outright majority in the new-look Senedd.

Political analysts say the reforms could produce a very different political landscape in Wales — particularly in North Wales, where the larger constituencies and proportional voting system may lead to more varied representation than under the previous model.

For now though, attention turns from polling stations to count centres, with Wales set to spend Friday watching one of the most important and transformative elections in the country’s modern political history unfold.

Bayside will have updates throughout Friday with a special hour long programme with political pundits Taffy and Kai on the outcome for North Wales and the country in general.

Listen live from 6pm on DAB Digital Radio, Smart Speaker or online. The episode is also available on catch up later on Friday evening.

The zoo has given animal lovers a sneak peek behind the scenes as staff put the finishing touches to the specially-designed enclosure ahead of its official unveiling during the zoo’s Birthday Weekend celebrations on Saturday, May 16.

Built using wood sourced directly from North Wales, the new habitat has been designed and constructed by the zoo’s in-house team, highlighting the care and craftsmanship that continues to shape developments at the Colwyn Bay landmark.

The habitat will become home to the zoo’s first-ever capybara – a young male who has already captured the imagination of visitors before even making his public debut.

To celebrate the arrival, the zoo has launched a fundraising campaign inviting the public to help name the capybara, with supporters able to suggest names in return for a donation.

The campaign is raising funds to support future zoo developments while also helping educate visitors about threatened wetland environments across the world.

For a suggested minimum donation of £3, people can submit a name suggestion for the new arrival, with one lucky winner set to receive a capybara-themed gift box and tickets for four people to visit the zoo.

Zoo staff say the campaign is about more than simply naming an animal — it is about allowing the community to become part of the capybara’s story from the very beginning.

Native to the wetlands of South America, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and are famous for their calm, social nature. Often described as gentle giants, they can grow to more than four feet long and weigh as much as an adult person.

Capybaras are highly social animals that thrive in groups and spend much of their time in water, where they are excellent swimmers. Their partially webbed feet help them glide through rivers and marshes, while they can even hold their breath underwater for several minutes to escape predators.

Their easy-going personalities and unusual appearance have made them hugely popular online in recent years, with countless viral videos showing capybaras peacefully relaxing alongside other animals.

The arrival of the species is another sign of the continued evolution of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, which has undergone major improvements and investment in recent years.

Perched high above Colwyn Bay with sweeping views across the coastline, the zoo has long been one of North Wales’ best-loved family attractions and an important part of the community for generations.

As well as welcoming thousands of visitors each year, the zoo plays a key role in conservation, education and tourism across the region, helping inspire younger generations to care about wildlife and the natural world.

Recent years have seen continued efforts to modernise animal habitats, improve visitor experiences and strengthen the zoo’s conservation message, ensuring the site remains a major attraction for both local families and tourists visiting North Wales.

The new capybara habitat is expected to become one of the zoo’s most popular additions yet, especially with the public now having the chance to help choose the animal’s name.

Entries to the naming fundraiser close at midday on June 1, with the final decision being made by the zoo’s animal team. To take part and get involved visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wmz-capybara-name

After retaining the North Wales Coast FA Recreational Women’s League crown for a second successive season, the club has announced a major development strategy aimed at increasing both participation and performance opportunities for female players.

As part of the plans, Colwyn Bay will continue running its successful nine-a-side recreational women’s team during the 2026/27 campaign, providing what the club described as an “inclusive, enjoyable and competitive” environment for players of all abilities.

The club said the recreational format would remain central to its commitment to accessibility and community engagement within women’s football.

Alongside that, a brand-new ‘Elite’ Women’s Training Squad is being launched for players aged 16 and over who are looking to develop their game at a higher level.

The elite programme will operate once a month and will also include a series of 11-a-side friendly fixtures throughout the season, helping prepare players for future competitive football.

The club says players interested in joining the elite set-up will be able to attend trial sessions and matches as part of the selection process.

Looking further ahead, Colwyn Bay has outlined plans for the 2027/28 season which include the creation of a dedicated FAW Girls’ Academy model.

The proposed academy would aim to nurture young talent locally while creating a clear development pathway from grassroots football through to the senior women’s side.

The club also intends to enter the competitive 11-a-side women’s league structure — a move described as a significant milestone in the continued growth of women’s football at the club.

Women’s Football Lead Glen Houston said: “This is a really exciting time for ladies football at the club and I’m absolutely honoured and delighted to be part of our exciting new era.

“This gives an amazing opportunity in line with our men’s model to develop players and give them an elite pathway to the 11-a-side team. This is a very special club and the future is extremely bright.”

Girls aged 16 and over interested in joining the new elite training programme can register their interest through via their online application form.

Heavenly Desserts has opened its latest venue at the Victoria Shopping Centre on Mostyn Street, bringing handcrafted artisan desserts and signature drinks to one of the busiest coastal towns in the region.

The launch has already created new jobs and is expected to increase footfall in the town centre, with the opening supported by Conwy County Borough Council through its Commercial Property Development Grant, part of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative.

Council officials say the investment has helped bring a previously underused space back into active use, contributing to ongoing regeneration efforts in Llandudno and strengthening the town’s appeal to both residents and visitors.

Beyond the economic impact, Heavenly Desserts says its focus is on something more personal — creating welcoming spaces where people can pause, switch off and spend meaningful time together.

As Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the importance of wellbeing and human connection, the company says its cafés are designed to encourage exactly that: simple, shared moments in comfortable, inclusive surroundings.

Marketing Manager Lauren Malia said the brand places a strong emphasis on positivity and atmosphere.

“As a business, we pride ourselves on positivity and creating spaces where people feel comfortable coming together,” she said. “For us, it’s about offering an environment where guests can enjoy time with others and take a moment out of their day.”

Founded in 2008 by Mohammad Imran and Yousif Aslam, Heavenly Desserts has grown into an international franchise known for its luxury dessert experiences and contemporary dining spaces, each designed to reflect a slightly different local identity.

The Llandudno opening is part of that wider expansion, but also reflects a broader trend across North Wales — where town centre regeneration and community-focused businesses are increasingly working hand in hand.

With tourism remaining a major driver for the region, particularly along the North Wales coast, developments like this are seen as helping strengthen both the visitor experience and the evening economy.

At a time when conversations around mental health are becoming more prominent, the brand says its aim is simple: to offer everyday spaces where connection happens naturally — whether over a quick catch-up, a family treat, or a longer conversation in the heart of Llandudno.

The site in Dolgarrog, now owned by hotel firm IHG, is preparing for a phased reopening following its acquisition alongside the neighbouring hotel complex.

A new family entertainment centre is due to open on May 22, offering a range of food and drink options alongside live entertainment as part of the first stage of the redevelopment.

The wider adventure park is expected to reopen in summer 2026 with a mix of indoor and outdoor adrenaline activities aimed at families, tourists and thrill-seekers.

Plans include indoor attractions such as Ninja Tag, Laser Tag and the Altitude Climber, while outdoor adventures are set to include gorge walking, abseiling and coasteering.

The site will also feature a new café, Caffi Eryri, focusing on locally sourced produce, with a new bar and restaurant expected to open early next year.

The former surf lagoon attraction originally opened as Surf Snowdonia before later becoming Adventure Parc Snowdonia under the operation of Zip World.

However, the site later fell into administration before being acquired by IHG, which has pledged to transform it into a year-round destination for adventure and hospitality.

The company also purchased the neighbouring Hilton Garden Inn hotel at the end of 2024, which has since been subsequently rebranded as IXORA Hotel & Spa.

IHG already operates several well-known hospitality venues across Wales, including Château Rhianfa.

The reopening is expected to provide a significant tourism boost for the Conwy Valley, with the revived attraction aiming to draw visitors back to one of North Wales’ most recognisable adventure tourism sites.

Running from 10am to 4pm, the event will stretch along the promenade, bringing together a funfair, live performances, food stalls, traders and community exhibitors, with organisers encouraging visitors to make full use of Colwyn Bay’s seafront setting and beach.

The free event is designed to offer something for all ages, with a funfair aimed at thrill-seekers, food vendors serving a range of treats, and stalls featuring everything from handmade jewellery and garden ornaments to local charities and recruitment stands. Entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances scheduled across the site.

The promenade will be shared with preparations for Colwyn Bay Pride, which takes place over the same weekend, adding to what is expected to be one of the busiest periods on the town’s seafront this year.

Organisers are advising visitors to plan ahead when travelling, with parking expected to be limited. Motorists are being encouraged to use town centre car parks rather than relying on promenade parking.

Parking along the promenade itself will be restricted to spaces between Rotary Way and Porth Eirias. In addition, road closures will be in place along sections of the seafront from Marine Road to Porth Eirias from 12pm on Friday 9 May until midnight on Sunday 11 May.

A further closure will run from the Old Colwyn junction of the A55 to Porth Eirias over the same period, although access will remain open for businesses at Porth Eirias and The Dingle.

Despite the restrictions, all businesses in the area are expected to remain open as normal.

The event will make full use of Colwyn Bay’s beach and promenade, with organisers highlighting the combination of seaside setting, free activities and community involvement as key to its appeal.

Visitors are expected from across North Wales for the one-day event, which has become a regular fixture in the town’s spring calendar, bringing together families, local traders and community groups for a day of seaside entertainment.

The campaign, led by National Deaf Children’s Society, aims to raise awareness of deafness while celebrating the deaf community and highlighting the importance of early support for children with hearing loss.

Across the UK, around 50,000 children are deaf or have some level of hearing loss, with thousands of families in Wales affected. Experts say many cases are not immediately obvious, particularly where hearing loss is mild or affects only one ear.

Parents are being advised to look out for signs that can often be overlooked. These may include a child not responding when their name is called, difficulty following conversations in noisy environments, appearing tired or withdrawn, or missing parts of speech.

The charity says recognising these signs early can have a significant impact on a child’s development. With the right support, deaf children can build strong communication skills and develop confidence from an early age.

In Wales, newborn hearing screening is routinely offered to babies, helping to identify many cases shortly after birth. However, some types of hearing loss can develop later in childhood, making ongoing awareness important for parents and carers.

Support is available to families from the earliest stages, including advice on communication, education and access to specialist services. The National Deaf Children’s Society provides free information and guidance to families of children with all levels of hearing loss.

Parents or carers who have concerns about their child’s hearing are being urged not to ignore them and to seek advice as soon as possible.

More information is available via the charity’s website or by calling its free helpline on 0808 800 8880.

The college’s 3G pitch at its Rhos-on-Sea campus hosted 25 teams competing in a mix of league and knockout matches, with boys and girls from Years 5 and 6 taking part in the annual event organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

In the final, Ysgol Bod Alaw claimed a 4–2 victory over Ysgol San Siôr to lift the trophy. Both teams have now qualified for the Urdd National Finals, which will take place in Aberystwyth on Saturday, June 20.

An individual award was also presented on the day, with Ezra from Ysgol Bod Alaw named Player of the Tournament.

The event also provided practical experience for students studying Level 2 Sport at Coleg Llandrillo, who were responsible for refereeing matches as well as assisting with timekeeping and organisation.

Riley Patterson, one of the students involved, said it was rewarding to support an event he had previously taken part in as a pupil.

“I actually took part in this event when I was younger, so to be here helping out today feels amazing. It’s great experience and even better fun to see it from the other side,” he said.

As well as the football, the tournament offered an opportunity for participants to use and develop their Welsh language skills throughout the day.

Marc Thomas, Sports Competitions Officer for Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said the partnership with the college continued to be important for both pupils and students.

“To hear so many children enjoying their day and using the Welsh language was a great feeling. Our collaboration with the college is invaluable; players benefit from top-quality referees, while students develop essential skills like teamwork and communication and gain experience of hosting large-scale sporting events,” he said.

Mr Price, deputy headteacher at Ysgol San Siôr, also praised the facilities and organisation, adding that pupils were now looking ahead to the national finals in Aberystwyth.

Voting will take place in a range of familiar venues including schools, community centres and village halls, with residents able to attend their designated polling station at any point during the day. Anyone who is in the queue at 10pm will still be allowed to vote.

To take part, voters must be registered and aged 16 or over. At the polling station, staff will ask for a name and address before issuing a ballot paper. Voters are then asked to mark a single cross in the box next to their chosen party or candidate, fold the paper and place it in the ballot box. Assistance is available for anyone who needs help, and voting booths are arranged to ensure privacy.

Unlike elections in England, there is no requirement to show photo identification in order to vote in Wales. Poll cards are not essential but can help staff locate a voter’s details more quickly.

This election marks a significant change in how Senedd members are elected. The number of Members of the Senedd is increasing from 60 to 96, and the previous 40 constituencies have been replaced by 16 larger constituencies. Each of these new areas will elect six representatives using a proportional voting system. Voters will now cast a single vote, choosing either a political party list or an independent candidate.

The changes are designed to alter how representation is delivered across Wales, with seats allocated in proportion to the share of the vote in each constituency.

Voters who are unable to attend a polling station in person may instead vote by post or by proxy, provided arrangements were made in advance.

After polls close at 10pm, ballot boxes will be sealed and transported to counting centres. Counting is due to begin on Friday, with results expected to be declared later that day.

The Senedd election determines who will represent communities across Wales in the Welsh Parliament, and officials are encouraging all eligible voters to take part.