menu_open Columnists
Jo Barnes

Jo Barnes

South Wales Argus

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

Two artists shortlisted for public art commission at national museum

Two artists shortlisted for public art commission at national museum

Two Newport artists have been shortlisted for an important public art commission. Kate Verity and Andy O-Rourke have been recognised for their piece...

26.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

'Buckle up for a night of adventure' on Welsh dates for Banff Mountain Film Festival

'Buckle up for a night of adventure' on Welsh dates for Banff Mountain Film Festival

Adventure and adrenaline will hit the big screen in South Wales this autumn. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing a new selection...

26.10.2025 9

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

'Last resort' casket match to headline wrestling event in Wales

'Last resort' casket match to headline wrestling event in Wales

A wrestling show in Gwent is set to feature the first Casket Match presented by a homegrown wrestling company in Wales. The event will take place at...

25.10.2025 5

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Amazing Stories of Wales to tour the country this November

Amazing Stories of Wales to tour the country this November

A new theatre tour is bringing Wales' stories to life through glowing puppets, circus, and UV-lit illusion. The Blacklight Theatre of Wales,...

25.10.2025 20

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Senedd member faced tough questions from students during college visit

Senedd member faced tough questions from students during college visit

A Senedd member faced tough questions from students during a recent college visit. Natasha Asghar, who represents South Wales East, visited Coleg...

24.10.2025 8

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Fringe festival that 'exceeded all of our expectations' to return for second year

Fringe festival that 'exceeded all of our expectations' to return for second year

A fringe festival that "exceeded all of our expectations" is set to return for its second year. The Live Act Fringe festival will be returning to...

24.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Monmouthshire actor, 10, cast in feature film about George Washington

Monmouthshire actor, 10, cast in feature film about George Washington

A Monmouthshire 10-year-old has been cast in a feature-length film about George Washington. Alfie Kiely, from Caldicot, who is a student of Mark...

24.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Funk and soul musician brings disco fever to Cardiff

Funk and soul musician brings disco fever to Cardiff

Funk and soul musician Lack of Afro will bring disco fever to Cardiff this month. Lack of Afro, aka Adam Gibbons, has announced a tour across the UK...

23.10.2025 3

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

MP raises energy price concerns after visit to local gym

MP raises energy price concerns after visit to local gym

Chris Evans, MP for Caerphilly, is raising energy price concerns after a visit to the Team Rees Gym, where he was told about some of the challenges...

23.10.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

'Anti-rural': Plans to cut car journeys in Wales by half criticised

'Anti-rural': Plans to cut car journeys in Wales by half criticised

Previous proposals by Plaid Cymru to cut car journeys in Wales by half have been condemned by a local Senedd member. Reform Senedd Member Laura Anne...

23.10.2025 40

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

First meeting between FM and Welsh Tory leader over new budget

First meeting between FM and Welsh Tory leader over new budget

Talks were set to begin between the First Minister and the Welsh Conservative leader over next year’s budget. Eluned Morgan and Darren Millar held...

23.10.2025 3

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Government launches series of reforms to restore public trust

The UK government has launched a series of reforms aimed at restoring public trust and to clean up politics. The changes are designed to improve...

19.10.2025 2

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Government regeneration scheme 'excludes rural communities by design'

A UK Government regeneration scheme has been criticised for excluding rural communities. Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi raised concerns in the House of...

18.10.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Blockbusters and child-friendly films coming to Gwent cinema this October

Family-friendly films and animated adventures are taking over the big screen this October - and you can catch them in Cwmbran. The town's Vue Cinema...

18.10.2025 8

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

'Welsh farmers are at breaking point,' MS warns

Welsh farmers are "at breaking point," a Senedd member has warned. Laura Anne Jones, Reform UK MS for South Wales East, said pressures from both...

18.10.2025 7

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Newport's 20th annual pantomime to star new faces and old favourites

The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre has revealed the cast, official poster and trailer for its 20th annual pantomime, Rapunzel. Following the...

17.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

'No place for violence, fear, and harassment in our society'

Ahead of International Day of the Girl the Welsh Government is reaffirming its commitment to making Wales a safer place for women and girls. This...

15.10.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Ocean Colour Scene to perform in Cardiff and Swansea on UK tour

Ocean Colour Scene will be performing in Cardiff and Swansea on their 2026 UK tour. The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their popular...

12.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Concerns over future of Welsh steel industry and exclusion of union voices

Concerns have been raised over the future of the steel industry in Wales, which employs hundreds in Newport, and the exclusion of union voices from...

12.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

New play explores long shadow of 'Spycops' scandal

A new theatre production exploring the long shadow of the 'Spycops' scandal is currently being staged in Newport. Demand the Impossible had its...

11.10.2025 8

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Chance meeting of two Welsh musicians leads to national award nomination

A chance meeting between two young Welsh musicians has led to a national award nomination. James Jones, a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and...

10.10.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Folk artist set to perform at Newport venue

Folk artist Beans on Toast is set to perform at the Newport Corn Exchange in December. The musician, known for his candid song writing and engaging...

08.10.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price to perform in Abegavenny

Award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price is set to perform as a special guest with The BMJ Jazz Collective. The performance is scheduled for Sunday,...

08.10.2025 5

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

New play to launch in Newport to mark Black History Month

A new play by a Newport-born writer is set to launch in the city. The one-man play, The Window from Wales, will debut at the Riverfront Theatre on...

05.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

The Supervet's tour is coming to Newport next year

The star of Channel 4’s The Supervet is heading to Newport in 2026 as part of his nationwide tour. Professor Noel Fitzpatrick's tour will mix his...

05.10.2025 3

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Gwent headteacher among expert advisors to support Welsh Conservatives

The Welsh Conservatives have appointed a new team of expert advisors to support the party in shaping policy ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections. They...

05.10.2025 2

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Newport artist shortlisted for inaugural Black Welsh Music Awards

A Newport artist has been nominated for one of the inaugural Black Welsh Music Awards. Lemfreck is among those shortlisted for Best Album with...

05.10.2025 20

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

BBC unveils plans for by-election coverage

With just weeks to go before polling day, BBC Cymru Wales has unveiled plans for its Caerphilly by-election coverage - and is inviting people to get...

05.10.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Award-winning author to launch bookshop day tour in Chepstow

Award-winning children's author Claire Fayers is set to embark on a bookshop tour starting in Chepstow. The event, scheduled for Saturday, October...

05.10.2025 3

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Comic artist offers chance to appear in Romeo and Juliet graphic novel

A writer and cartoonist who lives in Monmouthshire is offering people the chance to be a part of a book. Kev F Sutherland, who has worked for Marvel...

03.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Fury over UK plan for digital ID cards

Monmouth MS Peter Fox has called on the Monmouthshire MP to oppose the UK government's plans to introduce digital ID cards. The scheme, confirmed by...

02.10.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

New book to tell story of Welsh racing driver Caleb McDuff

A new book about the life of deaf Welsh racing driver Caleb McDuff is set to be published this week. The 17-year-old from Pontypool is the only deaf...

01.10.2025 9

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Caerphilly set to receive £21.5 million investment from government

Caerphilly is set to receive a £21.5 million investment from the government. The new funding, announced as part of the Pride in Place Programme and...

28.09.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Wales' growing reputation as filming destination as five films achieve success

Five Welsh-made films have achieved remarkable success on the international festival circuit this year, demonstrating Wales' growing reputation as a...

28.09.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Broadway musical Hamilton coming to cinemas in UK

The hit Broadway musical Hamilton is coming to the big screen for a special cinematic run. Vue cinemas will screen the award-winning production for...

28.09.2025 5

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Fly-tipping and littering 'becoming more of a problem' in Wales, says politician

Fly-tipping and littering are becoming more of a problem, according to Plaid Cymru's deputy Senedd leader. Delyth Jewell said the issue was not only...

27.09.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Research reveals significant barriers to democratic participation in Wales

Research has revealed significant barriers to democratic participation in Wales. The study, announced in April by Newport West MS Jayne Bryant,...

26.09.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Castle to be transformed into hub of creativity for arts festival

A castle in Monmouthshire is set to be transformed into a hub of creativity for a day of art, music, and imagination next month. Caldicot Castle...

25.09.2025 20

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Reform UK in attack on Plaid Cymru leader and immigration stance

Reform UK has attacked Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth's view on immigration in a new campaign leaflet. The pamphlet, distributed across...

24.09.2025 8

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Community councillor selected as Welsh Lib Dem candidate for Caerphilly by-election

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have selected their candidate for the Caerphilly Senedd by-election. Steve Aicheler will contest the seat following the...

24.09.2025 8

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Music, food and dogs: What's on in Gwent this week

Looking for something to do in Gwent this week? Here are some ideas of events coming up soon. September 20 Risca Food FEASTival 2025 Tredegar...

21.09.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

New show examining police infiltration coming to Newport

A new show examining police infiltration is coming to Newport this autumn. Demand The Impossible is premiering at the Corn Exchange in the city from...

19.09.2025 7

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

International theatre show coming to Cardiff

An award-winning international theatre show is coming to Wales this winter. Slava's SnowShow, which has been touring the world for more than 30...

17.09.2025 6

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Welsh Conservatives announce candidate for Caerphilly by-election

The Welsh Conservatives have announced their candidate for the upcoming Senedd by-election in Caerphilly. Gareth Potter will stand for the seat in...

14.09.2025 20

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

A live music show is set to light up the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran this autumn

The Ultimate Commitments and Blues Brothers Experience is set to light up the stage in Cwmbran this month. The show at the Congress Theatre on...

14.09.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Reform UK candidate announced for Caerphilly Senedd by-election

A communications specialist will stand as Reform UK’s candidate in a Senedd by-election. Llŷr Powell has been selected to contest the Caerphilly...

14.09.2025 10

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Concert to unite past BBC Cardiff Singer of the World winners and finalists

A celebration of opera and voice is set to take place at the Wales Millennium Centre. The concert, which will take place on October 8, will feature...

14.09.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Celebrate Roald Dahl's birthday with treats and fancy dress

Young readers can enjoy a "Splendiferous Story Day" at new homes developments across South Wales, including one in Newport. The events, celebrating...

13.09.2025 5

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

Tina Turner tribute act coming to south Wales venues

Celebrating its 15th year Totally Tina is heading to South Wales to bring audiences all the hits from music legend Tina Turner. The show, featuring...

13.09.2025 7

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes

You can go on a dog walk with Clare Balding in this Gwent town

Clare Balding is set to discuss her debut novel at a Monmouth event next week. The broadcaster and sports journalist will be at The Savoy Theatre on...

13.09.2025 4

South Wales Argus

Jo Barnes