This is the first ever Senedd election to use the brand-new voting system introduced across Wales. The old constituency and regional model is gone, replaced by larger super-constituencies and proportional representation, fundamentally changing how Welsh politics works and how governments in Cardiff Bay may now be formed.

For the first time ever, 96 Members of the Senedd will be elected — an increase from 60 — while 16 and 17-year-olds have also had the chance to vote in a Senedd election for the very first time.

And here in North Wales, the changes are especially significant.

Communities that once voted separately are now grouped together in huge new constituencies including Bangor Conwy Môn, Clwyd, Fflint Wrecsam and Gwynedd Maldwyn, meaning tonight’s results could reshape the political map of the region for years to come.

Throughout the programme Kai and Taffy bring you analysis of the results and talk about what this means for North Wales and Wales as a whole. They discuss what the new voting system means, and a closer look at which parties are emerging strongest as the race to form the next Welsh Government develops.

Because with 96 seats now in play and 49 needed for a majority, coalition talks and political deal-making could become just as important as the results themselves.

So wherever you are — in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno, Rhyl, Wrexham, Bangor or beyond — here you'll find comment and chat about a very historic, and some would say, memorable day for Wales.

This is the Bayside Radio Senedd Election Special with Kai and Taffy.

Known as “The Female Alchemist”, Bev works closely with charities and third sector organisations, helping them navigate challenges and build sustainable, successful futures. With a clear and practical approach, she supports clients through both internal and external pressures—turning uncertainty into opportunity.

In this episode, Bev challenges common assumptions about marketing, explaining why the biggest barrier is not money, but clarity and consistency. She explores how many organisations are “doing activity, not marketing” and why being clear, consistent and useful matters far more than being everywhere.

Bev shares simple, practical strategies that cost little or nothing, including:
- how to clearly define your message and explain what you do in one sentence
- using social media effectively without overcomplicating it
- why real stories and authenticity outperform polished content
- how to get featured on local radio and in the press
- building strong networks that create real opportunities
- simple, time-saving marketing habits that fit into busy workloads

With a focus on what actually works, this episode is packed with actionable advice for organisations looking to create impact without a big budget.

Bev's links:

The Female Alchemist https://thefemalealchemist.com/

Charity Job Finder https://www.charityjobfinder.co.uk/

All political parties standing in the new enlarged constituency were invited. An apology was received from the Monster Raving Looney Party, while no response was received from the Heritage Party or the Socialist Labour Party despite an open invitation.

The 2026 election takes place in a new context, with newly drawn constituency boundaries and the extension of the vote to 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. These changes framed much of the evening’s conversation, with a strong focus on accountability, inclusion, and the future of public services.

Summary of Candidates’ Positions

Jaime Fitter – Communist Party of Great Britain
Emphasised opposition to any marketisation of the NHS, calling for fully public health services and adequate statutory funding. Raised concerns about the Third Sector being used to plug systemic gaps in provision.

Elfed Williams – Plaid Cymru
Highlighted a commitment to a distinctive Welsh NHS, stronger regional planning, and co‑production with the Third Sector through long‑term funding arrangements.

John Clark – Reform UK Wales
Focused on efficiency, patient choice, and ensuring public funding is linked to measurable outcomes.

Tomos Iwan Barlow – Wales Green Party
Presented a rights‑based and preventative approach, opposing market models within the NHS and calling for sustainable funding for the Third Sector as a strategic partner.

Janet Finch‑Saunders – Welsh Conservatives
Drew attention to expanding patient choice and the use of cross‑border capacity to address waiting lists, emphasising value for money and efficient delivery.

Joanna Stallard – Welsh Labour
Emphasised a commitment to a public and integrated NHS, recognising the vital role of the Third Sector in prevention and early support, alongside clear statutory responsibility.

Leena Sarah Farhat – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Focused on fairness, transparency, and service‑user involvement, calling for clearer pathways for neurological care and more stable funding for the Third Sector.

Reflections

The hustings highlighted broad agreement on the pressures facing public services in North Wales, alongside clear differences in policy approaches. Contributions from the audience  reflected high expectations around accountability and values‑based decision‑making.

CVSC thanks all candidates who attended, CVSC staff and volunteers, Bayside Radio for recording the event, and everyone who contributed to a constructive and respectful discussion.

Roedd Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) yn falch iawn o gynnal Husting Etholiad y Senedd 2026 yn Neuadd Ni. Cafodd y digwyddiad ei gadeirio gan Brif Swyddog CVSC, Elgan Owen, a ddaeth â’r ymgeiswyr, sefydliadau’r trydydd sector, a’r gymuned ehangach ynghyd ar gyfer trafodaeth agored a pharchus ar faterion sy’n effeithio ar gymunedau Gogledd Cymru.

Anfonwyd gwahoddiad at bob plaid wleidyddol oedd yn sefyll yn yr etholaeth newydd fwy. Derbyniwyd ymddiheuriad gan y Monster Raving Looney Party, ond ni dderbyniwyd ymateb gan The Heritage Party na’r Socialist Labour Party, er gwaethaf gwahoddiad agored.

Mae Etholiad y Senedd 2026 yn nodi newid pwysig, gyda ffiniau etholaethol newydd a’r bleidlais bellach ar gael i bobl 16 a 17 oed. Cyfeiriwyd at y cyd-destun newydd hwn drwy gydol y noson, gyda phwyslais ar atebolrwydd, cynhwysiant a dyfodol gwasanaethau cyhoeddus.

Themâu Allweddol

Bu’r ymgeiswyr yn ymateb i gwestiynau ynghylch:
A ddylid cyflwyno Right to Choose yn y GIG yng Nghymru
Sut i sicrhau bod datganiadau ansawdd ar gyfer cyflyrau niwrolegol yn arwain at wasanaethau effeithiol i gleifion yng Ngogledd Cymru
Sut y caiff y Trydydd Sector ei drin fel partner cyfartal mewn atal ac ymyrraeth gynnar, yn hytrach nag fel dewis rhatach i wasanaethau statudol dan bwysau

Crynodeb o Safbwyntiau’r Ymgeiswyr

Jaime Fitter – Communist Party of Great Britain
Pwysleisiodd wrthwynebiad i unrhyw farchnadeiddio o’r GIG, gan alw am wasanaethau iechyd cwbl gyhoeddus a chyllid statudol digonol. Mynegodd bryder ynghylch defnyddio’r Trydydd Sector i lenwi bylchau systemig.

Elfed Williams – Plaid Cymru
Amlygodd ymrwymiad i GIG Cymreig unigryw, cynllunio rhanbarthol cryfach, a chyd-gynhyrchu gyda’r Trydydd Sector drwy drefniadau cyllido hirdymor.

John Clark – Reform UK Wales
Canolbwyntiodd ar effeithlonrwydd, dewis cleifion, a sicrhau bod cyllid cyhoeddus yn gysylltiedig â chanlyniadau mesuradwy.

Tomos Iwan Barlow – Plaid Werdd Cymru
Cyflwynodd ddull hawliau-seiliedig ac ataliol, gan wrthwynebu modelau marchnad yn y GIG a galw am ariannu cynaliadwy i’r Trydydd Sector fel partner strategol.

Janet Finch‑Saunders – Ceidwadwyr Cymreig
Tynnodd sylw at ehangu dewis cleifion a’r defnydd o gapasiti trawsffiniol i fynd i’r afael â rhestrau aros, gan bwysleisio gwerth am arian a chyflenwi effeithlon.

Joanna Stallard – Llafur Cymru
Pwysleisiodd ymrwymiad i GIG cyhoeddus ac integredig, gan gydnabod rôl hanfodol y Trydydd Sector mewn atal a chymorth cynnar, ochr yn ochr â chyfrifoldeb statudol clir.

Leena Sarah Farhat – Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru
Canolbwyntiodd ar degwch, tryloywder, a chynnwys defnyddwyr gwasanaeth, gan alw am lwybrau cliriach ar gyfer gofal niwrolegol a chyllid mwy sefydlog i’r Trydydd Sector.

Myfyrdodau

Amlygodd y Husting gytundeb eang ar y pwysau sy’n wynebu gwasanaethau cyhoeddus yng Ngogledd Cymru, ynghyd â gwahaniaethau clir mewn dulliau polisi. Roedd cyfraniadau’r gynulleidfa yn adlewyrchu disgwyliadau uchel o ran atebolrwydd a gwneud penderfyniadau ar sail gwerthoedd.

Mae CVSC yn diolch i’r holl ymgeiswyr a fynychodd, i staff a gwirfoddolwyr CVSC, i Bayside Radio am gofnodi’r digwyddiad, ac i bawb a gyfrannodd at drafodaeth adeiladol a pharchus.

Based in Llandudno and supporting communities across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey, St David’s Hospice provides vital, free care to people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families and loved ones — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each year, its work touches the lives of many local people, made possible largely through the generosity of the community.

Joining me to talk about the latest developments at the hospice, and the exciting programme of events coming up this spring and summer, is Richard Jones — speaking with me, Simon Wynne.

From financial pressures to safeguarding, staffing and reputation, Bev breaks down the most common risks in a clear and accessible way. With practical tips on using simple tools like risk registers, recognising early warning signs, and building an open, supportive culture, this session offers a straightforward guide to staying in control, protecting your organisation, and making confident decisions for the future.

Presented by Bev Garside, The Female Alchemist - https://thefemalealchemist.com/

In association with Charity Job Finder - https://www.charityjobfinder.co.uk/ 

Pupils at Ysgol Aberconwy have turned a simple but challenging question into a major public exhibition exploring racism, fairness and belonging in North Wales.

What’s It Got To Do With Me? began as a discussion point often heard when issues of racism are raised. Instead of dismissing it, staff and learners used it as the starting point for a sustained project linking lived experience with creative expression.

Developed in partnership with ARWAP, Oriel Colwyn and Conwy County Borough Council, the work has grown into a large-scale installation shaped by hundreds of young people. Oriel Colwyn’s work and contribution towards the project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The project gained momentum following a community workshop led by Professor Charlotte Williams and artist Mfikela Jean Samuel. Their input helped guide pupils from Years 7 to 9, alongside GCSE and A Level art students, through conversations about identity, cynefin and community.

Cynefin is a Welsh word that describes a deep sense of belonging to a place, shaped by culture, history and lived experience.

Over time, the work evolved beyond classroom lessons into a wider enquiry into what fairness looks like in school corridors, in local neighbourhoods and across Wales.

It comes as Wales continues to pursue the ambitions of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan, which aims to make the nation anti-racist by 2030. While North Wales is often perceived as less diverse than larger urban areas, recent census data shows growing ethnic diversity across Conwy and Denbighshire, particularly among younger age groups.

Nationally, official figures have also shown a rise in recorded hate crimes in recent years, mirroring trends seen across the UK. Against that backdrop, schools have increasingly been encouraged to create space for open and honest conversations about race and belonging.

A major inspiration for the exhibition has been Professor Charlotte Williams’ memoir Sugar and Slate, which reflects on identity, visibility and the desire to feel recognised within your own community. Those themes are woven throughout the installation, alongside creative influences from Ndidi John’s play Roots, studied within the school’s Expressive Arts curriculum.

Visitors will see painted roof slates, cynefin maps, photography, digital artwork and collaged pieces exploring welcome, exclusion and solidarity. Doors have been used as symbolic thresholds, marking the line between inclusion and exclusion. One double-sided door carries the title work built from student reflections; turned around, it becomes a pledge signed by pupils and staff, signalling a commitment to action rather than words alone.

More than 400 individually crafted clay tiles form part of the display, each representing a personal mark of identity. Alongside them are over 350 self-portraits exploring the wide spectrum of skin tones, challenging simplistic ideas of “black” and “white” and instead emphasising variation and shared humanity.

A video installation brings the portraits into motion, accompanied by students’ own voices describing their experiences and reflections on racism and prejudice in North Wales. Organisers say the intention is not to speak for young people, but to amplify what they are already saying.

The exhibition opens at Coed Pella on Thursday 26 February at 4pm before moving to Oriel Colwyn on Conwy Road in Colwyn Bay. Organisers say it is an open invitation to the wider community to reflect on the question posed by the pupils themselves: what’s it got to do with me — and what am I going to do about it?

The Oriel Colwyn web page for the exhibition can be found at: https://orielcolwyn.org/en/Exhibitions/Whats-It-Got-To-Do-With-Me.aspx

Take a VR walk-through here https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=euzt4ZumNhY 

https://thefemalealchemist.com

https://www.charityjobfinder.co.uk

Let the questions begin.... 

If you’re looking for support with employment, training or skills, the Conwy Employment Hub team is ready to help.

You can get in touch by calling 01492 575578, emailing ceh@conwy.gov.uk, or popping into one of their community outreach sessions.

For updates, success stories and opportunities, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConwyEmploymentHub

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Gary and Tracey were live at the Colwyn Bay big Christmas Lights switch on giving us a flavour of this fantastic event organised by many community partners and Together for Colwyn Bay.

Hear special guests including the Mayor of Colwyn Bay, Father Christmas, Britain's Got Talent's Han and Fran and Libby Loughland, who as part of the Magic Light Productions will be starring in Beauty and the Beast at Theatr Colwyn.

Thank you to Creu Conwy, the Bay of Colwyn Town Council and Conwy County Council for supporting such a wonderful start to the festive season.

This is the space where we share real stories, celebrate our LGBTQ+ community here in North Wales, and connect with each other in ways that remind us none of us are alone.

Each week, we’ll shine a light on voices, histories, and everyday experiences — all with warmth, honesty, and a little laughter along the way.

In this episode Huw Richards from Dyffryn Conwy Open Door in Llanrwst talks to David about growing up gay in a rural community and the challenges that it brings.

We also find out about the welcoming space that Open Door offers to individuals in the Conwy Valley, across Conwy County and the wider North Wales area.

This is the space where we share real stories, celebrate our LGBTQ+ community here in North Wales, and connect with each other in ways that remind us none of us are alone.

Each week, we’ll shine a light on voices, histories, and everyday experiences — all with warmth, honesty, and a little laughter along the way.

In this short extra episode, Simon is at the CVSC Third Sector Conference in Llandudno reflecting back on a break-out session which highlighted and discussed allyship, the witnessing and report of abuse and hate plus news of safe spaces in Conwy.

There's also details of help available via CVSC's Community Hub and through the grants team for prospective projects supporting the LGBTQI+ community.

Thank you to CVSC for their assistance and support of the Out in the Open podcast project More details about CVSC can be found at https://cvsc.org.uk/

We’ve got Han and Fran in the studio with Simon— Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Abba tribute legends, and the stars of this year’s Christmas pantomime Cinderella at Venue Cymru in Llandudno!

We’re talking behind-the-scenes Britain's Got Talent stories, their brand-new Christmas single, and a whole lot of fun.

You don’t want to miss this one!