words: EMMA-LOUISE PRITCHARD

The Six Nations continues this weekend, and after Wales v Ireland left everyone on the edge on their seats, expectations are high for Wales v Scotland this Sunday. Make sure you’re supporting the team in their first home match of the Six Nations (Sun 12 Feb, 3pm).

The Ffresh Film Fest arrives in Newport with some of the best moving image work from Wales, the UK and abroad. This year’s line-up looks especially exciting with master-classes being held by directors and professionals from the film industry. Held at Newport University’s Film School this event is well worth a look (Mon 6 Feb-Fri 10 Feb).

For hopeless romantics, the Welsh National Opera focus on the female perspective of love in the start of their spring season. La Traviata sees the prestigious and talented cast tell the tale of a Parisian courtesan in her quest for love (Sat 11 Feb-Sat 3 Mar).

The National Museum of Art in Cardiff brings a collection by John Piper: The Mountain of Wales this week. Piper has become one of the most versatile British artists as he continues to combine architecture, design and dramatic landscapes on canvas (Sat 11 Feb-Sun 13 May, admission: free).

For those outside Cardiff, Aberystwyth Arts Centre presents another distinct artistic influence with Face To Face: The Ruth Borchard Collection. This is an impressive collection of self-portraiture consisting of 100 pieces dating from 1921-71 (Until Sat 10 Mar, free admission).

Nine brings a unique twist to Taliesin, Swansea this week. A must see piece of theatre, this production gives the audience control over nine scenes. Allowing them to sculpt and order the performance as they please. This is set to be an original and very exciting production for the directing duo Mr & Mrs Clark (Thurs 9-Sat 11 Feb, tickets: £4-£8).

For something a bit more upbeat, Escape in Swansea hosts Miika Eloranta (Super8) and Janne Manserus (DJ Tab). The best in Finnish trance is set to pound the speakers as they reveal new tracks (Sat 11 Feb, tickets: £10).

Alternatively, City Bass hosts the Cardiff debut of Midland, a soulful mix of house, techno and dubstep. With other guest DJ’s its set to be a very loud, very good night! (Sat 11 Feb, tickets:£7 before 12pm)

For a more unique style of music, Empirical play at the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama on Friday. Winners of best jazz act at the MOBO’s 2010, Empirical have built a prestigious reputation (Fri 10 Feb, tickets: £12/£10).

And if you can only do one thing…

Go to Newport for the 10^th annual Ffresh Film Fest, it’s sure to be innovative and inspiring for aspiring film-makers.