Portico Quartet, appearing at Brecon Jazz Festival this weekend (and interviewed in this month's magazine)

words: Claire Dibben

For an alternative take on the festival scene, make sure you get down to the Brecon Jazz Festival this Fri 6-Sun 8 Aug. Boasting many acts including the lively Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, this promises not just to be one for the over-40s. Prices and venues vary – some, however, are absolutely free. Hurrah! (Tickets: prices vary according to events)

We’ve all dreamt of running away with the circus, and this week you can. NoFit State Circus’s Park Life will be setting up camp for one week in Pontardawe Recreational Fields. The free taster sessions will give those with a taste for fun and thrills to try their hand at some death-defying stunts. (Sat 7-Sat 14 Aug. Admission: free. Info: 01792 863722)

While on the subject of bizarre and wacky theatrics, Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff is currently home to an exhibition which presents art that has been influenced by the illusory techniques of magicians throughout history. Magic Show gives viewers an insight to how art and magic both fuse the lines between fantasy and reality. (Until 12 Sept, admission: free. Info: 029 2030 4400/ www.chapter.org)

Another thing on offer this weekend but unlikely to clash with the Brecon Festival and NoFit State workshops (unless you’re someone with a diverse range of interests) is the Zapcat Racing Grand Prix in Barry Island. On Sat 7 and Sun 8 Aug, the powerboat races will commence for the second year. Let’s just hope the inevitable bad weather stays put. (Tickets: prices vary according to event. Info: 01446 700111)

Summerdance 2010 is a compulsory watch for those who love dance and physically impressive performances. Get on down to the New Theatre in Cardiff on Sat 7 Aug to witness a spine-tingling collaboration between the body and music. (Tickets: £7/£5. Info: 029 2087 8889 / www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk)

The Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre presents an exhibition which is likely to give nightmares to those of you who are uncomfortable with creepy artwork. Alex Bertram-Powell’s artwork puts a narrative to the artist’s dreams and nightmares. (Until Sat 28 Aug, admission: free. Info: 01633 483321)

If music and art aren’t in your interests then you might like to do the SeeWales Sightseeing Tour this Wednesday at 9am. Picking you up from the National Museum and Gallery, the tour takes you to some magnificent Roman ruins in Wales. Ensure you take your copy of Buzz for a cheeky 10% discount. (Every Wed and Sat. Info: 029 2022 7227)

Time’s ticking but there might be an opportunity for you to sign up to the Brecon 100 Ride starting in Caerleon this Sunday. A superb idea if your interests include cycling and jazz as the ride goes through Brecon where the Jazz Festival will be held this weekend. An even better idea if you feel like raising awareness and funds for Action Medical Research. (Sun 8 Aug. Tickets: £25, £25 min. sponsorship. Info: 01225 776691)

For those teeny boppers out there, Monday night at Barfly means you can catch Madina Lake and support play live at this popular Cardiff venue. Tickets are extremely cheap for three bands, so you can guarantee that your evening is sorted for a night of pop-rock anthems. (Mon 2 Aug, 7.30pm, tickets £10. Info: 029 2039 6589)

Cheeky Cardiff unofficial festival Woodstick is taking place in Bute Park, featuring The Loves and Ivan Moult – a great way to unearth some new talent for your iPod. (Sat 7 Aug, 2-6pm. Donations accepted)