With summer well underway in July, what better time to immerse yourself in the beautiful Welsh outdoors? Yes, it might rain considerably throughout the month and yes it might be extremely muddy and yes it… oh, never-mind. Here is our comprehensive list of 10 outdoor events happening around Wales this July, come rain or shine!

GREAT BRITISH GARDEN PARTY 

The National Garden Scheme is a national fundraising campaign that opens gardens around all of the UK and welcomes you to host your own Great British Garden Party to raise money for nursing and health charities. Last year they raised over £3 million and this year’s event was launched by Mary Berry. Find a local garden to enjoy a spot of tea and cake or even open up your own garden. Various gardens opening up all around Wales throughout July, check out where on their website.

Various locations, July-September Info: here

CARDIFF FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

This highly popular annual event returns on the first weekend of July at its regular abode, the Roald Dahl Plass. Featuring over 100 international producers, there will be the usual mix-up of a farmers’ market, producers’ fair, trade stands, street food stalls and event bars. Not only that, but there will be a full programme of music throughout the festival weekend that attendees can additionally sink their teeth into.

Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay, Fri 1-Sun 3 July

Admission: free. Info: here

LLANGOLLEN EISTEDDFOD

A real staple of Welsh summers, this annual cultural festival dates all the way back to 1947. Taking over the small town of Llangollen, the weekend sees over 4,000 performers and thousands of guests to take part in singing, dancing and competitions with a highlight on community and international peace. This year sees the festival return after a two-year hiatus, marking its 75th anniversary; 2002’s concert headliners include Aled Jones, Manu Delago, Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar.

Various venues, Llangollen, Thurs 7-Sun 10 July

Tickets: £12/£10/£5 kids/free under-5s (field); £16/£6 kids (Pavilion). Info: here

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE 

Celebrating what is now their 5th birthday, Depot In The Castle returns on the 9th July at, of course, Cardiff Castle for another day of great music from world-famous acts. This year being Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Mel C, Alfie Templeman and more. Local artists will also be showing off their impressive talents with circus acts, designers and storytellers all accompanied by tasty street food and quench-worthy drinks. Ain’t nothing like watching the sun go down behind the castle whilst listening to a great soundtrack, ey?

Cardiff Castle, Sat 9 July

Tickets: £55. Info: here

PENARTH DOWNHILL DERBY

With the Penarth community at its heart, this one-afternoon event sees all sorts of attendees bring their own homemade go-karts for the ultimate downhill race. Anyone is welcome to join and take part, say Penarth council, “as long as your kart is human-powered, homemade and has the ability to stop,” adding, “Prizes are awarded for speed and creativity”. If you’re no daredevil, then you can just go along and watch the craziness and the fun unfold.

Penarth seafront, Sat 16 July

Admission: free to spectate and enter. Info and entry form: here

ROYAL WELSH SHOW

It’s been three long years since this prestigious event was last held in the showgrounds of Llanelwedd. Over the four jam-packed days, there will be equine competitions, activities in forestry, horticulture, crafts, sport, shopping and food with an additional 12-hour itinerary filled with entertainment, attractions and displays. 

Llanelwedd, Powys, Mon 18-Thurs 21 July

Tickets: £32/£5 kids. Info: here

WESTIVAL

Situated in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park just minutes away from some of the most beautiful coastlines that Wales has to offer, this festival is described as giving “house party vibes’” to a far corner of Wales. This year’s edition features top-notch dance and techno music from nearly 100 DJs and live acts, the lineup including Afro Cluster, Desert Island Disco and Shanti Celeste to name a few. There is additionally a shuttle bus to take you to the beach.

Shipping Hill Farm, Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, Thurs 21-Sun 24 July

Tickets: £120. Info: here

ABERYSTWYTH STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

Streetfood Warehouse’s summer tour continues with this stop-off in Aberystwyth. Carnivores, veggies, vegans and gluten-free foodies alike will all be able to enjoy the feastable and Insta-worthy bites that the festival has to offer. Fire & Flank will be bringing their steak dishes, Freedom Brewery provide refreshing beers, and there’s a stack more on top of that. Oh, and this year’s event is going cashless so don’t forget to take your cards.

Aberystwyth Marina, Fri 22-Sun 24 July

Tickets: free (book ahead of entry). Info: here

FFOREST GATHER

Known as Wales’ smallest festival with only 200 tickets available for each of its two weeks, Fforest Gather is a unique and family-friendly getaway filled with adventures, nature, music and creativity. With the opportunity to grow and celebrate community, ticket holders can partake in workshops, outdoor activities, walks, storytelling and camping.

Fforest Farm, Cardigan, Mon 25-Sun 31 July + Mon 1-Sun 7 Aug

Tickets: £200/£100 under-16s/free under-4s. Info: here

STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL

Established in 2011 and located in the village of Cwm, Steelhouse Festival is packed full of hard rock and classic rock artists every year. Topping the bill in 2022 are former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, former UFO and Scorpions member Michael Schenker, and London band Inglorious, but there’s lots more to look out for across the weekend too.

Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, Ebbw Vale, Fri 29-Sun 31 July

Tickets: £125 weekend/£45 Fri 29/£65 Sat 30 or Sun 31. Info: here

words JOHN EVANS