With temperatures soon to creep into the 30s, here are 10 things to do in Wales over the weekend and beyond to make the most of the heatwave – from comedy festivals to award-winning ice cream. Get your SPF and hats on, enjoy it while you can, be careful and keep hydrated…

CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL: TWELFTH NIGHT

As part of Everyman’s Open Air Theatre Festival and after a successful stint of shows featuring Blackadder Goes Forth, this week sees performances based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The synopsis reads “As a ship is wrecked on the rocks, twins are separated and washed up on the island of Ilyria, forced to fend for themselves in a new land. Viola, the first twin, falls in love with Duke Orsino, who is in love with Olivia, who falls in love with Viola, and is secretly adored by Malvolio. Chaos ensues…” catch the last three shows this Friday 15 at 8pm and Saturday 16 July 3pm and 8pm.

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Fri 15 July (8pm) / Sat 16 July (3pm + 8pm)

Tickets: £15-£20. Info: here

BIG LOVE FESTIVAL

Big Love is a three-day music and performing arts festival set in a new location in the Monmouthshire countryside. The weekend sees over 130 DJs and live acts, including Transglobal Underground, Beans On Toast, Panic Shack and plenty more! Keep the water close if you’re going to go wild, or simply sit in the sun and soak up the atmosphere.

Cwm Cayo Farm, Monmouthshire, Fri 15-Sun 17 July

Tickets: £125. Info: here

SESIWN FAWR 

Sesiwn Fawr is a well-loved folk and world music festival held in the historic Snowdonia town of Dolgellau. With a host of events for children and families during the weekend, the whole of Saturday afternoon will be held on the Sgwâr with a ‘twmpath dawns’ (much like a ceilidh), a procession following two local folk tales, storytelling sessions, and more, all for free. If you’re a musician they’ll have a busking stage where you can perform in front of a crowd – or join in for a jamming session in one of the pubs.

Dolgellau town centre, Fri 15-Sun 17 July

Tickets: £15 The Church Sunday evening concert; all other ticketed events sold out but most outdoor events free. Info: here

FESTIVAL OF COMEDY

This evening comedy shindig sees standup sets from Jason Manford, Hal Cruttenden, Jarred Christmas, Daliso Chaponda, Sally Ann Hayward and more. Held outdoors in Tredegar Park, this is bound to be a lovely evening filled with good weather and lots of laughter. 

Tredegar Park, Newport, Sun 17 July

Tickets: £30. Info: here

CHEPSTOW FESTIVAL OF ART

The whole town of Chepstow is to be filled with exciting and varied art and exhibitions for this event, running all morning and afternoon. Stretching from the historic town arch all the way down to the riverside, there will be impressive displays of photography, floral art, multi-genre performances and an artisan market. Attendees can get their hands dirty and take part in a number of workshops and activities too. 

Various locations, Chepstow, Sat 16 July

Admission: free. Info: here

CADSTOCK

Local Barrians will see the return of this weekender after a COVID hiatus. They aim to relieve the music drought seen in Barry with 10 bands over two days ranging from ska to soft rock, mod to metal and soul (Stonehouse, Second Chance and Black Jam Circus to name three). The festival dates back to 2009 and has grown substantially since, but remains free for all and family-friendly, with no restrictions on bringing your own food and drink.

Victoria Park, Barry, Sat 16 + Sun 17 July

Admission: free. Info: here

LLANDEILO CLASSIC CAR SHOW

With the first event being held in 2019, this successful car show now takes place annually in Llandeilo featuring an impressive and aesthetic collection of classic cars. King Street is closed for the day and guests can choose from a selection of appealing shops, cafes, bars and pubs in addition to catching a glimpse of some vintage vehicular beauty. There is also music and entertainment from Ian Shimmin and Roger Henderson.

King Street, Llandeilo, Sun 17 July

Admission: free. Info: here

ROYAL WELSH SHOW

A nationally-renowned mid-Wales event that shows off the very best of British agriculture by celebrating the farming industry and rural communities. The show sees over 1,000 trade stalls that will be offering classic Welsh produce, flowers, crafts and more. Each of the four days has an extensive 12-hour programme filled with activities featuring livestock competitions, entertainment, attractions and impressive displays. 

Llanelwedd, Mon 18-Thurs 21 July

Tickets: £32/£5 kids. Info: here

FABLAS ICE CREAM

It wouldn’t be hot outside without a trip to get an ice cream – and you don’t have to wait for the sound of a van to grab a fresh cone. Award-winning and fast-spreading dessert empire Fablas claims to put Welsh agriculture first using ingredients sourced from a local dairy farm. You can find parlours in Cowbridge, Porthcawl and a pop-up pod in Forage Farm in Penllyn Estate. Flavours change daily, ranging from classics like vanilla and chocolate to options like custard creams and Lucky Charms. 

Cowbridge, Porthcawl, Forage Farm, open 11am-6pm

Info: here

AQUA PARK CARDIFF

Keep cool in the water with Wales’ biggest aqua park. Returning last month for another summer of floating inflatable fun, Aqua Park Cardiff is located in Cardiff Bay Barrage and the inflatable measures 100m by 80m. There is a selection of climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars and monkey bars for all families, groups, adults, children and adrenaline junkies alike to splash, slip and slide in. 

Cardiff Bay Barrage, open daily until Wed 31 Aug

Tickets: £20-£25 for an hour-long session. Info: here

words JOHN EVANS