Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
Fancy something different? The Whole Earth Man V Horse Marathon (Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Sat 13 June, race starts 11am. Admission: Free) is certainly that: runners and horses will take on a 22-mile course in the hope of winning the £1000 prize. And yes, horses have been beaten before, although not for seven years.
If you’d rather something a little more traditional then there is always the Aberystwyth and Ceredigion County Show (Gaeau Gelli Angharad, Aberystwyth, Sat 13 June, from 9am. Admission: £8/£3 under-16s) could be the answer. An annual event, it covers everything from poultry shows to flowers, and visitors will be able to purchase produce from the trade stands.
If you don’t want to stray too far, the Pedal Power Summer Vintage Fair (Fields Park Road, Cardiff, Sat 13 June. Admission: Free) will offer an eclectic selection of crafts and bric-a-brac, with proceeds going to the cycling charity. There’s also a pop-up café if you get a bit peckish while browsing.
Enjoy the capital’s dance music scene? X Music Fest (Bute Park, Cardiff, Fri 12-Sat 13 June. Tickets: £49.90) takes place for the first time this weekend and with three stages and sets from Sigma, Skepta, and Sinky, to name but a few, promises to launch as loudly as possible.
If dance music isn’t your thing then try Swansea International Jazz Festival (Maritime Quarter, Swansea, Fri 12-Sun 14 June. Tickets: £10-£15 for individual performances) will host 50 events over the weekend, including concerts from the likes of The Busquitos and Gareth Williams, and free bring-your-own-instrument workshops.
Like music but don’t fancy a festival? The Berlin-inspired Sub:culture (The Moon Club, Cardiff, Fri 12 June, 10pm. Admission: £5) has returned from its hiatus. Club-goers can expect two rooms, six DJs and a whole load of techno (Sub:culture promoter and resident Tom Ware even notes that their motto is ‘strictly techno’).
Speaking of clubs, DJ Barely Legal (Sink @ Sin City, Swansea, Sat 13 June. Tickets: £7), also known as Chloe Robinson, will be playing a set at Sink Swansea – she’s promised a fun mix of everything, from UK garage to jungle. The night also boasts an £8 a round drinks deal.
An exploration of art and politics can be expected in Sean Puleston’s exhibition, Red Rags (Elysium Gallery, Swansea, Fri 12 June-Sat 4 July. Admission: free), which studies the red flag and its use in protest (a connection first made in the Merthyr Rising in 1831).
Thought you knew what the circus was about? Think again, because NoFit State’s production, Bianco (Big Top, John Street, Cardiff, Fri 12-Sat 27 June. Tickets: £22 / £18 conc), has come back to Cardiff. The audience stand and are immersed in the show, with live music adding to the atmosphere.
Finally, if you’re feeling hungry, A Michelin Starred Birthday Bash (The Gallery, Barry, Mon 8 June. Tickets: £58) is being thrown to celebrate the second anniversary of The Gallery Restaurant. Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hill will be preparing a four course feast, and diners will also enjoy a few glasses of wine.
words BETH TOLSON