Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff Bay – Until Sun 21 Aug
This week is your last chance to catch one of the world’s favourite musicals at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Starring Lee Mead (Casualty, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), Claire Sweeney (Tell Me On A Sunday, Hairspray), Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, Extras) and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Miserables), this Fantasmagorical production is bound to have audiences of all ages flying high. Tickets range from £18 – £55 with booking fees.
Fforest Gather 2016 at The Lodge, Fforest Farm, Cymlysgog, Cilgerran – Mon 15 Aug – Mon 29 Aug
Located minutes away from the town of Cardigan, Fforest Gather Festival returns for its second year, offering a unique and intimate festival experience for all the family. Beyond the many arts & crafts workshops offered, there’s wild swimming, culinary classes and nightly DJs. With only 100 tent pitches available and limited accommodation, it’s important to act fast if you want to secure a ticket. The festival is running for two weeks, with tickets priced at £125 per week. For your kids it’s even cheaper: £80 for 11-17 year olds, £60 for 4-10 year olds, and FREE for under 4’s!
The Art of Haiku at Cwtsh, Newport – Tue 16 Aug & Sat 20 Aug
Curios to learn more about haiku? Exploring the elements that define this ancient Japanese art form, internationally published haiku author Paul Chambers teaches one class on Tues 16 and another on Sat 20, both of which cost just £25. In addition to Paul’s practical masterclass, there will be a weekend ‘haiku walk’ in Newport’s Bellevue Park. To find out more, contact Paul: [email protected]
Pembrokeshire County Show at County Showground, Withybush, Haverfordwest – Tue 16 Aug – Thurs 18 Aug
For three days in the middle of this week, Withybush’s County Showground in Pembrokeshire will be home to a variety of attractions and events, ranging from Titan the Robot and Big Pete Monster Trucks to Rockwood Dog Show and the Shetland Pony Grand National. Billed as ‘a great event where town meets the countryside’, there is sure to be something for everyone at this diverse and family-oriented three-day show. One-day tickets are priced at £19 for adults, £17 for seniors, and £8 for juniors. Visit the Show’s website for more information.
Merthyr By The Sea at Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil – Fri 19 Aug & Sat 20 Aug
Living in landlocked Merthyr Tydfil doesn’t mean you have to venture south or west to reach the beach this summer: for two days this week, Penderyn Square in the town’s centre will be transformed into a sandy beach surrounded by colourful deckchairs and beach huts. Buckets, spades and ice cream will be in ample supply, with face-painting, street theatre and fairground rides among the many attractions on offer. The beach will be open from 1pm to 7pm on Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturday. Entry is free, although charges for the fairground rides will apply.
Museum Ghost Walk at National History Museum, St. Fagans – Fri 19 Aug
St Fagans National History Museum, as well as being Wales’s top heritage attraction, also has a reputation as the most haunted museum in the country. The site of a civil war battle fought in 1648, the museum is set in a 100 acre wooded parkland, filled with historic buildings rescued from all over Wales and restored as a unique village museum. Less a staged fright show, more a journey through Wales’s rich history of ghostlore and superstition, chills are sure to be found among the museum’s darkened medieval buildings. Tickets are priced at £15 per person.
RawFfest at The Riverfront, Newport – Thurs 19 – Sun 21 Aug
RawFfest is a new, exciting and varied youth arts festival hosted at The Riverfront theatre in Newport. Planned and programmed by young people for young people, the festival showcases the best of youth arts in Wales today. Highlights include an introduction to dance and movement from NDCWales, a Roald Dahl-inspired scratch performance and a Q&A with Phil George, Chair of Arts Council Wales. See the full lineup of live music, theatre shows, silent disco, twmpath and much much more on the festival’s website: http://www.rawffest.wales/programme. Day tickets are priced at £15, while Festival tickets are £50.
Madness + Pretty Vicious + Upbeat Sneakers at Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil – Fri 19 Aug
Eighties chart-toppers and 2-Tone institution Madness will be transforming Merthyr Tydfil’s Cyfarthfa Castle into a House of Fun for one night only this Friday. The ska and pop icons – something of a national treasure, having entertained audiences for almost four decades – represent a proud achievement for the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust, through which the gig was partly organised. Tickets are priced at £42.50, subject to booking fees.
Football: Barclays Premier League – Swansea City v Hull City at Liberty Stadium, Swansea – Sat 20 Aug
Having started the season with an away win at Burnley, this fixture against newly-promoted Hull City will give the Jack Army their first chance to see Francesco Guidolin’s new-look team at their Liberty Stadium home. The Tigers beat last year’s shock Premier League champions Leicester City last week, so Swansea should by no means expect an easy game. With both teams high on confidence and still with everything to prove at this early stage of the season, the stage is set for an enthralling encounter. For full information on ticket pricing and availability, visit Swansea City’s website: http://www.swanseacity.net
Attack! Pro Wrestling – Thank God It’s Not Winter Slam at Walkabout, Cardiff – Sun 21 Aug
South Wales’ zaniest and most popular indy wrestling collective bring their biggest show ever to Walkabout bar in Cardiff. Doors open at 6.45pm, giving you time to sink a few drinks and mingle with the roster. After the event itself finishes, punters will be encouraged to stick around and watch WWE’s Summerslam on any of the bar’s 30+ big HD screens. Admission costs £12, and, due to the requirements of the venue, is strictly for ADULTS ONLY.
words JACOB MIER