Find out what’s on in South Wales this week
November has begun and with it the winter chill, so why not step into the warmth in Cardiff’s new Tramshed venue as one of Britpop’s biggest bands, Simon and Oscar (from Ocean Colour Scene, singer and drummer respectively) take the stage on what is the bands 25th anniversary (Tramshed, Cardiff, Mon 2 Nov, Tickets £22). This intimately acoustic date is not to be missed.
If you’re looking for something quieter why not head to God Forgive Me (Y Faenor Gallery, Redhouse, Merthyr Tydfil, Mon 2 Nov, Free Admission). This new exhibition by photographer Jon Pountey explores the legacy left behind by Merthyr Iron Master RT Crawshay.
Fancy yourself a budding artist or just enjoy art? Well Life Drawing may be for you (10 Feet Tall, Cardiff, Wed 3 Nov, Tickets £5). This 30 minute weekly class ran by the Cardiff Life Model Collective is a small yet expansive opportunity to improve your artistic skills.
On-the-rise indie rockers Sundara Karma are undertaking their biggest tour yet as they sweep the UK this autumn (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Tue 3 Nov, Tickets £7.25). Off the back of a successful support slot with The Wombats, this headline show is guaranteed to bring excitement. Support from Leeds band Vitamin and Merthyr rockers Local Enemy.
Consider yourself a romantic? Well then this may be the perfect event for you. As part of their BFI love season, Chapter will be screening Wings of Desire (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Tue 3 Nov, Tickets £5.10 – £7.20). This 1987 German film directed by Wim Wenders is the romantic tale of two angels watching powerlessly over a divided Berlin until one falls deeply in love. Crafted in the beautiful gaze of cinematographer Henri Alekan, this film is a stunning display.
Interested in the dazzling cultural heritage of South Wales? This week you can explore the stories of Gypsy Traveler communities at Varda Venture (Swansea Museum, Swansea, Mon 2nd Nov – Tue 10 Nov, Free Admission).
Appreciate theater? Well then Agnes of God is the perfect treat for you this week (Lounge Bar, Aberdare, Tue 3– Sat 7 Nov, Tickets £8.50). This compelling drama will both engage and excite with questions considering faith and reason.
Annual experimental art festival Experimentica15 is back (Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wed 4-Sun 8 Nov, Tickets 5-day pass £50 one day-pass £10). This year is packed with even more exciting new exhibitions and is described as dangerous, playful, witty and life-affirming.
Sŵn Festival is coming up and to open it London’s music collective Jungle take the stage for their not so secret DJ set (Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, 6th Nov, Tickets £12). If you are a fan of soul, dance or anything in-between this is not to be missed.
The event of the week, Sŵn Festival, enjoys a growing reputation as one of the most cherished happenings in Cardiff (Womanby Street, Cardiff, Sat 7– Sun 8 Nov, Day tickets £13 – £25 Weekend tickets £23 – £47). A dazzling array of talent boasting some of the biggest growing acts in the world. Lovers of any musical genres are sure to be enticed to dance, eat, drink and enjoy all that there is on offer. With 74 bands announced already and still more to come this festival is sure to be action-packed.
words SAM LOVEITT