Last year a 30-foot inflatable pig lay outside the Wales Millennium Centre for a whole month. But this wasn’t just any pig, this pig had a theatre in its potbelly, and it was the centrepiece of cabaret, comedy and all-round giggle-filled extravaganza, Blysh.
This year, the month-long festival is back to take over Cardiff Bay with fun, frolics and frivolity for all the family throughout the whole of July. With an abundance of free performances, Blysh won’t set you back too much (maybe just the ice-creams), bringing a whole new meaning to the cheap and cheerful. Some bigger performances, such as those taking place in the Weston Studio may charge admission, but will never be more than £12.
Kick-starting the Weston Studio is cabaret performance Revolution Cubana (Thurs 12-Sat 14 July, 7.30pm, tickets: £8-£12) which brings a taste of the exotic to the heart of Wales, in the form of a hot and heavy Cuban party. Visitors are transported back in time to 1957 Havana for an evening of circus acts, show girls and revelry. With optional ‘50s fancy dress, attach your fake moustache, don a linen suit and join the fun.
A cornucopia of cabaret, the Glanfa Stage has a show for everyone. Kitsch Kats (Sat 14-Sun 15 July, 7.30pm, free admission) are an energetic dance duo, determined to get you up on your feet with their quirky characters, whilst Rayguns Look Real Enough (Sat 14 July, 1pm & 4pm, free admission) will rock your socks off with their comedy and rock music mash-up.
If you’re too excited to sit still long enough for a show, why not join in? No Fit State Circus will be on hand with circus workshops, teaching you everything you need to know to conquer the Big Top, including balance, concentration and teamwork skills. Or, if you feel like stepping into the shoes of a talent show judge, check out Judgestars (Sat 21 July, 6pm, tickets: £6) where the contestants are at your mercy, you decide who has the talent…or lack of.
Blysh Festival runs from 2-22 July at the Wales Millennium Centre, with a whole load of other free activities, please check the full event listings at www.wmc.org.uk.