The sun’s in the sky and the clouds have subsided (mostly) which can only mean one thing: festival season. With the summer sun just poking its head over the horizon, a head-spinning medley of festivals are springing up all over Wales’ fresh dewy fields. To help you decide which ones you’ll be visiting this festival season, we’re providing this handy guide to help you navigate through a melange of musical madness and festivity.
ALLROOTS YOGA FESTIVAL
Pembrokeshire
Fri 2–Sun 4 Sep
What: Need some relaxation time after a hectic summer? Unwind and enjoy the peaceful weekend in the tranquil setting of Pembrokeshire. Namaste!
Who: Yoga
How much: TBC
Info: www.allrootsyogafestivals.co.uk
CLIFFTOP REGGAE PARTY
Secret location near Aberystwyth
Fri 3-Mon 6 Jun
What: Three days of deep soulful dub reggae vibes from across the UK in a warmth & shine fashion in a beautiful location, with an above clifftop view perfect for chilled out sunsets. The secret location for this reggae party will be revealed to ticket holders before the event.
Who: Solo Bnaton and The Uppercut Band, Earl 16 & The Gideon Band, Mungos HiFi
How much: £10-£70
Info: www.skarumbahifi.com
ELEMENTARY DIDGERIDOO FESTIVAL
Baskerville Hall Hotel, Hay-On-Wye
Fri 19–Sun 21 Aug
What: Contemporary world music is brought to Hay-On-Wye with the Elementary Didgeridoo Festival. This native Australian instrument is instantly recognisable and trance-inducing, and this events line up is full of international didgeridoo artists.
Who: Ab Origine, Akot, The DeadEyes, Zalem
How much: TBC
Info: www.elementarydidgeridoofestival.co.uk
FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN
Cwmnewidion Isaf, Aberystwyth
Fri 3 – Sun 5 Jun
What: In the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains, this small festival contains activities such as a The Healing Field, Cafe Peace and a pedal powered cinema. Just a short bike ride from the coast, Fire in the Mountain is a great opportunity for a relaxed weekend away.
Who: Foghorn Stringband, The Gentle Good, Cajun Country Revival
How much: £60 – £110
Info: www.fireinthemountain.co.uk
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL
Fishguard
Fri 27-Mon 30 May
What: Bringing people together with a unique mix of musical talent is Fishguard’s 17th Folk Festival. This four-day event is filled with local and international artists, both small and well-known performers, as well as endless activities. Set along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, this friendly festival provides a wonderful day out for people of all ages to enjoy a fun-packed weekend filled with music, song and dance.
Who: Alaw, Wildgeese, Talisk
How much: Price varies from act to act
Info: www.pembrokeshire-folk-music.co.uk
GWYL GREGYNOG
Various venues across Powys
Thurs 16-Sun 26 Jun
What: The 2016 Gwyl Gregynog Festival: Éire will focus on Welsh and Irish culture, exploring the musical, literature and artistic connections between the two. Combining both classical and traditional music with poetry, drama, films, talks and exhibitions this festival gives life to the myths and stories of the Celtic lands. Gwyl Gregynog is the oldest classical music festival in Wales and musicians, historians, poets and artists will be travelling far and wide to be there. This year’s programme consists of talks from renowned historians, opportunities to learn about the treasures of the National Museum of Ireland and many performances from Irish musicians as well as international artists.
The festival will take place in Gregynog Hall, Pennant Melangell, Aberystwyth, Montgomery and Llandinam.
Who: Mahan Esfahani, The Irish Consort, Goodman Trio
How much: Price varies per venue
Info: www.gwylgregynogfestival.org
HAY FESTIVAL
Hay-On-Wye
Thurs 26 May–Sun 5 Jun
What: Hay Festival is a prestigious event, uniting the best writers, poets, comics and musicians to celebrate literature in all its forms. Not only is the Hay Festival a Welsh treasure, it’s a global celebration of the arts. This year, like all the previous events, is steeped in literary talent. In addition to the impressive guests, there is ample opportunity to enjoy a read in a series of workshops, reading spaces and cafes. Surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon beacons, Hay Festival provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet poets, artists, comedians, environmentalists, and scientists from around the world. What was once an idea thought up around a kitchen table in 1987, Hay has now brought people together for 27 years and it continues to attract the most exciting filmmakers, writers, comedians, and musicians from around the world. This summer the Hay Festival will be a 10-day event filled with storytelling, idea exchanging, topic debating, music and laughter that will leave guests to entertained, informed, and inspired.
Who: Michael Palin, Dara 0’Brian, David Gilmour and more.
How much: Price varies from act to act.
Info: www.hayfestival.com
HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN
Hay-On-Wye
Thurs 26 May–Sun 5 Jun
What: This festival is a blend of philosophical speakers and musicians who aim to spread the promotion of big ideas. The Institute of Art and Ideas created this event to inject intellectual content into the UK festival circuit. This boundary pushing event is great for those to broaden their minds and learn about cultural diversity in Britain.
Who: C Duncan, Ghostpoet, King Charles, Natalie Bennet
How much: TBC
Info: www.howthelightgetsin.iai.tv
MUSICFEST
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Sat 23–Sat 30 July
What: Musicfest is fantastic event that marries future musical talent from a summer school with a seaside music festival. The summer schools specialises in violin, cello, clarinet and saxophone disciplines as well as choral progression. Expect to hear jazz bands and huge chamber ensembles here.
Who: Jazz and chamber ensembles
How much: TBC
Info: musicfestaberystwyth.org
ROYAL WELSH SHOW
Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd
Mon 18-Thurs 21 July
What: The Royal Welsh Show showcases the best of Welsh livestock and high quality food and drink produced in Wales. Encompassing the wider spectrum of farming and rural life this festival bridges the gap between city and countryside. This event will put on a variety of activities including crafts, countryside sports, horticulture, as well as a 12-hour entertainment programme that continues throughout each of the four days of the event, making it an occasion for everyone to enjoy.
Who: Fluffy sheep
How much: £24-£26. Under 5s: free, 5-16 yrs: £5
Info: www.rwas.wales
WALES FESTIVAL OF INNOVATION
Various events across Wales
Mon 20 Jun-Fri 1 Jul
What: This festival was created to give people a rare insight into the world-leading work of discovery and invention that’s taking place right on our doorstep. It will showcase products and services to potential customers, provide innovators with the opportunity to network with industry experts, and give members of the public a chance to meet the scientists and entrepreneurs who are shaping our future. This festival will intrigue and inspire, uncovering Wales’ amazing contribution to a rapidly advancing world.
Who: Sue Bevan, Bill Jones, Wendy Davis, Michael Clark
How much: Information on how to take part is on their site
