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.
AMSER JAZZ TIME
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Until 24 June
What: A series of chilled out, cucumber cool jazz sessions in the foyer of the home of the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, taking place every Friday evening. Presented by the college’s head of jazz, Paula Gardiner, the evenings are an opportunity to listen to some of the best young jazz musicians in the Welsh music scene. Oh, and there’s tapas.
Who: Up and coming jazz musicians
How much: free
Info: www.rwcmd.ac.uk
BALTER FESTIVAL
The location for this festival is considered to be a ‘secret’ and will be sent to ticket holders prior to the event. It’s rumoured to be in South Wales, and about an hour from Bristol.
Fri 3-Sun 5 Jun
What: The line-up is huge in this adult-only event, with ten stages to accommodate all music tastes as well as numerous music takeovers. The Caravan is where you can find punk and ska acts, The Drawing Room will be for you tek, jungle and DNM lovers, Sika Studios will be where all your hip-hop, Grime and Hype music is at. Head to Buckingham Palace for fresh beats and bass, Dutty Disco hosts all your cheese music and there’s loads more too.
Who: Los Albertos, Carny Villains, Hellfish, Slipmatt,
How much: £15-£100
Info: www.balterfestival.com
BEYOND THE BORDER FESTIVAL
St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Fri 1-Sun 3 July
What: Get lost in a world of stories this summer at Beyond the Border Storytelling Festival.
Held in the fairy-tale setting of St Donat’s castle, this three-day event will transform, inform and entertain its guests while immersing them in the beauty of the Glamorganshire coast. With 9 stages, over 100 performances, and guests from around the globe, this magical occasion will bring you storytelling like never before. Featuring loads of activities for both adults and kids, Beyond the Border offers something for everyone. With a vision to ‘bring the world to Wales, and take Wales to the world’ this year’s festival brings writers, readers and families together to celebrate their mutual love of storytelling.
Who: Storytellers from around the world
How much: £10-£120
Info: www.beyondtheborder.com
CAERLEON FESTIVAL
Caerleon
Fri 1-Sun 10 July
What: The Caerleon festival is a local project of those proud of the town they live in. The event is full of literary experiences, bands and comedy in a variety of venues.
Who: Pubs, rock, and literature on the lawn
How much: TBC
Info: www.caerleon-arts.org
EVERYMAN OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Thurs 23 Jun–Sat 30 Jul
What: This festival is perfect for those of you who enjoy the drama of the theatre. Showcasing some of Cardiff’s finest productions, over the course of the month you can enjoy stunning performances in the serenity of Sophia Gardens. This year’s productions include Into the Woods, ‘Allo ‘Allo, Romeo & Juliet and Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.
How much: TBC
Info: www.everymanfestival.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF VOICE
Various venues across Cardiff
Fri 3-Sun 12 June 2016
What: Festival of Voice is a major music celebration showcasing national and international artists over ten days. This summer the event will comprise of a variety of exciting musicians, as well as some rather unique and unusual performances. Founded by Wales Millennium Centre this event will fill the land of song with all genres of music, taking place in venues across Cardiff including the New Theatre, St David’s Hall, Llandaff Cathedral, Chapter Arts Centre, and the Tramshed. Highlights include Charlotte Church’s reworking of The Little Mermaid, and performances from the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Van Morrison, John Cale and Gwenno. This musical spectacular will transform the city into one of Europe’s major festival locations.
Who: John Cale, Charlotte Church, Ronnie Spector, Kemi Kuti, Bryn Terfel, Manic Street Preachers and Gwenno.
How much: tickets vary per venue
Info: www.festivalofvoice.wales
FOLK ON THE LAWN
Abbey Mill, Tintern
Thurs 21-Sun 24 July
What: In the shadow of Tintern Abbey, Folk On The Lawn is a modest festival, primarily run and funded by the locals of Tintern.
Who: Avital Raz, Cassia, Leif, Pamela Wyn Shannon
How much: TBC
Info: www.folkonthelawn.com
GLASTONBARRY
Barry Island
Sat 30+Sun 31 July
What: GlastonBARRY is giving its Glasto sister a run for its money this year. With top tribute acts footing the bill like Michael Jackson and 2 RUDE, you can listen to world class hits right on the Welsh seaside.
Who: Guns 2 Roses, Kazabian, Antarctic Monkeys, 2 RUDE
Admission: £23-£40
Info: www.glastonbarry.com

GOWER FOLK FESTIVAL
The Greyhound Inn, Llanrhidian
Fri 10-Sun 12 Jun
What: The Gower Folk Festival is a one-of-a-kind folk music celebration that takes place every June providing its visitors with three days filled with the finest folk music. The three-day event is held at an award winning Public House set on the Gower Peninsula, a location renowned for its stunning natural landscape, ruined castles and wildlife. With a unique assortment of live performances, stunning scenery and exciting workshops, this festival gives both performers and the audiences the chance to celebrate together in an exclusive musical party.
Who: Elfen, The Gentle Good, Lady Maisery
How much: £7-£53
Info: www.gowerfolkfestival.co.uk
THE GREEN GATHERING
Chepstow
Thurs 4–Sun 7 Aug
What: The Green Gathering is a refreshing festival, in as much as it goes back to the roots of channelling hippy philosophy with it being fully powered by wind, sun and human power. This sustainable festival steps away from the commercial saturation of the industry, and has been applauded for ecological management whilst proving to be a family favourite.
Who: Speakers, philosophy and live music
How much: £55 – £95
Info: www.greengathering.org.uk
GREEN MAN FESTIVAL
Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons
Thurs 18-Sun 21 August
What: Green Man is the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales. Starting off in 2003 as a one-day event with just 300 guests the award-winning festival returns for its 14th time and has evolved into a 20,000 capacity 4-day extravaganza. The unique event is divided into ten areas, each offering exclusive festival experiences incorporating music, comedy, science, art, all-night bonfires and more. The Mountain Stage is where you’ll find a massive line up of Indie, Rock, Folk and Dance music, while being immersed in the rugged landscape of the Brecon Beacons. Made up of three tents is Far Out for the Rap, Hip-hop, Blues and Reggae lovers, where you’ll also find late night DJs and even a Cinedrome. Then you’ve got Einstein’s Garden, which, as the name suggests, features all your sciencey stuff as well over 100 performances incorporating theatre, walks and talks, live comedy, and more. With ten magical zones, this award winning festival encourages you to lose yourself, celebrating art in all its forms.
Who: Belle and Sebastian, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Warpaint, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Songhoy Blues
How much: £20 – £175
Info: www.greenman.net

HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL
Various venues across Cardiff
Wed 29 Jun– Sun 3 July
What: Hijinx is an event that celebrates the best arts, nationally and internationally, by those with learning disabilities. The festival has a varied programme including theatre, dance, music and comedy that can be enjoyed by all audiences.
Who: Hinjinx Theatre and more
How much: Events price separately
Info: www.hijinx.org.uk
HUMBLE BY NATURE BIG DAY OUT
Penallt, Monmouth
Fri 1+Sat 2 July
What: There’s one festival this summer that brings people of all ages together to relish the beautiful Welsh countryside and witness life on a real working the farm. Hosted by TV presenter Kate Humble, Humble By Nature Big Day Out is an event held in the heart of Monmouthshire’s Wye Valley that encourages its visitors to leave their modern gadgets at home and get stuck in to some real old fashioned outdoor fun.
Last year guests made donuts around the fire pit with the Fabulous Baker Brothers, got rather scientific about pizza with Dallas Campbell, enjoyed music from local bands, Simon Mu and The Brwmys along with the endless scrumptious food and exciting craft activities. Following 2015’s successes, this year’s event will be double the length with double the fun, filled with even more great music, scrummy food, crafts and skills, the much loved farm Olympics and loads of stuff for the kids as well. The Wye Valley is also renowned for fine micro-breweries and cider-makers so there will be plenty of local tipples too.
The main festival field will open on Sat 2 July while the keen campers can arrive at 5pm on the Friday. The Lambing Shed is where activities will commence on the Friday evening and will spread right through to Sunday afternoon.
Who: Miles Jupp, Railroad Bill, Remi Harris
How much: £35-£40
Info: www.humblebynature.com
IRIS
Various Venues, Cardiff
Wed 12–Sun 16 Oct
What: Cardiff’s international LGBT short film festival Iris is a pioneering festival celebrating the talents of those in the community. The Iris prize is the only award of its kind, where the winner receives £30,000.
Who: Short films
How much: TBC
Info: www.irisprize.org

MARGAM INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
Margam
Fri 27-Mon 30 May
What: For kite-flying of all shapes and sizes Margam Park hosts a slightly unusual event this spring. Spread over a long weekend, this festival will be a day out for all the family to enjoy. Also- just for a heads up – if you’re thinking about going along on the Monday then don’t forget to dress as your favourite super hero as it’s ‘Super Hero Monday’ (name does kind of give it away). That way you can fly a kite or… fly without one!
Who: Kites
How much: TBC
Info: www.npt.gov.uk
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Fri 29 Jul – Sat 6 Aug
What: The National Eisteddfod is Wales’ leading festival held annually for people of all ages and interests to celebrate all things Welsh. This festival is pretty much the pinnacle of the Welsh cultural calendar, commemorating Welsh music, food and language. Spread over an eight-day period with a capacity of up to 160,000 guests, the Eisteddfod offers something for everyone, rejoicing Welsh heritage and culture.
Who: Only Men Aloud, Gwawr Edwards and Rebecca Trehear, Caroline Sheen, James Williams
How much: £15- £20
Info: www.eisteddfod.wales
PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL
Grand Pavillion, Porthcawl
Fri 23–Sun 25 Sept
What: The famous Elvis festival is returning to Porthcawl this September in a unique celebration of The King himself. With over 100 shows over the course of the weekend, this special event is full to the brim with impersonators, fancy dress and world class tribute artists.
Who: Hundreds upon hundreds of Elvises
How much: £6-£21.50 for individual shows / £133.50 VIP package
Info: www.elvies.co.uk
RUDRY FESTIVAL
Rudry Parish Hall, Caerphilly
Sat 16 July
What: Rudry Festival is a one-day event featuring music with folk, Americana and acoustic roots. There will be great food and real ale and optional overnight camping. Tickets will be on sale on 16 June 10:00am
Who: Lewis and Leigh, Climbing Trees, Luke Jackson Trio, The Minerals, Maddie Jones, Sion Russell Jones
How much: £22-£27.50 (+ £8.80 to camp)
Info: www.rudryfestival.com
THE SURPLUS FEST SPRING GATHERING
Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan
Fri 20-Sun 22 May
What: Fancy a festival that won’t break the bank? The Surplus Spring Gathering is a small camping festival that caters for all the family. The festival also has a varied line up to cater for a range of tastes, with an array of ethical shops and food pop-ups to keep you fed and clothed. Dogs are also welcome.
Who: Tarantism, Dan Kemp, Joytown Gypsies
How much: £35
Info: www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/surplus
SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Various venues across Swansea
Fri 17-Sun 19 Jun
What: Swansea International Jazz Festival returns for the third year this June featuring the finest live jazz music in Wales. Fifty events will take place in twelve different venues across the Swansea’s Maritime Quarter featuring music from artists from all over the world.
As part of an excitement music programme, Jazz Artists from Europe, USA, and Australia will perform at the Dylan Thomas Theatre along with South Wales Schools Big Band workshops and more.
Who: Alan Barnes Octet, Janet Seidel, Jeff Hooper Big Band, Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly
How much: Prices vary per event
Info: www.sijf.co.uk
TAFWYL
Cardiff Castle
Fri 2+Sat 3 July
What: This festival was originated from the demand of Cardiff residents to make the Welsh language more established in the capital. This cultural festival has grown in figures so is now located in Cardiff Castle. Even if you aren’t a welsh speaker, come along to learn about a vastly growing language.
How much: TBC
Info: www.tafwyl.org
TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL
Tredegar House, Newport
Fri 6–Sun 8 May
What: Dancing to Irish music whilst listening to old folk tales is an annual event for Tredegar. In its 27th running of the Folk Festival, listen to fiddles, guitars and even bagpipes burst into song on a fresh spring weekend.
Who: Lowri Evans, Calan, Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies
How much: free entry to the site, tickets to events vary £6 – £30
Info: www.tredegarhousefestival.org.uk
UKULELE FESTIVAL WALES
Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea
Sat 25+Sun 26 Jun
What: Want a weekend to celebrate a fantastic and uplifting instrument? Take part in workshops, performances and songs surrounding the music of the ukulele at this summery Swansea festival.
Who: Pete Moss, Fflip Fflops, Eddie Cromie
How much: £10
Info: www.ukulelefestivalofwales.co.uk
VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL
Various venues across the Vale of Glamorgan
Tue 10-Fri 20 May
What: The Vale of Glamorgan Festival presents and celebrates the music of living composers, a major event in the country’s musical calendar. The festival originally focused on classical music but, since it was founded in 1969 it has transformed into a ‘festival of living composers’ and is now considered to be one of the most adventurous and unique musical events in the United Kingdom. Not only will this year feature many talented acts performing in venues across this ‘land of song’ but it will also be mark some major birthdays as the founder John Metcalf and musician Pēteris Vask’s turn 70, and Steve Reich turns 80.
Who: BBC NOW, Latvian Radio Choir, Quatuor Tana, Jose Zalba-Smith
How much: £3-£15
Info: www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk

VALE OF GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL
Various routes around the Vale of Glamorgan
Thurs 19–Sun 22 May
What: This four-day walking festival is perfect for the inner rambler inside you. Each walk is vastly different with varying challenges and lengths, but with all the paths you get to enjoy the countryside and Welsh cliff tops.
How much: TBC
Info: www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk
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
Info: www.festivalofinnovation.org
WALES INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
Blackwood Miners’ Institute, Maxime Cinema & High Street Pop-Up, Blackwood
Thurs 12-Sat 14 May
What: Showcasing the best documentary making over the last year is the Wales International Documentary Festival. Scheduled to kick off this May in venues across Blackwood.
Being the first of its type in Wales, this event is sure to bring local and international filmmakers together to take part in the many masterclasses, training programmes and networking events. More than 50 films are set to be screened in the cinemas, as well as in various pop-up venues along the High Street.
With support from BAFTA Cymru, Creative Europe and Caerphilly Council this one-of-a-kind film festival will offer its guests the chance to celebrate the best in documentary filmmaking, as well as a selection of artistic exhibitions and international food stalls.
Who: Some of the finest documentary films in Wales
How much: Tickets vary per event
Info: www.widf.info
WELSH PROMS
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Sat 16-Sat 23 July
What: This event annually hosts visionaries in classical music, with orchestras, conductors and soloists throughout. The Welsh Proms is a celebration of all things classical in our nation.
Who: TBC
How much: TBC
Info: www.welshproms.com
WYE RIVER VALLEY FESTIVAL
Various venues across the Wye River Valley
Fri 29 Apr-Sun 15 May
What: Wye Valley River Festival was designed for people to get together to celebrate the joys of life while challenging and inspiring its guests to change the way we view our world. Featuring music, song, story and spectacle, this year’s festival provides a unique opportunity for friends and families to enjoy the activities and entertainment programmes there are to offer while being surrounded by the waters of the Wye. With its central theme of ‘Global Arteries’ this event provokes thought regarding the river Wye, trying to establish connections between its visitors and our mutual, complex, universal relationship with water.
Who: Water Ones, Serai and art installations
How much: TBC
Info: www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
X MUSIC FESTIVAL
Bute Park, Cardiff
Fri 3+Sat 4 Jun
What: X Music Festival had a triumphant first year in the capital in 2015, so with its return to Bute Park, this year comes with some jaw dropping headliners. The line-up contains some of the summer’s most sought after acts, including Craig David’s TS5, Annie Mac and grime phenomenon Stormzy. Although a fresher in the festival world, the calibre of UK chart and underground dance acts to perform in the park is astonishing. With three stages, fun fairs and a variety of entertainment tents, a weekend that costs just under £60, this festival is an absolute steal.
Who: Hannah Wants, Eats Everything, My Nu Leng
How much: £49 – £59
Info: www.xmusicfestival.com