Ahh… festival season’s upon us once again. The temperature’s increased by a couple of degrees, the rain is just torrential instead of apocalyptic, and wellington boot and poncho sales are starting to rise. As the summer sun rises over the horizon, an overwhelming myriad of festivals come into bloom, but don’t worry! We’re here with a handy guide to this year’s festivals to help you pick the best from the bunch.
WALES INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
Various venues in Blackwood
Wed 5 – Fri 7 April
What: Independent film makers, industry experts and international audiences will all be drawn to Blackwood for the promotion of creativity and innovation in film. Led by a strong and experienced team of creative individuals, the festival is set to thrive once more in 2017 with international audiences and films alike contributing to the continuous success of the festival.
Who: Some of the best documentary film makers in Wales and abroad today
How Much: Tickets vary in price per event
Info: www.widf.info
SAFE AS MILK FESTIVAL
Prestatyn
Fri 21 – Sun 23 April
What: Set up in 2016 through a partnership between Graham Thrower and Lee Etherington, 2017 will see the very first Safe As Milk festival take place. In late April in Prestatyn, exciting underground music acts like Basic Rythm, Warm Digits and Carla Dal Forno will take centre stage in what is set to be one of the most exciting new music festivals 2017 has to offer. Created by the team behind Gateshead`s TUSK Festival, and named after the debut album by Captain Beefheart, the quiet town northern town of Prestatyn is set for a loud summer.
Who: Butthole Surfers, Shirley Collins, The Residents
How Much: £199pp
Info: www.safeasmilkfestival.com
MACHYNLLETH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Venues across Machynlleth
Fri 28 – Sun 30 April
What: With experimentation and intimacy in mind, this unique ‘comedian’s comedy festival’ now boats visitors over 6,000 guests each year. The small Powys town, once Owain Glyndŵr’s capital, will hold the eighth annual comedy festival with big names like Stewart Lee, James Acaster and Mark Watson all set to give us the giggles over the last weekend of April. With a range of comedy acts, old and new, being added to the line-up daily, there’s bound to be a laugh in there for everyone.
Who: Stuart Lee, James Acaster, Mark Watson
How Much: Tickets vary per event but range between £7-£14
Info: www.machcomedyfest.co.uk
BIG LOVE FESTIVAL
Baskerville Hall, Hay-on-Wye
Fri 28 April – Mon 1 May
What: Sticking to its roots as a small festival with a big atmosphere, the Big Love Festival is set to share the love with howls of delight in Baskerville Hall once again. The festival’s independence is where it stands out from others, boasting a range of local crews, bands and DJs from all over the Cardiff and Bristol area, the array of local talent makes it not to be missed. The setting, which previously held festivals as big as Boomtown and Green Man, allows for a relaxed and intimate feel. With music continuing until 5am, the movement and energy of Big Love is sure to be… well, lovely.
Who: Horse Meat Disco, Flamingods, KRS-ONE
How Much: £75
Info: www.biglovefestival.co.uk
GEEKEDFEST SWANSEA
University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Townhill Campus, Swansea
Sat 29 April
What: One of South Wales’ biggest comic conventions, starting back in 2015 now covering both Swansea and Newport this year, and will be stopping off in Swansea first, and in Newport in August. With exhibitors selling everything from comics, unique artwork, retro games and rare confectionary and guests ranging from {Game of Thrones} actors, current and former WWE wrestlers and science fiction authors, there’s bound to be something to satisfy the inner geek in all of us.
Who: Cult TV and film actors, cosplay, and comics
How Much: £10
More Info: www.geekedfestevents.com
PENARTH ROCKS
Paget Rooms, Penarth
Sat 29 April
What: Headlined by last year`s GlastonBARRY headliner, Flash, the Queen tribute band who stunned audiences, are set to make Penarth rock once again. With other tributes to ska, soul, and funk music, and cult bands like The Who, there’s bound to be something that you can have a dance to. Presented by Mack Events, the same team behind GlastonBARRY, there’s a range of celebrity guest speakers, music and activities to cater to all.
Who: Flash (Queen tribute), Who`s Next (The Who tribute), Too Toned (Ska Tribute)
More Info: www.penarthrocks.com
LLANDUDNO VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA
Venues across Llandudno
Sat 29 April – Mon 1 May
What: Started back in 1986 as a way of trying to secure the future of the beautiful town’s declining tourist industry, this festival celebrates all things Victorian (when the town’s reputation as a tourist resort was in full swing). The 2017 festival will mark a 31-year anniversary, making it something of an old faithful on the festival circuit.
How Much: Free
More Info: www.victorian-extravaganza.com
FOCUS WALES
Venues across Wrexham
Thurs 11 – Sat 13 May
What: FOCUS Wales is a not-for-profit organisation centred around providing an annual showcase of the Welsh Music Industry. 2017 marks the festival’s seventh edition, welcoming over 7,000 visitors to Wrexham. With over 200 bands, 20 interactive sessions, including stand-up comedy, art and film, spread across 20 stages, FOCUS is one of the most important creative platforms for new music and art in Wales today. With previous performers including names like The Joy Formidable, Slaves and Catfish and the Bottlemen, this is a date to keep in your diary.
Who: Cabbage, Astroid Boys, Don Letts
How Much: Individual tickets £8 – £16; festival tickets £35
More Info: www.focuswales.com
DEVAUDEN FESTIVAL
Devauden Village Hall
Fri 12 + Sat 13 May
What: Since May 2010, this small festival has gathered momentum every year. Based in Monmouthshire, the festival raises much needed money for the village hall and other charities. With a highly-anticipated line up yet to be fully announced, the 2017 festival, which is entering its eighth year, is likely to be one of the biggest yet.
Who: Afro Cluster and Rusty Shackle confirmed
How Much: Prices range from £5 to £31
More Info: www.devaudenfestival.com
TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL
Tredegar House and Country Park
Fri 12 – Sun 14 May
What: The 28th annual folk festival takes place slightly earlier in the festival season, and is sure to be a highlight for lovers of international folk music and traditions. With dancers from the Czech Republic, Latvia and Hungary to name but a few, this international affair is fun for all the family. A popular destination for all those involved given the real ale, food and dance that accompanies the live music.
Who: TBC
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.tredegarhousefestival.org.uk
THE BIG ACOUSTIC WALK
Plas Y Brenin
Fri 12 – Sun 14 May
What: If walking all day and singing all night is your kind of thing, then this is the festival for you. Unlike more traditional music festivals, the Big Acoustic Walk combines the love of walking in the Welsh countryside, and listening or singing to your favourite tunes. Whether a performer or listener, after a day of walking around Plas-Y-Brenin, the music will continue into the night for all to enjoy in a beautiful time of year.
Who: For anyone who loves music and walking
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.thebigacousticwalk.com
VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL
Various venues around Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
Fri 19 – Fri 26 May
What: Founded in 1969 by the Welsh composer John Metcalf, the Vale of Glamorgan festival is a contemporary music festival centred around the classical music of living composers. This change of direction came in 1992 and with it came the international reputation of one of the most important festivals in the classical calendar. Once again, this year the Vale promises to host a range of talented international contemporary composers.
Who: John Adams, Elisander Fabregas, Graham Fitkin
How Much: Tickets vary per event
More Info: www.valeofglamorganfestival.org.uk
VALE OF GLAMORGAN WALKING FESTIVAL
Various routes around Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
What: For those who like a stroll, the Vale of Glamorgan has another trick up its sleeve: a range of different walks around the county for free. The eighth year of the festival sees many different walks ranging in distance, difficulty and time. The views on offer include: Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge.
How Much: Free
More Info: www.valeofglamorganwalkingfestival.org.uk
HAY FESTIVAL
Hay-on-Wye
Thurs 25 May – Sun 4 June
What: The power to change the way we think lies at the heart of this unique festival with a gathering of scientists, poets, lyricists, novelists, and environmentalists all joining to debate and share stories in a celebration of knowledge. Set in the beautiful Brecon countryside town of Hay-on-Wye, for 29 years the Hay Festival has been making us question the way we think, with Bill Clinton calling it the ‘Woodstock of the mind’.
Who: Scientists, environmentalists, philosophers, poets
How Much: Prices vary per event
More Info: www.hayfestival.com
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL
Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard
Fri 26 – Mon 29 May
What: The last weekend of May will see the Fishguard Folk Festival enter its 18th year. The seaside town’s folk festival offers a unique mix of new local talent and some well-known performers, together with the Pembrokeshire coast makes this festival a hidden gem in the Welsh folk music scene.
Who: Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith, Rob Lear, Nick Dow
How Much: Mostly free, but prices vary per event
More Info: www.pembrokeshire-folk-music.co.uk
URDD EISTEDDFOD
Urdd region of Bridgend
Mon 29 May – Fri 3 June
What: Urdd Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest youth touring festivals will be held in Bridgend this year. Attracting over 15,000 children and young people each year, this festival is a competitive platform for dancers, singers and all sorts of performers, that aims to inspire and strive for creativity and freedom. With different activities ranging from biking and climbing to sports sessions, along with a fun fair and live music, the festival is an outlet for creativity and freedom for young people, while celebrating the Welsh language and culture.
Who: Dancers, singers, performers
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.urdd.cymru
GOTTWOOD FESTIVAL
Anglesey
Thurs 8 – Sun June
What: From druids to dance, the critically acclaimed, independent, boutique and intimate underground electronic music festival is back for another party in the woods, set to make Anglesey dance once again. With a host of different DJs and artists on offer, one of the most talked about Welsh festivals is ready to deliver again for 2017.
Who: 2 Bad Mice, Adam Shelton, Horse Meat Disco, Bradley Zero
How Much: £165
More Info: www.gottwood.co.uk
AMSER JAZZ TIME FESTIVAL
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
Fri 9 – Tue 13 June
What: The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama hosts its annual Jazz festival once again this year. If Brecon’s Jazz Festival in August is too late in the summer for you, then this is perfect, with a selection of the biggest stars in UK jazz, alongside sessions with the brightest talents at the college. An extension of the RWCMD’s weekly Friday Amser Jazz Time jams, the full festival is bound to be a treat for jazz heads.
Who: Jacqui Dankworth, Charlie Wood, Tina May.
How much: Free
Info: 029 2034 2854 / www.rwcmd.ac.uk
BARRY ISLAND TRANSPORT FESTIVAL
Barry Island
Sun 11 June
What: On the first day of 2017’s much awaited summer, Barry Island is the place to be for all things classic. With classic cars and heritage buses dating as far back as 100 years ago, the collection of vintage transport is something for car and history fanatics to enjoy. Taking a trip back in time with bus trips and classic car shows is something that every petrol head will enjoy.
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.classiccarshowsuk.co.uk/events
GREGYNOG FESTIVAL
Gregynog Hall, Tregynon
Fri 16 June – Sun 2 July
What: Set in the idyllic (and supposedly haunted) Gregynog Hall, surrounded by country grounds is the oldest music festival in Wales. Beginning back in 1933, the Gregynog Festival gathers a range of international artists together in a relaxed house-party feel. The rich history and tradition that grounds the festival offers a unique flavour that is different to other classical musical festivals.
Who: TBC
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.gregynogfestival.org
TAFWYL
Llandaff Fields, Cardiff
Thurs 29 June – Sun 2 July
What: Normally taking place in Cardiff Castle, Tafwyl is a free arts and culture festival that features live music, literature, drama, comedy, sport, food and drink all in the heart of the city. Established in 2006 to celebrate the Welsh language in Cardiff, this year looks to be as big as ever. With the move from Mochyn Du came bigger crowds as 1,500 in the beginning turned into 36,500 last year. However, due to the champions league final, the festival will be moving to Llandaff Fields for just this year.
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.tafwyl.org
CARDIFF OPEN AIR THEATRE FESTIVAL
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Thurs 22 June – Sat 29 July
What: Formerly known as the Everyman Open Air Theatre Festival, which began life in 1983, the festival now attracts crowds of over 20,000 each year. Now based in Sophia Gardens, the month-long festival caters to all demographics, kids and grown-ups alike, with performances that capture the art of theatre (hopefully) in the sunshine.
Who: Vicar of Dibley, Macbeth, Spamalot
How Much: Tickets vary between event
More Info: www.cardiffopenairtheartrefestival.co.uk
HIJINX UNITY FESTIVAL
Caernarfon
Wed 28 Jun– Sun 2 July
What: The Hijinx Unity Festival returns this year for a celebration of the best arts, both nationally and internationally, produced by those with learning disabilities. The festival has a varied programme including theatre, dance, music and comedy that can be enjoyed by all audiences, providing opportunities for individuals with a wide range of talents.
Who: Hinjinx Theatre and more
How much: Events priced separately
Info: www.facebook.com/Unity-Festival
GOWER FESTIVAL
Venues around the Gower
Sat 1 – Sat 15 July
What: This unique music festival is centred around hymns and the inspiring music that it creates. Established in 1976 by Jonathan Beecher, an Oxford Cellist, the festival enjoyed its 40th anniversary last year, and is also set for another successful year of international music. This is after Gordon Back`s new direction of a more expansive music collective, who is in his fourth year in charge as the creative director. The festival takes place in many old churches, and is aimed to attract tourists and take locals out of the city to enjoy the stunning countryside on offer in the Gower.
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.gowerfestival.org
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EISTEDDFOD
Venues around Llangollen
Sat 3 – Fri 9 July
What: The picturesque town of Llangollen has been host to this distinctive cultural festival since 1947, spreading a message of peace and goodwill in an international context; it brings the world to Wales and Wales to the world. Held in early July, the festival attracts some 4,000 performers and 50,000 visitors, all sharing the same message celebrating peace and friendship, and of course song and dance.
How Much: Prices vary per event
More Info: www.international-eistedfodd.co.uk
MUSICFEST
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Sat 22 – Sun 30 July
What: Musicfest returns for 2017 with a smorgasbord of events celebrating fine music and musicians from a plethora of musical backgrounds. From classical to jazz, internationally renowned musicians like David Campbell and Kenneth Hasketh will be making appearances to not only perform, but also educate the public in their musical disciplines. Not only does the festival offer up huge chamber ensembles and jazz musicians, it hosts a summer school specialising in the violin, cello, clarinet, saxophone, and choral progression, and is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business, and listen to some fantastic established and developing musicians. Even better, it takes place in a lovely venue with views over the Irish Sea.
Who: Chamber ensembles, jazz bands, choirs
How much: Prices vary per event
Info: www.musicfestaberystwyth.org
MONMOUTH FESTIVAL
Various venues across Monmouth
Fri 28 July – Sat 5 Aug
What: The Welsh border town of Monmouth welcomes a wide selection of music to its streets; from country and folk to dance and pop, the music is new and old and, local and foreign. The festival is also a not-for-profit organisation and all proceeds are invested in improving and securing future festivals in an enchanting atmosphere.
Who: The Caspiens, The Rews, Skinny Lister
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.monmouthfestival.co.uk
LLANDUDNO JAZZ
Fri 28 – Sun 30 July
Various venues across Llandudno
What: One of the younger festivals, turning three this July. However, this has in no way affected its popularity and has been highlighted by many as one of the best little known festivals in the UK. The weekend is filled with a wide mix of modern and contemporary jazz from a range of different artists. Set in the rather magical town of Llandudno, the setting adds to the rise of the festival given its popular status as a tourist hotspot.
Who: Dean n Ed, Alan Barnes, Dave Newton
How Much: £135
More Info: www.llandudnojazzfestival.com
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL
Ebbw Vale, Gwent
Sat 29 + Sun 30 July
What: Held in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, Steelhouse is officially the highest UK festival, and one of the best value rock festivals (according to their site anyway). The last weekend of July will be the seventh year of the festival, with a rather impressive lineup. Focusing on classic rock, the festival is quickly developing and gaining popularity for those who want a classic festival experience without needing to remortgage their homes.
Who: Monster Truck, Inglorious, King King
How Much: Tickets ranging from £20 – £85
More Info: www.steelhousefestival.com
GLASTONBARRY
Romilly Park, Barry
Sat 29 + Sun 30 July
What: Glastonbury on a budget some might say, filled with some of the UK’s top tribute acts. However, with a line-up filled with 14 tribute bands, four more than last year, it’s a pretty cost effective way to travel back through time. Tribute acts include those inspired by Arctic Monkeys, Michael Jackson and Guns’ n Roses to name but a few, meaning there’s bound to be something for everyone on the last weekend of July.
Who: Oasish, The Stevie Wonder Experience, The Jamd
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.glastonbarry.com
KAYA FESTIVAL
Bridgend College
Fri 4 – Mon 7 Aug
What: The third festival will this time take place at Bridgend College, Pencoed Campus. After the success of the last two years, the festival is set to continue delivering its diverse range of music, from ska to soul, rock to reggae and funk to house, making this small scale festival and its wide range of music one to watch in 2017 and beyond.
Who: TBC
How Much: Tickets range from £45-£65
More Info: www.kayafestival.com
THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
Bodedern, Anglesey.
Fri 4 – Sat 12 Aug
What: The annual National Eisteddfod is going to the town of Bodedern in Anglesey this year, bringing the biggest celebration of all things Welsh to the Northwestern isle. Honouring and promoting Welsh music, poetry, arts, crafts and language, the festival’s presence on Anglesey also brings with it an astounding setting, amidst the heart-thumping cliffs and beautiful sweeping beaches of the island’s coastline. With over a week’s worth of events lined up, it can be hard to pick a particular highlight, but a moving one ought to be the festival’s commemoration of the centenary of the death in World War I of Hedd Wyn, the Welsh poet whose posthumously work won him in the Chair of Eisteddfod in Birkenhead 100 years ago.
Who: Yws Gwynedd, Yr Eira, Ed Holden.
How Much: £15-£20
Info: http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/
MAES B FESTIVAL
Bodedern, Anglesey
Fri 4 – Sat 12 Aug
What: Taking place during Eisteddfod week, its alternative little brother of a festival focuses on promoting and enjoying the best new music coming out of Wales today. Held in the chilled-out Anglesey surroundings, the festival is gaining momentum year on year after being created back in 2012. With a platform for new Welsh music, Maes B is the best place to see the next big thing.
Who: TBC
How Much: Tickets range from £12 – £110
More Info: www.maesb.com
BRECON JAZZ
Various venues, Brecon.
Fri 11 – Mon 14 Aug
What: Sitting at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon has always been a gorgeous place to hold any event, and the town’s long-running Jazz Festival is as worth a visit as ever. Last year, the festival opted to scale back and create a more intimate, community-focused event. The result may have meant fewer numbers, but more importantly it meant a better experience for those who were there. Proving that bigger isn’t necessarily better, Brecon Jazz in 2017 will aim to provide that same close-knit feel as it did last year, bringing jazz-loving artists and fans together for a much more personal one-to-one experience than might be possible for a larger-scale event.
Who: Teddy Smith Big Band, Tina May & Wales-Latin Jazz Ensemble, Women in Jazz Exhibition + more TBC.
How Much: Free, some events ticketed.
Info: http://www.breconjazzclub.org/
SOLARSPHERE FESTIVAL
Builth Wells
Fri 11 – Mon 14 Aug
What: The perfect small, family friendly festival that encompasses both astronomy and music in one place. Held on a farm in Builth Wells, Powys, over a weekend, the festival is a perfect platform for both novices and those more experienced to informally learn from eminent astronomers and scientists. Along with plenty of workshops and a sci fi fancy dress party on the Friday, it’s bound to be fun for the whole family.
Who: Speakers include: Dr Helen Mason OBE, Professor Mike Edmunds. Music from: Granny’s Attic, Everyday Heroes
How Much: £45 for adults, £20 for 13 – 16 year olds, under 13s go free
More Info: www.solarsphere.events
BURNING LANTERN
Sat 12 Aug
St Fagans, Cardiff
Taking place in the heart of one of Wales’ most famous and beloved museums, this family one-day open air festival celebrates Welsh culture and features big name headliners from singer/songwriter Tom Odell, Jack Savoretti, The Shires, The Gentle Good, Into The Ark, and Motown legends Martha and the Vandellas, as well as street food, local craft beer, circus workshops, arts and crafts, pony rides, and a vintage-style fun fair. Perfect for those who want the thrill and celebration of music provided by a festival, but can’t bear the idea of sleeping in a tent and doing their business outside. Guaranteed to be a great day out for families and music lovers. Gates open from 4pm.
Who: The Shires, Tom Odell, Jack Savoretti
Admission: £45 (adults), £22.50 (5-16 year olds)
Info: www.burninglantern.com
GREEN MAN
Brecon Beacons
Thurs 17 – Sun 20 Aug
What: Even more popular than Glass Butter Beach and Festival No.6 is the Brecon Beacons’s own, Green Man Festival. This year it’ll be hosting big names like Ryan Adams, Michael Kiwanuka and John Hopkins, the festival celebrates its 15th year anniversary in 2017 as its popularity continues to rise. The festival remains the largest contemporary music and arts festival in Wales today.
Who: Sleaford Mods, The Shins, Future Islands
How Much: £20 – £180
More Info: www.greenman.net
CASTELL ROC
Chepstow Castle
Thurs 17 – Mon 28 Aug
What: Set in the historic settings of Chepstow Castle, the festival enjoys a full 10 days of live music including, Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show, Motown and some Elvis. The festival has a reputation of having a relaxed and intimate feel with music taking you back and forth through time.
Who: New Model Army, Collabro, Monsters of Rock
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.castellroc.co.uk
RAWFFEST
Various venues across Llandudno
Thurs 17 – Sun 20 Aug
What: A festival all in the name of art, RawFfest is a youth arts festival that supports and promotes work from young artists aged 14 – 25. In 2013, the Arts Council for Wales found that there was a gap in the market for a festival that would promote and provide more opportunities for young artists and their work. As such, following on from the success of the very first RawFest in Newport last year, the festival returns to Llandudno in 2017 for more of the same. As part of a drive to push participation and promotion of art amongst young people, the festival involves a four day programme that acts as a vehicle to train young people in the arts.
How Much: £50 – £100 (Bursaries available)
More Info: www.rawffest.wales
PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL
Presteigne
Thurs 24 – Tues 29 Aug
What: Held in the rural Powys town of Presteigne, the festival has been running for 30 years, upholding a reputation for promoting new and fresh orchestral music, last year commissioning seven new pieces. This year’s festival will continue in this rich heritage, continuing to attract new fans each year.
Who: TBC
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.presteignefestival.com
PRIDE CYMRU
Cardiff
Fri 25 – Sun 27 Aug
What: Working for the promotion of the elimination of discrimination through the annual celebration of equality and diversity, the Wales LBGT community is partying once again in 2017 with Pride Cymru. The journey from the first event in 1999 has come a long way from 5,000 visitors to 20,000, with the festival has gaining momentum year on year. Notable patrons include Nigel Owens, Ian H. Watkins and Lu Corfield.
Who: TBC
How Much: Free
More Info: www.pridecymru.co.uk
HUB FESTIVAL
Womanby Street, Cardiff
Sat 26 – Mon 28 Aug
What: Set for August bank holiday with 200 acts, 12 stages, three venues and one wristband, the Hub Festival really is a diamond of a Welsh summer festival. With everything from rock, reggae, house, blues, jazz and funk but to name a few, this festival has something for all lovers of live music. Taking place in the cultural jewel in Cardiff’s alternative crown, Womanby Street, Hub brings a feeling of unity and celebration for everything the city has to offer. The perfect setting for the perfect summer festival on.
Who: TBC
How Much: Tbc
More Info: www.facebook.com/hubfestival
THE BIG CWTCH
Crugybar
Fri 1 + Sat 2 Sept
What: The award winning charity, music and food festival is back in 2017 following f last year’s success. The festival’s lakeside location in the Camarthenshire countryside is set to host a range of pop up bars, restaurants, and street food stalls. To accompany the food, there is an eclectic mix of live music right from breakthrough artists to those taking over the Welsh music scene. However, what gives this festival a distinct flavour is the partnership with the charity Ski4allWales. This charity helps adults with a physical, neurological or visual deficit to ski. An array of food, music and activities all for a great cause.
Who: TBC
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.thebigcwtch.com, www.ski4allwales.cymru
FESTIVAL NO.6
Portmeirion
Thurs 7 – Sun 10 Sept
What: Based in the idyllic make-belief town of Portmeirion, this festival was named after Patrick McGoohan’s character in the classic 1960s TV series The Prisoner, which was filmed in Portmeirion. However, unlike No.6 who was always trying to escape, the organisers from Festival No.6 say you’ll never want to leave, and instead of big scary balloons keeping you in place, it’ll be this year’s lineup, including The Flaming Lips, Cinematic Orchestra and Jagwar Ma. As well as the wide range of arts and culture, activities and experiences, and food and drink, the accommodation is also something unique to the festival. With everything from space for camper van camping, pre-erected tents, general camping and boutique camping to cottages, rooms and castle accommodation, the festival caters for all comfort requirements. One of the biggest festivals in Wales without any doubt, this is definitely one for the diary.
Who: Cabbage, James Vincent Morrison, Joy Orbison
How Much: Tickets ranging from £140 – £345
More Info: www.festivalnumber6.com
PENFRO BOOK FESTIVAL
Rhosygilwen, Cilgerran
Fri 8 – Sun 10 Sept
What: Celebrating all that is good about literature in Wales today, the PENfro Book Festival (get it?) is back with more local publishers, book sellers and special guests over the second weekend of September. Set in the heart of the stunning county of Pembrokeshire, PENfro appeals to everyone from the most avid to the most casual reader and literary fan, with its relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Who: All readers, poets and general book worms
How Much: TBC
More Info: www.penfrobookfestival.org.uk
THE GOOD LIFE FESTIVAL
Hawarden, Flintshire
Fri 15 – Sun 17 Sept
What: This festival will see it continue to offer a wide range of activities including music and literary events, food and drink, and arts and crafts. Started by four friends ‘searching for the good life’, the founders portray a message of finding solace in what makes them happy in life and going back to simpler times of previous generations that were filled with these types of things. These things being those that don’t cost a great deal yet, but make life a whole lot richer. As such, the festival is full of music, dance, food, drink, crafts, and of course the great outdoors at its opus.
How Much: £60 – £117
More Info: www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk
IRIS
Various venues, Cardiff
Tue 10 – Sat 15 Oct
What: The Cardiff international LGBT short film festival is a pioneering festival celebrating the talents of those in the community, having attracted some of the biggest names in LGBT cinema in previous years. The Iris prize is the only award of its kind, where the winner receives £30,000 to make their next film, and does great work all year round to promote LGBT awareness and rights around the country.
Who: TBC
Admission: Prices vary per event
Info: www.irisprize.org
R17
Until end of year
Various venues, Cardiff
100 years on from the Russian Revolution, R17 is a celebration of the cultural ties between Wales and Russia, and the history between the two cultures; it aims to raise awareness of the shared history, the origins of socialism in Wales, and the ongoing links between the two countries. As such, a wide range of events are to be held over the course of the year after a collaboration between arts organisations across Wales, including plays from award-winning writers, opera, dance, film, photography exhibitions as part of Diffusion, classical concerts, and more. Due to the festival’s length, more events will be announced as the year progresses.
Who: Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Khovanshchina, P.A.R.A.D.E.
Admission: Prices vary per event
Info: www.r17.wales
BUZZ DIY
As part of the buzz25 celebrations this year, marking 25 years of covering arts and culture in Wales, Buzz has partnered with Diffusion Festival to provide a free creative space to hold workshops, talks, debates, and more. This is all done to help the local community learn about how the media is changing, and to get involved in making their own zines, films and other creative projects. There’ll be parties and film evenings too!
Who: Us
Admission: free.
Info: www.buzzmag.co.uk