With festival season now underway in Wales, Buzz presents our comprehensive guide to the array of weekenders, all-dayers and general rave-ups across Wales in 2022. There’ll be more added to this as more things are announced too, so check back!
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FOCUS WALES
Various venues, Wrexham, Thurs 5-Sat 7 May
International showcase festival FOCUS Wales is back again for its 11th edition, and takes place across multiple venues in Wrexham. There are over 250 artists delivering over 300 live sets across 20 stages, with both household names and emerging Welsh talent coming together in North Wales at the beginning of May. Liverpool post-punks Echo & The Bunnymen, the Welsh and Cornish-language Gwenno, and recent indie breakout fave Self Esteem top the bill this year, while other artists include Public Service Broadcasting, Goat Girl, Pip Blom and Cardiff grime star Mace The Great.
While there’s a lot of Welsh talent at FOCUS Wales, other acts are coming from across the world, with artists from Canada, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia and the USA rubbing shoulders with those from closer to home – there’s a reason it won the Best Festival For Emerging Talent award at the UK Festival Awards in 2019. As well as live acts, however, there are music industry panels and discussions throughout the weekend, with big names from across the music world.
The FOCUS Wales Film Festival returns too, with film screenings, industry talks and a short film competition, while there’s also set to be a presentation of new works and performances celebrating the arts of the surrounding area and beyond.
The majority of venues are located close by each other around the city centre, and there are two train stations in Wrexham: Wrexham Central is in the city centre, while Wrexham General is just outside. Near the venues is an array of shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation options.
Who: Echo & The Bunnymen, Gwenno, Self Esteem
How much: £55 standard festival pass/£80 priority pass/day tickets from £35
Info: here
UPDATE: Fresh off a spate of home and international gigs this year, Mace The Great will also be in attendance at Pitch Scotland as part of an innovative Welsh-Scottish musical team-up at the end of August. More info here.
TREDEGAR HOUSE FOLK FESTIVAL
Tredegar House, Newport, Fri 6-Sun 8 May
Described as the finest and most colourful Welsh, UK and international folk dance festival, this is a brilliant weekend of music and dance held in the parkland of National Trust gem Tredegar House. Enjoy live bands, ceilidhs and camping from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 May. There’s a variety of free and ticketed events to enjoy as well as spoon and belly dancing workshops, open mics and masterclasses, and Irish sessions.
Who: Barbara Dickson, Nick Holland, Calan
How much: £75 weekend/£35 kids
Info: here
BALTER FESTIVAL
Chepstow Racecourse, Thurs 19-Sun 22 May
Balter Festival is a huge annual party held at Chepstow Racecourse for those who appreciate dancing and alternative beats: ska, gypsy, drum’n’bass, garage, disco, dub, and everything in between. Balter started off small and has only gotten bigger: with more stages, more dancing and more madness celebrating the best of the underground sound.
Who: Camo & Krooked, DJ Hazard, Current Value
How much: £157.74 weekend ticket
Info: here
HAY FESTIVAL
Dairy Meadows, Hay-On-Wye, Thurs 26 May-Sun 5 June
The Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, better known as the Hay Festival takes place on the outskirts of small border town Hay-On-Wye. Known for its myriad bookshops, the famous Hay Festival brings with it a number of big names from the worlds of literature, comedy and academia. This year, the likes of Stephen Fry, Bernardine Evaristo, Hilary Clinton and Simon Amstell are set to appear, as well as Shakespeare’s Globe On Tour.
This new collaboration brings nine performances of the Bard’s 1599 play Julius Caesar to the picturesque surroundings of Hay Castle, with tickets to the shows £25 for adults and £12.50 for children. However, there are plenty of other options guests can pick and choose which events they attend, paying for each one separately.
Who: Stephen Fry, Bernardine Evaristo, Simon Amstell
How much: tickets to individual events vary – top price £25
Info: here
FISHGUARD FOLK FESTIVAL
Various venues, Fishguard, Fri 27-Sun 29 May
An almost entirely free event, with concerts, sessions, workshops, walks, and more. There’s lots for the family to enjoy in Fishguard beyond the folk, too, like Britain’s only coastal National Park nearby. A small number of headline concerts are ticketed; for everything else, you can just turn up and enjoy. And if you really fancy it you can join in and play in a session with experienced musicians!
Who: The Shackleton Trio, The Jackie Oates Trio, ALAW
How much: ticketed concerts £15 each or £40 for all three; all other performances free
Info: here
HOWTHELIGHTGETSIN
Newport Street, Hay-On-Wye, Thurs 2-Sun 5 June
HowTheLightGetsIn comes to Hay for a weekend of music, comedy and debates. It’s just off Newport Street in the small town, along the Wye, and there’s a mix of self-pitch and pre-pitched camping options–as well as some luxury yurts.
Debates and talks have a big role to play in this festival too, on subjects as varied as macroeconomics, online anonymity and the theory of the multiverse. Speakers this year include Richard Dawkins, Slavoj Žižek, Frank Turner and Tulip Siddiq MP, among many others. On top of debates, there are other workshops and discussions, and even Inner Circles – where attendees can sit down for a meal and a conversation alongside some big names.
Among the music are sets from Tom Findlay of electronic duo Groove Armada, Mercury Award-winner Talvin Singh, dance quartet Porij, and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, as well as a DJ set from Django Django. For comedy, there’s the likes of Isy Suttie, Olga Koch, Alfie Brown and Erika Ehler. There’s plenty for families at HowTheLightGetsIn too, with under-12s going free when accompanied by an adult. The Mindcraft tent is new for 2022 and provides a space for children and teenagers to attend talks, interactive sessions and workshops, while there are games at the Hangout area, and a play area and fairground rides for the youngest attendees.
Over at DOKBOX, you can take a quiet couple of hours to watch a documentary, or enjoy Midnight Mayhem with a range of comedians and speakers after dark. For food, crafts and other attractions, there’s the Riverside Fayre.
Who: Slavoj Žižek, Olga Koch, Talvin Singh
How much: £138 weekend/£158 with camping
Info: here
THE QUEER FRINGE FESTIVAL
Various venues, Cardiff, Thurs 2 June-Sun 3 July
Hosted by nonprofit Cardiff institution The Queer Emporium, based in the Royal Arcade, The Queer Fringe Festival takes place over the course of a month across over 40 venues around the city. There’s set to be a mix of music, theatre, comedy, film, drag, dance and more, so there will be something for everyone!
Who: TBC
How much: TBC
Info: here
THE BIG RETREAT
Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Fri 3-Mon 6 June
A Pembrokeshire festival with a focus on wellbeing, The Big Retreat offers up music, speakers and family-friendly activities across a number of areas, and options to camp, glamp, or stay locally if you prefer. Alternative rock artists and fascinating speakers combine for what the festival aim to make a relaxing yet fun weekend.
Who: Reef, Toploader, Huey Morgan
How much: £184 adult weekend with camping/£84.50 junior weekend with camping
Info: here
IN IT TOGETHER FESTIVAL
Old Park Farm, Margam, Port Talbot, Fri 3-Sun 5 June
This three-day event from Escape Records, headlined by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Two Door Cinema Club and Clean Bandit, has something for all the family. It’s open for all ages, though the VIP Club Miami area is for adults only, and it’s located at Old Park Farm, about five miles out of Port Talbot.
Along with the big-name headliners, the main Parc Stage also sees the likes of Tinie Tempah, The Vaccines, Soul II Soul and Gabrielle. Alternatively, dance music aficionados and indie fans can head to PANCHAIA or the Escape Records stage and The Paddock respectively for Armand Van Helden, Skream, Spector and many more.
Over in the Forgotten Garden, there’s a mix of music, comedy and cabaret with a laidback vibe. Acts appearing include electronic stalwarts Wideboys and Ultrabeat, while on Saturday, tribute acts The Marley Experience and The UB40 Experience are headlining the Stage.
For yoga, pilates and fitness, with a focus on wellbeing, there’s The Retreat, while if family-friendly fun is what you’re after, there’s Tic Tac Toe. Here, there are various workshops and competitions to keep everyone busy all weekend, as well as a climbing wall, an outdoor cinema, and even what’s claimed to be the world’s largest bouncy castle for the perfect family weekend!
Who: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Two Door Cinema Club, Clean Bandit
How much: £129 weekend camping/£109 non-camping
Info: here
GOTTWOOD
Carreglwyd Estate, Holyhead, Thurs 9-Sun 12 June
Independent electronic music festival Gottwood is strictly adults-only and hidden in the intimate settings of the Carreglwyd Estate in the northwest of Anglesey. For 2022, dubstep producer Skream, producer and singer Nia Archives and Japanese electronic composer Soichi Terada are among the bigger names on the lineup, but there are many additional artists coming to the north Wales woodland in June too. Other names on the lineup include EDM group Crazy P, French electro-house DJ Ivan Smagghe and Dublin DJ Saoirse, but across the weekend there are numerous others, running the gamut across almost all genres of electronic music.
For a break from music, head to The Forest for a range of boutique stalls selling clothes and accessories, or the Lakeside area for bars and food vendors. The festival is strictly over-18s only, and there’s a boutique camping area for attendees who feel like staying in a tent a little more upmarket than usual. There are a few options, from yurts to bell tents, and the site comes complete with showers and private access to the woods too.
The Carreglwyd Estate offers a picturesque environment, not far from the village of Llanfaethlu, and it’s easily accessible by car. For those travelling by train, the nearest station is at Holyhead, and the festival runs shuttles from the station to the site on the Thursday as well as the Monday after the festival. There will be various food and drink offerings on site, and a convenience store in nearby Llanfaethlu – guests can bring their own food to the site.
Who: Skream, Nia Archives, Soichi Terada
How much: £215 weekend/£60 Thursday only/£80 Fri, Sat or Sun only
Info: here
OUT WILD
Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, Fri 10-Mon 13 June
The first of its kind, Out Wild is a wellness festival focused on queer, questioning and curious women and those who are non-binary. Taking place over three days you can expect plenty of activities covering music, comedy, wellness, sport, poetry, interactive workshops and much more. They offer camping and to bring your own campervan. If you want a festival where you can explore new experiences and embrace natural surroundings then this weekend is for you!
How much: £120 with camping/£100 without camping/campervans £50 extra
Info: here
MERTHYR RISING
Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, Fri 10-Sun 12 June
Merthyr Rising is back for the first time since 2019, with a range of music, entertainment and activities that celebrate working class culture. Topping the bill this year are electronic duo Basement Jaxx, punk icons Stiff Little Fingers and indie mainstays Ocean Colour Scene, while the likes of Beans On Toast, Kyle Falconer and Alabama 3 are also appearing.
Who: Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Stiff Little Fingers, Ocean Colour Scene
How much: £120 adult weekend/£60 ages 11-17/free under-11s
Info: here
Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Thur 23rd June-Sat 30th July
The Cardiff Open Air Theatre Festival began life in 1983 at Dyffryn Gardens. In 1996 they moved to the Museum Of Welsh Life, St. Fagans and following the start of their recent redevelopment they found a new home at at Sophia Gardens in 2013, with the assistance of Cardiff Council. For 2022 they return to Sophia Gardens for the first time in three years. Wholly run by volunteers from Everyman Theatre in Cardiff, each year they work with professional directors, designers and technical production to stage an ambitious six-week programme of theatre right in the heart of Cardiff, attended by 14,000 people each year.
What: Blackadder Goes Forth, Twelfth Night, Little Shop of Horrors
How much: Shows vary per time slot, £17-£20 adult, under 21s/students £15-£18 per show
Info: here
UNORTHODOX PARADOX
Llanfairynghornwy, near Anglesey, Fri 24-Sun 26 June
Described as being for adventurous people, Unorthodox Paradox returns for 2022 with a special seaside edition at a beautiful remote location in Anglesey, 15 minutes leisurely walk from the stunning Welsh coast. Spread across two stages, they promise a small but perfectly formed lineup of unorthodox music, comedy, spoken word and entertainment.
Who: Bending Shapes, Magik Temple, Mr Vast
How much: £100 weekend
Info: here
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Thurs 7-Sun 10 July
After a two-year hiatus, Llangollen International Eisteddfod returns this summer with competitions, concerts and celebrations for their 75th anniversary. They will be holding multiple competitions across various stages and locations with field activities such as dance, talks and workshops. Their main competitions and concerts will be held in the 1,500-capacity Pavillion. There is a strong focus on Welsh traditional culture as well as touching on peace in a modern world, including talks and events looking at climate change, sustainability and the next generation of activists.
Who: Aled Jones, Russell Watson, Anoushka Shankar, Manu Delago
How much: pavilion day tickets £16 adult/£6 kids; field day tickets £12 adults/£10 concession/£5 kids; free under-5s
Info: here
FREEROTATION
Baskerville Hall, nr Hay-On-Wye, Fri 8-Sun 10 July
Freerotation is an intimate annual electronic music party which developed from a musician’s free-party collective in the early 2000s. Twice postponed, Freerotation returns this year however, you must be a member to buy a ticket due to the limited capacity of the venue. You must be invited by an existing member to join Freerotation.
Run on a not-for-profit basis, Freerotation are also passionate about environmental issues. You can help raise money for their partners Size Of Wales by purchasing t-shirts and giving donations at the venue.
Who: Speedy J, The Transcendence Orchestra, Blawan, Zip
How much: Must be a member or be invited by a member
Info: here
DEPOT IN THE CASTLE
Cardiff Castle, Sat 9 July
Depot In The Castle is back for its five-year anniversary, with Rag’n’Bone Man headlining. Other performers and activities are set to include circus acts and storytellers, with a range of local talent appearing at the festival in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.
Who: Rag’n’Bone Man, Melanie C, Faithless
How much: £45/£11 under-13s/£5.50 under-6s
Info: here
BIG LOVE FESTIVAL
Monmouthshire location TBC closer to the date, Fri 15-Sun 17 July
Big Love is a three-day music and performing arts festival set in the new location of the stunning South Wales countryside. The weekend sees over 130 DJs and live acts. This July they will be joined by the likes of Transglobal Underground, Beans On Toast, Panic Shack and plenty more! Tickets are currently £105 in their second release.
Who: Transglobal Underground, Beans On Toast, Panic Shack
How much: £105 tier 2/£125 tier 3
Info: here
SESIWN FAWR
Dolgellau town centre, 15-17 July
Sesiwn Fawr is a well-loved folk and world music festival held in the historic Snowdonia town of Dolgellau. There’s plenty to do for the whole family as a host of events for children and families will be held during the weekend. The whole of Saturday afternoon will be held on the Sgwâr with a ‘twmpath dawns’ (much like a ceilidh), a procession following two local folk tales, storytelling sessions, and more, and all of which is free. If you’re a musician they’ll have a busking stage where you can perform in front of a crowd or you can even join in for a jamming session in one of the pubs!
Who: Bandicoot, Granny’s Attic, Swnami
How much: £62 weekend ticket
Info: here
COLOUR CLASH
Tredegar Park, Newport, Sat 16 July
Colour Clash is a one-day festival whose 2019 edition was headlined by Pendulum, while this year sees sets from Jax Jones, Nathan Dawe, Basshunter and many more. They also offer a variety of food and drink from all over the world, with dietary requirements catered for – whether you’re gluten-free or vegan, there’ll be something for everyone.
Who: Basshunter, Example, Jax Jones
How much: £35
Info: here
CADSTOCK ROCKS AGAIN
Victoria Park, Barry, Sat 16-Sun 17 July
Local Barrians see the return of this rockin’ weekender after a two year COVID hiatus. Cadstock aims to relieve the music drought seen in Barry with 10 bands over two days ranging from ska to soft rock, mod to metal and soul. The festival dates back to 2009 and has grown substantially ever since. But as always, the event remains free for all and family-friendly, with no restrictions on bringing your own food and drink.
Who: Stonehouse, Second Chance, Black Jam Circus
How much: FREE
Info: here
WESTIVAL
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Thurs 21-Sun 24 July
Westival is a dance music and arts festival situated just minutes from some of the UK’s finest coastlines. Performing artists are encouraged to express their musical knowledge and style, opening the path for longer genre-defining sets. Expect an eclectic lineup and wonderful views.
Who: Call Super, Afro Cluster, Shanti Celeste
How much: £120 weekend
Info: here
LANDED FESTIVAL
Llandrindod Wells, Fri 29-Sun 31 July
Winner of the best Welsh Festival in 2019, apparently, Landed returns with entertainment across five stages, a kids’ area, art and crafts stalls and a well-priced, fully-stocked bar you’ll have everything you need for a serene, old school weekend.
Who: System 7, Ozric Tentacles, B.L.A.P
How much: £100 adults/£60 under-18s/free under-13s
Info: here
STEELHOUSE FESTIVAL
Hafod-Y-Dafal Farm, nr Ebbw Vale, Fri 29-Sun 31 July
Established in 2011 and located in the village of Cwm, Steelhouse Festival is packed full of hard rock and classic rock artists every year. Topping the bill in 2022 are former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, former UFO and Scorpions member Michael Schenker, and London band Inglorious, but there’s lots more to look out for across the weekend too.
Who: Ace Frehley, Michael Schenker, Inglorious
How much: £125 adult weekend/£20 child weekend
Info: here
SWANSEA JULY WEEKEND
Singleton Park, Swansea, Fri 29-Sun 31 July
Orchard Live, Wales’ largest independent music promoter, is gearing up for their unbelievable summer series of shows in Swansea’s Singleton Park this July. The weekend of performances will see the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic and The Trevor Horn Band smash out anthems including Everybody Dance and Le Freak on Fri 29. Pop superstar Anne-Marie and House On Fire rising star Mimi Webb, with further support by Gracey, will take the stage on Sat 30 for a day full of chart hit bangers – and closing Swansea’s July weekend, the Modfather himself Paul Weller will headline on Sun 31, with newly announced support from psychedelic rock band The Coral.
How much: £52.50 Fri 29; £42.50 Sat 30; £52 Sun 31
Info: here
GLASTONBARRY
Romilly Park, Barry, Sat 30 + Sun 31 July
How many tribute bands can you pack into a weekend? For Glastonbarry, it’s 21. Piling into Romilly Park are tributes to multiple rock and pop legends, from The Beatles, The Jam and Stevie Wonder to Ed Sheeran, Kings Of Leon and the Spice Girls. Everyone who was scheduled to play in 2020 has remained in place, and new for 2022 is Flash, a tribute to Queen.
Who: tributes to Queen, The Beatles, David Bowie
How much: £45 weekend
Info: here
REGGAE & RIDDIM FESTIVAL
Tredegar House, Newport, Sat 30 + Sun 31 July
Back for 2022 and celebrating the 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Jamaica’s Independence, this two-day festival will feature reggae icons from Jamaica and Wales alike. Expect, furthermore, jerk, ital and Caribbean food, dance, performance, craft and art stalls, a touring gallery, and other attractions and activities.
Who: Richie Spice, Janet Kay, Aleighcia Scott
How much: Adult weekend ticket £30, day tickets £20
Info: here
VALLEY FEST
Chew Valley Lake, nr Bristol, Thurs 4-Sun 7 Aug
Not quite in the land of dragons but just across the border near Bristol is this food and music festival showcasing the best of what the south-west has to offer. Ticket holders can delve into a weekend filled with quality local and global music as well as food from locally sourced producers. The event takes place alongside the scenic Chew Valley Lake – eat and dance to the beat with the rolling Mendip hills in the background. This year’s fancy-dress theme is Dolly Parton, inspired by a tribute act performing on the Sunday.
Who: Clean Bandit, My Baby, Faithless (DJ set)
How much: weekend £170 / £80 under-18s / £45 under 13s / free under-3s; Sun 7 only £60 / £25 under-18s / £15 under-13s / free under-3s
Info: here
GREEN MAN
Glanusk Park, nr Crickhowell, Thurs 18-Sun 21 Aug
Long established as one of Wales’ biggest music festivals, Green Man has gone all-out with its lineup this year. German electronic legends Kraftwerk and British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka top the bill, which also features indie favourites Metronomy, Beach House and Parquet Courts, poet and rapper Kae Tempest, and some more recent Brit talent like Dry Cleaning and Black Country, New Road. Nestled in the Brecon Beacons, Green Man can be accessed by car, National Express coaches, and free shuttle buses running from Abergavenny station for those travelling by train. There are family camping and quiet camping areas, as well as a live-in vehicle camping area for those with a campervan, motorhome or caravan. For a little more luxury, you can book with Tangerine Fields, or even stay in a luxury yurt with Hotel Bell Tent!
There are 10 bars located around the site, and plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and non-alcoholic options when it comes to both food and drink. For the under-13s, there’s the Little Folk area, while teens can head to Somewhere, which is full of workshops, shows and activities all weekend. Einstein’s Garden offers exciting science, while you might want to check out Nature Nurture for yoga, meditation and massages, or catch some comedy or a talk in the Babbling Tongues area.
For a longer stay, attendees can go for the Settler’s Pass, which gives access to the site for a whole week, complete with pub quiz, bonfire, exclusive live music and activities, and even discounts on local heritage sites and places to visit.
Who: Kraftwerk, Michael Kiwanuka, Metronomy
How much: £210 adult weekend – all tickets sold out
Info: here
Read Buzz’s Green Man coverage below:
TRUEFEST
Baskerville Hall, Hay-On-Wye, Fri 20-Mon 22 Aug
Independent music and arts festival Truefest is described as an “epic mansion party”, and if those words aren’t enough to tempt you there’s also a swimming pool, shower facilities, camping, glamping and hotel options available. There’ll be indoor and outdoor stages featuring DJ sets that go on until 5am. After dark, the Hall turns into a bright and colourful AV show with the use of impressive projections and lighting. Food is additionally covered at the venue with an indoor pub and a variety of food with vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. The fancy-dress theme this year is “let there be light”. Sounds cool, right?
Who: Joe Goddard, The Allergies Live, Smoove & Turrell
Tickets: £120 weekend
Info: here
FISHGUARD JAZZ N BLUES FESTIVAL (ABERJAZZ)
Various venues, Fishguard, Thurs 25-Mon 29 Aug
This year marks the 19th Fishguard Jazz & Blues Festival, continuing on their celebration of 100 years of jazz and blues. There’ll be ticketed events in Ffwrn, Peppers, Theatr Gwaun and the Yacht Club in Lower Town. Throughout the town, the Aberjazz Fringe will bring music to the pubs, cafes and restaurants. There will be a number of free workshops over the weekend, including a Welsh-language singing workshop in Fishguard library and making your own three-string guitar made from a broom handle and a biscuit tin in Ffwrn.
On Sunday the Market Hall will be open with buskers, an arts and crafts fare, drinks and street food then you can experience the Aberjazz parade, led by their own dragon. This is a chance for everyone to dress up and join in the fun as the parade weaves its way through the town.
Who: Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders, Wonderbrass
How much: £5.50-£25 per event
Info: here
BETWEEN THE TREES
Candleston Castle Campsite, nr Bridgend, Fri 26-Sun 28 Aug
Between The Trees brings a weekend of folk music, art and spoken word to the Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve, south-west of Bridgend, at the end of August. This family-friendly festival gives attendees the chance to connect with nature through workshops and activities, as well as plenty of music and a whole load of speakers too.
Who: Honey & The Bear, Calum Ingram, Rusty Shackle
How much: £110 adult weekend/£50 child weekend; camping pitch up to £70 extra.
Info: here
WATCHING TREES FESTIVAL
Near Blakeney, Gloucestershire, Fri 2-Sun 4 Sept
Another festival across the border worth noting is Watching Trees Festival, about an hour from Cardiff. Accumulating in the backwoods of the Forest Of Dean amongst the woodlands of the Awre District, this three-day gathering is a celebration of Scottish DJ duo Optimo (Espacio) reaching 25 years of “loving of your ears”. Lose yourself in the woods with an array of music over two stages from artists near and afar. Local food vendors also offer a collection of high-quality food options for all dietary requirements and a local shop is onsite for any general needs. Tickets include camping and the event is cashless.
Who: Fantastic Twins, Ivan Smagghe, Aba Shanti-I
How much: £149 weekend, £16 car park ticket
Info: here
GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL
Margam Park, Port Talbot, Sat 3 + Sun 4 Sept
Returning to Margam Park with various stages including chef demos, challenge stage and bake stage, as well as live music, circus skills and plenty of kids activities. There will also be an artisan market and lots of wonderful street food and bars. Why not enjoy the 1,000 acres of stunning parkland that Margam Country Park has to offer too?
Who: Howard Middleton, John Appleby, Sandy Docherty
How much: day tickets £10.80 adult/£4.80 kids/free under-5s/£28 family
Info: here
STILL TO COME
CAMP GOOD LIFE
Hawarden, Fri 16-Sun 18 Sept
Described as a small festival of music, food, fire and ideas, Flintshire’s Camp Good Life is nothing like anything else in the UK. For the food there will be guest chefs and a focus on all that’s been harvested from the estate, featuring lots of apples, mushrooms and pumpkins as it will be prime foraging season. You can expect lots of campfires and a bonfire or two, plenty of music to work up a sweat to and activities that include candle making, pumpkin carving, blacksmithing and cider pressing.
Who: Cherry Ghost, Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band, Group Listening
How much: adults £230 with camping, £160 without; free under-5s. Day, glamping and other accommodation tickets also available
Info: here
THE WELSH ROCKABILLY FAIR
Hi Tide Inn, Porthcawl, Fri 16-Sun 18 Sept
Inspired by New York’s Coney Island Rockabilly Festival, the three-day event brings you everything from 12 rockin’ bands, live acts and DJs to classic car shows and vintage fairground rides. Conveniently located just a short distance away from Trecco Bay Holiday Park, you can book your caravan or lodge holiday and you’ll have the perfect base from which to experience the fair. One of the biggest holiday parks in Europe, you won’t be short of fantastic facilities from the huge indoor swimming pool to the extensive entertainment programme.
Who: The Di Maggio Connection, Gene Gambler and The Shufflers, The Killer Dillers
How much: £90/£75 early bird; under 16s half price with a full paying adult
Info: here
ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL
Various venues, Abergavenny, Sat 17 + Sun 18 Sept
Two days of culinary excitement based in six venues across town, the Abergavenny Food Festival features talks, debates and demonstrations from top chefs. This family-friendly weekend aims to offer a boutique experience, is free for under-16s, and is less than 10 minutes’ walk from both the train and bus stations in the town.
Who: TBC
How much: £12 per day/free under-16s
Info: here
PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL
Various venues, Porthcawl, Fri 23-Sun 25 Sept
Paying tribute to the King, the famous Elvis Festival kicks off again in the seaside town of Porthcawl. More than 800 fans of all ages attend this fantastic event annually, and it continues to be one of the biggest Elvis gatherings in the world. Expect an Elvis style show in the Grand Pavilion, movie viewings and over 100 presentations which can be seen across the four bars of entertainment complex Hi-Tide Inn.
How much: prices vary per event and are listed here
Info: here
Sŵn Festival
Various venues, Cardiff, Fri 21-Sun 23 Oct
With an impressive line-up of 125 acts performing across nine venues around Cardiff over the weekend, Sŵn Festival is back full-scale for the first time since 2019. Presenting a good mix of homegrown talent as well as established names, the festival celebrates diversity and British music.
Who: Adwaith, Panic Shack, Yxngxr1
How much: £77 weekend, Fri £24.75, Sat £33, Sun £27.50 (2nd release)
Info: here
words JOHN EVANS and ADAM ENGLAND
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