The end of the year, of course, is dominated by all things Christmas. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for some counter-programming: Amy Wild and Elizabeth Morris bring you the best non-festive things to do in Wales during December 2022.
CHARLOTTE CHURCH’S LATE NIGHT POP DUNGEON
If you want a one-stop concert for pop bangers and forgotten classics from Bowie to Kate Bush, away from the Christmas tunes in Wales this December, Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon is the place to go. Embarking on their final ever tour, which ends in Cardiff, find out what Charlotte had to say about leaving the Dungeon behind in Buzz’s latest print issue, available to read digitally here.
Depot, Cardiff, Wed 21 Dec.
Tickets: £27.50. Info: here
SOUTH WALES COUNTRY FESTIVAL
Some of the best country artists are coming together for one night only at South Wales Country Festival, including Katy Hurt, Jade Helliwell, Caitlin Mae and Katee Kross. There will be a BBQ, whiskey bar and free after-party until 1am. For only 20 quid, it sounds like a bargain!
The Neon, Newport, Sat 10 Dec.
Tickets: £20-40. Info: here
GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN
Britain’s biggest comedic rap group takes the stage once again this time of year to regale pre-Christmas crowds with classics like Guns Don’t Kill People, Rappers Do and Your Missus Is a Nutter.
Patti Pavilion, Swansea, Sat 10 Dec.
Tickets: £16. Info: here
CLUTCH
Known as one of the best rock acts of the modern era, Clutch is touring with new music, hitting Bristol mid-September – the closest Welsh fans are going to get to them before the year’s out.
O2 Academy Bristol, Tue 13 Dec.
Tickets: £37.80. Info: here
WELSH WRESTLING
You may not be into wrestling, but during the holiday period, why not try out a night of body-slamming and family entertainment?
De Valence Pavilion, Tenby, Wed 28 Dec.
Tickets: £10. Info: here
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
With music and lyrics written by the legendary Bob Dylan, musical Girl From The North Country has won multiple awards and had smash-hit tours. Now, it finally reaches the UK and Ireland for the first time, including Cardiff’s WMC for a few days. Take a look at our interview with castmember Ross Carswell here for a taste of what to expect.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 6-Sat 10 Dec.
Tickets: from £15.50. Info: here
LGBTQ+ VR MUSEUM
The first virtual reality museum dedicated to celebrating the stories and artwork of LGBTQ+ people, this unique installation contains 3D scans of real-life objects chosen by people in the LGBTQ+ community, accompanied by their stories.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Fri 9-Mon 19 Dec.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
FLORENCE BLACK
If you like homegrown music, this rock trio from the Valleys are going to make some noise in Swansea this December.
Patti Pavilion, Swansea, Sat 17 Dec.
Tickets: £20. Info: here
FRISSON TECHNO: WALES OPENING
A huge lineup of some of the best names in the techno scene descends in Hangar18 this month – including a collection of Welsh talent – for an all-night party. Azyr, Nineted and Mogxy are on the bill.
Hangar18, Swansea, Sat 10 Dec.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
COLLECTIVE RAGE: A PLAY IN 5 BETTIES
A drama about the intersection of anger, sex and theatre, told by five New Yorkers who – yes, you’ve guessed it – are all named Betty.
RWCMD, Cardiff, until Fri 9 Dec.
Tickets: from £7.50. Info: here
FIRST AID KIT: PALOMINO TOUR
Swedish indie folk duo, Kala and Johana aka First Aid Kit, are bringing their much-loved vocal harmonies to Cardiff this December on the back of new album, Palomino.
Cardiff International Arena, Tue 6 Dec.
Tickets: £39. Info: here
BAT OUT OF HELL
The Meatloaf musical based on the concept album of the same name has wowed audiences in London, New York, Toronto, Germany, and more recently, Cardiff. This month, Bat Out Of Hell hits Swansea Arena in early December and you’re in the right place if you want to go because we’re giving away tickets here!
Swansea Arena, Tue 6-Thurs 15 Dec.
Tickets: from £13. Info: here
BBC 100 IN WALES
In November, the BBC reached its 100th year anniversary. It’s clear the mark that the BBC has made in sport, TV, radio and online media: Traditions such as the royal Christmas message or shows like Blue Peter, Fawlty Towers and more are ingrained into UK culture. BBC Wales Cymru’s individual centenary will be next February, but an exhibition celebrating this starts at the National Museum Cardiff this month.
National Museum Cardiff, Sat 10 Dec-Sun 16 Apr.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
HIS DARK MATERIALS: WORLDBUILDING IN WALES
The Glynn Vivian in Swansea presents a look behind-the-scenes of BBC and HBO’s His Dark Materials from December to Spring next year, to tie-in with the series’ final season releasing soon. It’s completely free and will include the costumes, concept art, visual effect footage, props and more from all three seasons.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea, until Sun 23 Apr.
Admission: FREE. Info: here
PETE ROCK
Considered to be one of the best hip-hop producers of all time, there’s a rare chance this December to see Pete Rock playing his funk and jazz sounds of the golden era of hip-hop right here in Wales.
The Queens Hall, Narberth, Fri 16 Dec.
Tickets: £27.50. Info: here
LE PUB’S THE NIGHTMARES BEFORE CHRISTMAS
To celebrate Le Pub’s 30th birthday, the venue is hosting a night of live music – headlined by local goth-pop faves The Nightmares – while fundraising for the Anthony Nolan charity. Support acts include Murder Club and Parcs & Frakard.
Le Public Space, Newport, Sat 17 Dec.
Tickets: £6. Info: here
DELTA SLEEP
Expect an evening of math-rock and good vibes courtesy of two bands from Brighton; Delta Sleep enjoy their Cardiff headline debut this December and are supported by pals The Physics House Band.
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 16 Dec.
Tickets: £15. Info: here
LES MISERABLES
Cameron Mackintosh’s record-breaking Les Miserables production returns to Cardiff. It’s been hailed as ‘Les Mis for the 21st century’ and is definitely not one to miss. It is running through December and January at the WMC.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 13 Dec-Sat 14 Jan.
Tickets: from £22.50. Info: here
THE BOOK OF DUST: LA BELLE SAUVAGE
An adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s novel with live music and puppetry will arrive in Cardiff this December. Directed by Zoe Templeman Young, the story is set before Pullman’s famous His Dark Materials trilogy in a world of fantasy and adventure.
RWCMD, Cardiff, until Fri 9 Dec.
Tickets: from £7.50. Info: here
BIG MUSEUM QUIZ
Come up with your best quiz team name and try some quirky questions at the National Waterfront Museum, complete with prizes and a bar to drown your losers’ sorrows in.
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, Fri 9 Dec.
Tickets: £4.50. Info: here
CORAL WELSH GRAND NATIONAL
Celebrating 50 years of Coral’s sponsorship, the Coral Welsh Grand National will provide racing entertainment just after the Christmas break. Demand for these tickets is always high, so get them soon.
Chepstow Racecourse, Tue 27 Dec.
Tickets: £33. Info: here
MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC VIDEO
Are you 14-25 with an interest in filmmaking and music? Learn how to shoot your own music video in a free, fast-paced workshop at the WMC, which covers shot composition, editing, lighting, pre-production, and more.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, until Sat 17 Dec.
Tickets: FREE. Info: here
words AMY WILD & ELIZABETH MORRIS
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