2023 in Wales will be fit to bursting with all the usual major events you might consider parting with your hard-earned cash to go to. Gigs, theatre, festivals, comedy and all sorts of other entertainment, it’s all down below in our essential guide to What’s On in Wales, 2023. Check back throughout the year for updates…

JANUARY

DISNEY’S FANTASIA IN CONCERT

Screenings of both Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 will be accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales playing the classical Beethoven selections that define the magic of the films. 

Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Sat 14 Jan

Tickets: £12-£20. Info: here

THE 1975

The 1975 are back on a UK and Ireland tour following the success of their fifth no.1 album Being Funny In A Foreign Language.

Cardiff International Arena, Mon 16 + Tue 17 Jan

Tickets: £58.80 (sold out). Info: here

STEWART LEE

With Basic Lee, Stewart Lee is stripping back his usual emphasis on sets and props and is returning to the stage with just a microphone, a basic yet classic approach to comedy. 

St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, Tue 24 + Wed 25 Jan

Tickets: £27.50. Info: here

BLACK STONE CHERRY / THE DARKNESS

Rock titans of Kentucky and Suffolk (respectively) are teaming up for a co-headline tour giving you the best of both of their back catalogues. 

Cardiff International Arena, Sat 28 Jan

Tickets: £46.60. Info: here

THE VERDICT

The highly anticipated courtroom thriller The Verdict, starring Jason Merrels, is on a tour of the UK, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. 

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 24-Sat 28 Ja

Tickets: £16-£39. Info: here

FEBRUARY

TUBULAR BELLS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Mike Oldfield’s renowned Tubular Bells, also known for soundtracking The Exorcist, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a string of dates across the UK. Conductor Robert Smith and a live group will be performing the album in full to celebrate Oldfield’s Grammy award-winning instrumental composition.

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Fri 3 Feb

Tickets: £23-£58. Info: here

BLACK MOUNTAINS COMEDY FESTIVAL

Black Mountains Comedy Festival is offering a robust line-up of acts including Kiri Pritchard Mclean and Gary Delaney to replace your winter blues with some lightness and laughter.

Clarence Hall, Crickhowell, Fri 3 + Sat 4 Feb

Tickets: £25-£40. Info: here

WICKED

Epochal musical which retells the decisions of two unlikely friends at university as they go on to become Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch Of The West. It’s not actually in town until autumn of next year, but tickets go on sale to the public from Fri 3 Feb at 10am and are likely to sell out.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 24 Oct-Sat 23 Nov 2024

Tickets: TBC. Info: here

AXEL BLAKE

Britain’s Got Talent 2022-winning comedian Blake heads out on tour with his brand new show In Style.

Glee Club, Cardiff, Tue 7 + Wed 8 Feb

Tickets: £20.00, Sold out. Info: here

MAMMA MIA!

Greek island-set smash hit musical celebrates the music of Abba. Sophie invites three potential dad candidates to her wedding without telling her mum. Awkward.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 14 Feb-Sat 4 Mar

Tickets: £20-£58. Info: here

MOGWAI

Glasgow-formed post-rock group Mogwai return to Cardiff to play tracks from their 2021 studio album As the Love Continues.

Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 16 Feb

Tickets: £32.50. Info: here

YUNGBLUD

Bludgeoning pop-punk icon Yungblud plays arena dates off the back of his 2022 self-titled album.

Cardiff International Arena, Thurs 16 Feb

Tickets: £36. Info: here

BAD BOY CHILLER CREW

After an energetic summer on the festival scene that skyrocketed this band into widespread success the Bradford bassline trio are heading on their biggest headline tour of the UK to date.

Swansea Arena, Fri 24 Feb; Cardiff International Arena, Sat 27 May

Tickets: £31.90 Swansea; £36.45 Cardiff. Info: Swansea / Cardiff

MARCH

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

The uplifting comedy based on the novel that inspired the hit film will be transforming a Cardiff winter into an Indian summer as you share the character’s journey to their new life in the Marigold Hotel.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 7-Sat 11 Mar

Tickets: £17-£42. Info: here

GARTH MARENGHI

Heading to the New Theatre on a rare tour is Garth Marenghi – the horror literature author who’s written more book than he’s read – to promote his recently published TerrorTome.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Mon 13 Mar

Tickets: £24. Info: here

THE MOUSETRAP

With 70 years under its belt, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play. If that’s not incentive enough to see the definitive whodunit, I don’t know what is. 

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 14-Sat 18 Mar

Tickets: £17-£39. Info: here

PIXIES

If seeing the Pixies isn’t a legendary enough experience in its own right, the fact that this band has no pre-planned setlists – making each and every performance unique – is something quite special. 

Cardiff International Arena, Sat 18 Mar

Tickets: £42.50. Info: here

DON BROCO / PAPA ROACH

Bedfordshire heavy rock faves, supported by nu-metal second-stringers, on a whistlestop four-date tour of the UK. Thankfully for us, one of those four is in the CIA where the Amazing Things tour opens.

Cardiff International Arena, Tue 21 Mar

Tickets: £37.50. Info: here

FATBOY SLIM

You’re gonna want to be Right Here, Right Now when Fatboy Slim is doing what he does best at the CIA. Grab Ya Mamma and All The Ladies and get ready to Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat… too much?

Cardiff International Arena, Fri 24 Mar

Tickets: £39.50. Info: here

RUSSELL HOWARD

Whilst most comedians take a satirical approach to the doom and gloom of a world in crisis, Howard takes a much more uplifting approach, with a show that will make you laugh in a good way. 

Cardiff International Arena, Sat 25 + Sun 26 Mar; Swansea Arena, Sat 1 + Sun 2 Apr

Tickets: £39.50 Cardiff; £32.90 Swansea. Info: Cardiff / Swansea

MOTHER GOOSE

National treasure Sir Ian McKellen and comedian John Bishop star in this widely praised iteration of timeless panto, touring the UK and making a week-long pit stop at the WMC. 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 28 Mar-Sat 1 Apr

Tickets: £18-£86. Info: here

JIMMY CARR

After securing the title of UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special in 2021, Jimmy Carr is back on the road with all new material with his Terribly Funny 2.0 tour. It promises “anything but political correctness”. 

Swansea Arena, Thurs 30 + Fri 31 Mar

Tickets: from £36.40. Info: here

APRIL 

SARA PASCOE

Standup star known for appearances on Taskmaster, QI and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown returns to the stage with new show Success Story.

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Sat 1 Apr

Tickets: £18-£27. Info: here

HENRY ROLLINS

With previously postponed dates, the former Black Flag and Rollins Band frontman will finally be bringing his Good To See You Spoken Word show to Cardiff. 

Tramshed, Cardiff, Mon 3 Apr

Tickets: £29.50 (sold out). Info: here

RAZORLIGHT

After a plethora of indie rock hits released during the 2000s and a brand new single, Razorlight will be on a tour which coincides with their new Razor What best of album.

Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Fri 7 Apr

Tickets: £32.50. Info: here

PARAMORE

You’ll be wanting to leave the house for this (if you can find a ticket): the Nashville-bred outfit make their long-awaited return to the UK, shortly after new album This Is Why isreleased.

Cardiff International Arena, Sat 15 Apr

Tickets: £59.50 (sold out). Info: here

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT

After recently returning from a North American run, Peter Hook & The Light will be celebrating Joy Division albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer, along with an opening set of New Order material.

Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 22 Apr

Tickets: £32.50. Info: here

THE KING AND I

Multi-award-winning Rodgers & Hammerstein production returns to the UK – after a sold-out season at London’s Palladium – starring Call The Midwife star Helen George.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 25-Sat 29 Apr

Tickets: £40-£65. Info: here

JAMES (ORCHESTRAL)

James’ Lasted orchestral tour (a pun of some kind, presumably) celebrates the Manchester band’s 40th anniversary with full instrumental backing and gospel choir, following the best-selling James tour to date back in 2021.

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wed 26 Apr

Tickets: £38-£88 (sold out). Info: here

MAY

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

What better place to be immersed in the magical world of Wonka than the WMC, that sits mere footsteps from the Roald Dahl Plass at Cardiff Bay?

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Wed 3-Sat 20 May

Tickets: £19-£70. Info: here

FOCUS WALES

Wrexham’s Focus is an international showcase festival made up of music, conference and arts with performances from the likes of Billy Nomates, Squid and The Coral, and conference and arts details to be released in due course. 

Various venues, Wrexham, Thurs 4-Sat 6 May

Tickets: from £70. Info: here

WISH YOU WERE DEAD

Peter James’ five stage shows and new hit ITV series Grace have had audiences gripped, and his new play Wish You Were Dead will be no exception. 

New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 16-Sat 20 May

Tickets: £19-£44.50. Info: here

THE COMMITMENTS

Based on the sublimely soulful 1991 film, itself an adaption of the Roddy Doyle novel from a few years prior, The Commitments stage show has delighted audiences in its record-breaking run of the West End and is soon tour the UK, bringing the soul to Cardiff Bay.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Mon 22-Sat 27 May

Tickets: £19-£70. Info: here

THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE 

From Coraline writer Neil Gaiman, The Ocean… follows a man on his magical and epic journey back to his childhood and the dark, mystical corners of his memories. 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Tue 30 May-Sat 3 June

Tickets: £17.50-£54. Info: here

JUNE

PHIL WANG

Wang in there because comedian and comedy writer Phil Wang has booked himself a trip to the coastal city off the back of his acclaimed Netflix special Philly Philly Wang Wang.

Grand Theatre, Swansea, Fri 2 June

Tickets: £25. Info: here

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 6-Sat 10 June

Tickets: £15-£44. Info: here

DISNEY 100

Legendary Disney songs on the big screen soundtracked by the Hollywood Sound Orchestra with additional Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel cameos. 

Cardiff International Arena, Wed 7 June

Tickets: £50.20. Info: here

TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA]

Harry Hill and Steve Brown have supposedly penned a comedy-musical tragedy centred around “Britain’s first pop Prime Minister”, Tony Blair. That, or I’m currently being anesthetised.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Wed 14-Sat 17 June

Tickets: £22.50-£39. Info: here

BLONDIE

After last year’s mesmerising show at Cardiff International Arena, Blondie have already made plans to return to the capital: this time, Debbie Harry and co will be performing outside on Castle Green.

Cardiff Castle, Fri 16 June

Tickets: £61.85. Info: here

PETER KAY

If there’s ever been a need for the return of the big man it’s surely now.

Cardiff International Arena, Fri 16 + Sat 17 June

Tickets: from £35 (sold out). Info: here

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS 

Today’s jetsetting billionaires could probably fly around the world in about the same amount of time as an Eastenders episode. Jules Verne’s Around The World… takes about two hours.

New Theatre, Cardiff, Thurs 22-Sun 25 June

Tickets: £18-£28. Info: here

RAG ‘N’ BONE MAN

The recognisable baritone vocal of singer-songwriter Rag ‘N’ Bone Man will be resonating across the castle walls for this very special night in June.

Cardiff Castle, Sun 25 June

Tickets: from £49.50. Info: here

JULY

STING

Folks say Sting got the name from wearing black and yellow stripes a lot playing jazz clubs. Apparently, even his mum called him that. Personally, I can’t stop thinking about that one Friends episode.

Cardiff Castle, Sun 2 July

Tickets: £61.85. Info: here

ANNIE

Orphaned Annie escapes the clutches of Mrs Hannigan to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. It almost sounds too good to be true.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Mon 3-Sat 8 July

Tickets: £18-£79.50. Info: here

THE LUMINEERS

Hey (with the intention of) Ho. 

Cardiff Castle, Fri 7 July

Tickets: £51.65. Info: here

BEYOND THE BORDER

Wales’ international storytelling festival is celebrating its 30th year in 2023 and will be bringing you the best storytellers and artists of Wales, the UK and internationally. The weekend will also feature performances from musicians and will be fun for all ages.

Dinefwr Castle, Carmarthen, Fri 7-Sun 9 July

Tickets: subject to age and length of stay. Info: here

DEPOT IN THE CASTLE

Past headliners of the annual festival include the Fratellis and Clean Bandit; this year, pop-rock hitmakers Bastille are playing the castle stage.

Cardiff Castle, Sat 8 July

Tickets: £50.65. Tickets: here

PULP

If you want to “sing along with the common people”, and can pay an uncommon premium for a ticket,head to CIA for Pulp’s This Is What We Do For An Encore tour. 

Cardiff International Arena, Wed 12 July

Tickets: from £42.50 (sold out). Info: here

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

This shows debut tour packed out arenas across the UK and Europe and now it’s back with a whole new cast to tour the UK and celebrate the music of Tina Turner. This show is… simply the best. 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sat 29 July

Tickets: £23-£35. Info: here

AUGUST

WINNIE THE POOH

Transport yourself into Hundred Acre Wood with Disney’s beloved Winnie The Pooh and his trusty friends as they take on a new adventure. Enjoy the magic of the music and craftsmanship of the puppetry in a treat for all the family. 

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 3-Sat 5 Aug

Tickets: £18-£33. Info: here

CASTELL ROC

Family-friendly festival held within Chepstow Castle, the first castle in Wales. Summer evenings feature the likes of Jason Donovan and Absolute Bowie, a tribute show.

Chepstow Castle, Fri 11-Mon 28 Aug

Tickets: from £25. Info: here

GREEN MAN

This year’s Crickhowell-held festival sold out hours after going on sale, so if last year’s lineup of Kraftwerk, Beach House, Metronomy and Michael Kiwanuka got you packing your tent early, hopefully this year’s will on being announced. 

Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, Thurs 17-Sun 20 Aug

Tickets: sold out. Info: here

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

Second most famous person named Noel after Buzz’s Noel, erstwhile Oasis man’s High Flying Birds top the bill with support from Feeder and Goldie Lookin Chain.

Caldicot Castle, Sat 19 Aug

Tickets: from £61.87. Info: here

SEPTEMBER

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS

With a pioneering back-catalogue of electronic tunes and the promise of new music in 2023, The Chemical Brothers – performing as part of the Bay Series here, more events of which are currently TBC – will be an electrically energetic evening that you won’t want to miss. 

Alexandra Head, Cardiff Bay, Sat 9 Sept

Tickets: £49.50. Info: here

MIRIAM MARGOLYES

Marking the launch of her new book Oh Miriam!, Margolyes will be touring the UK sharing stories of her life and work and, if you have seen any of said work before, you will know just how hilariously unfiltered she can be. 

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 21 Sept

Tickets: £28-£48. Info: here

OCTOBER

GRAYSON PERRY

Artist and broadcaster Sir Grayson Perry asks what makes our identity individual in new show A Show About You.

St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Thurs 12 Oct

Tickets: £28-£45. Info: here

LIFE OF PI

Interpreted for the West End stage, Life Of Pi is an epic tale of survival based on the Canadian philosophical novel by Yann Martel.

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 17-Sat 21 Oct

Tickets: £19-£55. Info: here

NOVEMBER

THE VERY BEST OF ELVIS IN CONCERT

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will be playing live alongside a screening of Elvis in a special tribute to his greatest hits. 

Cardiff International Arena, Wed 1 Nov

Tickets: £44.85. Info: here

LOUIS TOMLINSON

Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson will be touring with songs from his latest number-one album Faith In The Future.

Cardiff International Arena, Wed 15 Nov

Tickets: £27.50-£39.50. Info: here