With the days getting shorter and the gradual click-click of radiators being turned on throughout Wales, now is the time for Alex Swift and Ben Newman to count down some of the best winter events going on in South Wales this season.
Cardiff Winter Wonderland
The annual Winter Wonderland is always sure to give Cardiff an enjoyable season. Featuring an array of festive attractions including an ice-skating rink and winter-themed funfair, this year will not disappoint. While you are there, why not grab some warming food from the many traditionally themed stalls at the Alpine Village or enjoy a drink at the Bierkeller bar? If you prefer your festive celebrations to be more relaxed, the Winter Wonderland also provides special accessibility sessions in which music will be played quietly and lighting kept relaxing. Something for all the family!
Wed 8 November – Sun 7 January 2018. Park Place, Cardiff. Info: http://cardiffswinterwonderland.com
Chepstow Steampunk Winter Festival
The Drill Hall, in Wales’ historic town of Chepstow, will be hosting a weekend of steampunk-themed trading and entertainment. The festival will include a set of diverse stalls, ranging from jewellery to unique foods. Saturday evening will feature performances from some of Chepstow’s fantastic local musicians and artists. Carrying through into Sunday, there will be two new additions to the Steampunk festival in the form of a racing championship and a fashion show, both themed around the much-loved steampunk aesthetic. This could very well be the best Wales Winter event that you may have overlooked.
Sat 25- Sun 26 November. Drill Hall, Chepstow. Price: £2. Info: http://www.chepstowsteampunk.org/
Steps
On their huge 2017 Arena Tour, reunited pop group Steps are stopping by Cardiff Motorpoint Arena to give their Welsh fans an early Christmas present. The group have scored fourteen chart-hit singles, three number one albums and have a sizable fan base, so whilst this might not be the most highfalutin event of the winter, it will surely be one of the cheesiest.
Wed 29 Nov and Sun 10 Dec. Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff. Prices Vary. Info: https://motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk/whats-on/steps
Marilyn Manson
Nothing screams festive better than some merry ol’ Marilyn Manson. Touring in promotion of his new album, Heaven Upside Down, Manson is taking his eccentric brand of shock rock to Newport. As well as blasting through some new tunes including SAY10 and KILL4ME, you can also expect to hear the ‘Antichrist Superstar’ break out Christmas crackers the likes of The Dope Show and Irresponsible Hate Anthem. At least, with the nearby winter solistice, the many swathes of goths shan’t be troubled by the sunlight.
Fri 8 December. Newport Centre. Admission: £35. Info: http://tickets.newportlive.co.uk/AllEvents.aspx
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Fairest Panto in all the Land
You know the story; you have probably seen the Disney Classic. It is a tale of a beautiful princess, seven friendly dwarfs and a wicked witch. This Panto season you can see Snow White colourfully bought to the stage by a profusion of song, laughs and audience participation. The pantomime takes place in the spectacular New Theatre and includes a range of guest stars including Chico and Samantha Womack. You might just want to start practicing your ‘Oh no you didn’t’ and ‘He’s behind you’ chants, as this will be a performance not to miss.
Sat 9 Dec – Sun 14 Jan. New Theatre. Admission: £13-£37. Info: http://www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk/what’s-on/snow-white/
The Nutcracker
As is the tradition, St David’s Hall will be displaying a spectacular Christmas Ballet. This year the venue will be proudly playing host to the Nutcracker. Performed by the Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, watch this classic story bought to life in a flurry of fabulous costumes, dazzling dances and beautiful music. With The Ballets place as a comforting seasonal custom, this could prove a truly spellbinding way to celebrate the holidays.
Thu 21 – Sun 24 Dec. St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Admission: £16.50-£39.50. Info: http://www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/whats-on/ballet-2017/the-nutcracker/
Dylan Thomas Walk
As part of the Dylan Thomas festival, National Museum Wales are putting on two special literary walking tours around Dylan Thomas’ favourite Swansea hangouts, watering holes and views of Swansea. There are two walks, one on November 4th in the Uplands area, and the second on the 5th in the Marina. The Uplands walk will start at Uplands Tavern at 11am to take you around Thomas’ birthplace in the Uplands. This walk will provide insight into Thomas’ early years, offering important context in truly understanding the troubled poet’s work. The Marina walk will be led by poet and Thomas-expert Peter Thabit Jones. Starting at Swansea Waterfront Museum’s reception desk, this one will provide insight on the historic and contemporary sites associated Dylan Thomas. Both walks will be accompanied with readings by The Seventh Quarry Drama Group, so don’t pass up this opportunity to walk the same steps as Wales’ greatest poet.
Uplands Tavern/National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, Sat 4 Nov-Sun 5 Nov. Tickets: free. Info: 0300 111 2333
Curators Cabinet of Curiosities – WW1
The National Waterfront Museum, in the same month as the 99th anniversary of the end of World War One, is showing off a collection of curated WW1 artefacts in commemoration of the Great War’s remembrance. Pop in, meet the curator and take a look at an interesting and meticulous collection of World War One relics.
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, Sun 12 Nov. Tickets: free. Info: 0300 111 2333
Stargaze with Cadw
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s environmental service, is hosting a night of stargazing with astrology experts in the ruins of Raglan Castle. Nestled in the Monmouthshire hills, experts will help you get to know the night sky of the northern hemisphere from the well-known Orion Nebula to more unfamiliar stars. Using binoculars, star maps and telescopes, you’ll be taught how to find stars, the right conditions for stargazing, the process of astrology photography and even how to set up your own telescope. Stargazing is a waiting game, so get comfortable. Oh, and make sure you bring a coffee flask, a blanket, a flashlight and layer up – stargazing is patient work, but so is freezing to death, so come prepared.
Raglan Castle, Raglan, Fri 24 Nov. Tickets: £10. Info: 01291 690228
Creative Cardigan’s Winter Lantern Parade
Following the surprise success of last year’s Giant Lantern Parade in Cardigan, the organisers have decided to host another parade as part of Cardigan’s Festive Fortnight. The Festive Fortnight is a programme of festive events including shopping, concerts, fairs, pop-ups and parties. The Lantern Parade will involve a lantern-making workshop, a parade with everyone’s personalised lanterns across the High Street, to Cardigan Castle, and then alongside the river Telfi, with all participants taking their lanterns home with them to spruce up the decorations. Last year, the sky was illuminated with 350 lanterns, and now with the support of Cymdeithas Abertelfi Society and Cardigan’s Town Centre Partnership, it’s looking likely that it’ll be bigger and better than last year.
Cardigan, Fri 8 Dec. Tickets: free, but donation encouraged. Info: 01239 615952
