2013 is here and it’s the perfect time to experience & discover Wales & its rich and varied heritage. This year Visit Wales and Welsh Government have planned a whole lot of events which caters to people of all genres. Whether you’re a fun seeking family, a chilled out couple, or anything in-between, there are plenty of things to do in Wales during these events. Choose from a slow paced day seeing castles, museums and tasting their wonderful local produce, or get lively with some outdoor activities or even a music festival or a sporting event. Rest assured, you won’t be bored in Wales!!!
April 2013
Cadw – be a fool for a day – 1st April 2013
Cardiff, Wales
Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments has organised a number of special events with pranksters in mind. At Caernarfon’s Songs and Stories, Castell Coch’s Victorian Life and Laugharne Castle’s Poetry and Garden events, an element of April foolishness will take over proceedings with court jesters, jugglers and historical jokers in abundance. Visitors are warned to expect more than they bargained for as pranksters may well be hiding at every corner!
National Bread Week Medieval baking – 16th – 22nd April 2013
Chepstow Castle, Wales
Visitors will be able to make their own bread and have it baked in our medieval bread oven. Bread has been with us for thousands of years, in one form or another, but how does the loaf we buy from the supermarket today differ from the bread our ancestors made 500 or even 1000 years ago? Find out how at Chepstow Castle during National Bread Week where we will be showing you how bread used to be made and letting you get involved. We’ll take you through each stage of bread making, from the grain to the table, including baking bread in our medieval oven. £4.50 Adults £3.40 Children £13.50 Families
May – June 2013
Caerphilly Castle Siege Engines – 5th-6th May 2013
Caerphilly Castle, Wales
See the mighty siege engines in action at Caerphilly Castle , as a re-enactment group sets up camp. Travelling back in time to help bring history alive for the public is all in a weekend’s work for members of a medieval re-enactment group. Members of the Company of Chivalry, are setting up camp in Caerphilly Castle for two days of medieval fun and frolics.
The huge siege engines will be fired by members of the group while visitors will be given the opportunity to have a go at firing a mini trebuchet made especially for the event. The aim of the re-enactment is to portray life in the latter part of the 14th century. This is accomplished by physically doing the type of things that people would have been doing then, wearing the same clothes and preparing the same food.
St. David’s Cathedral Festival – 24th May to 2nd June 2013
St David’s Cathedral, Wales
The St Davids Cathedral Festival has been responsible for bringing classical music to the heart of West Wales for the past 35 years. For ten days annually in May and June (during the Spring Bank Holiday week) the cathedral is host to a feast of classical and contemporary music concerts under the artistic direction of Daniel Cook, the Organist and Master of the Choristers.
The Hay Festival – 23rd May to 2nd Jun 2013
Hay-on-Wye , Wales
For 25 years Hay Festival has brought together writers from around the world to debate and share stories at its festival in the staggering beauty of the Welsh Borders. Hay celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, and the power of great ideas to transform our way of thinking.
The Really Wild Food Festival – 26th – 27th May 2013
St. Davids Bishop’s Palace, Wales
The Really Wild Food & Countryside Festival champions rural life, and how we can make the most of it!! It offers the chance to get back in touch with the countryside; eat it, cook it, learn about it, even play with it! Promoting and showcasing locally grown or produced food, or wild ingredients foraged from the hedgerows, coast, beach and river there will loads to see and do, AND to eat of course!!
July 2013
International Eisteddfod – 3rd July – 14th July 2013
Dee Valley, North Wales
This July over 120,000 performers and festival-goers from all over the world will visit Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the picturesque Dee Valley, North Wales. This cool and cultural event, considered as ‘Wales’ gift to the World’ was established in 1947 to promote peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance.
Still thriving today Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has become one of the world’s most colourful festivals. During each themed day the festival field is a hive of activity with main stage competitions, outside stage performances, workshops, and impromptu singing and dancing from every corner of the world, in national and regional costume.
Royal Welsh Show – 22nd -25th July 2013
The Royal Welsh Show is the biggest agricultural show in Europe. It is organised by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, which was formed in 1904, and takes place in July of each year. The show lasts for four days and attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it a major boon for tourism in Wales.
Given its “Royal” status it is not unusual for a senior member of the British Royal family to attend at the Show. A familiar sight is the Prince of Wales who is generally acknowledged to be a keen supporter of the farming community. Indeed following his outspoken support during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis, some farmers regard him as an influential figure.
The Big Cheese – 26th – 28th July 2013
Crescent Road ,Caerphilly, Wales
Set in the shadows of one of Europe’s largest castles, the town of Caerphilly comes to life as people of all ages come to The Big Cheese, an extravaganza of street entertainers, living history encampments, music, dance, traditional funfair, folk dancing, falconry, fire eating, minstrels, troubadours and much more. The Big Cheese is a must-see attraction for all visitors. Portraying the history, heritage and culture of Caerphilly. Families from all over the country flock to Caerphilly to experience this fun filled programme of activities and entertainment. The Big Cheese weekend is a FREE event and over 70,000 people are expected again in 2013.
August 2013
Green Man Music Festival – 15th – 18th August 2013
The festival site features nine stages offering over 400 different music and other acts each year. Music is the main content but science themed art, music and comedy area called Einstein’s Garden, as well as an activity area for young people under the age of 18 called Future Generations. Cinema, talks from respected writers and musicians and well known comedians also perform. Gourmet food and quality beverages are all part of the Green Man and an area called Nature and Nurture has many holistic therapies and arts installations in a glade within the festival. The capacity of the festival is 20,000. It is the biggest music festival in Wales and has been given signature status by the Welsh Government.