Name: Gruff Rhys

Twitter: @gruffingtonpost

Occupation: Singer

Gruff Rhys is a member of Super Furry Animals and an award-winning solo artist. We can think of no one better to guide us through the festival highlights of Wales.

You may be familiar with the British television comedy character Edmund Blackadder. In his 18th century incarnation as butler to the Prince Regent, he vividly describes visiting Wales in the early 18th century when huge gangs of tough, sinewy men roamed the country terrorising people with their close-harmony singing.

The same could be said 200 years later, particularly if you happen to visit the music venues of Cardiff during the third week in October. The SŴN Festival is an indication of how the contemporary music festival has mutated – in a good way – during the 21st century.

SŴN features countless gigs in numerous venues all over the city, mostly showcasing new bands – raw talent, hungry for action.

Gruff first performed at a festival aged 14, as drummer in a Welsh language band called Machlud (or Sunset in English). They played Pesda Roc, an event inspired by the thriving music scene around Bethesda in North Wales. He played a different incarnation of Pesda Roc in 2011, a mere 27 years after his debut – and there have been countless festival appearances in between.

Of Welsh music festivals he says:

There’s always a chance of experiencing something unexpected and exciting. You don’t always need an itinerary or go searching for excitement. You just have to be there and things will happen…

Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, Hay-on-Wye

The Hay Festival (Image credit: Finn Beales)

The picturesque market town of Hay-on-Wye, within the Brecon Beacons National Park, is famous as the book capital of Great Britain. This 10-day festival is rooted in literature, but the range of subjects covered include politics, music, green issues, economics, history and science.

“All the pubs and venues are full and the atmosphere spills out onto the streets.

“You get a real mix of people like Desmond Tutu, Stephen Fry and Howard Marks and there are musical events all week too.

“There’s nowhere else quite like Hay. There’s a man who runs a second-hand bookshop there who declared it an independent kingdom in the 1970s. He calls himself the King of Hay and made his horse Prime Minister. The place seems quite exotic to me.”

Hay Festival takes place on 31 May – 10 June, for more information visit hayfestival.com.

SŴN Festival, Cardiff

Performer at the Swn Festival

Celebrating new music coming in and out of Wales, SŴN is an urban festival, which takes place across a number of venues in Cardiff across four days. A wristband for the festival guarantees the wearer priority entrance to all the performances taking place and with over 150 artists playing, the opportunity of discovering a new favourite band in the world is just as likely as getting to know the Welsh capital city like the back of your hand.

“A festival doesn’t need to have 100,000 people in a field watching a band while holding lighters in the air. SŴN takes place in various venues all over Cardiff and as I live there it’s very handy for me. The centre of Cardiff is quite compact so it’s a very good city for this kind of festival. You can make a night of it and see three or four bands.

“When Super Furry Animals started out in the mid 90s it was very difficult to find venues in Cardiff to play. There’s much more action now, with promoters bringing in interesting bands from all over the world. In turn they’re inspiring local bands to play interesting music that’s quite leftfield. It’s a brave, confident environment.

“What’s good about SŴN is that it started really small with very little fanfare and it’s a much stronger event for being allowed to grow organically. The organisers’ love of music is what’s driven it and earned its reputation as a great event.”

SŴN Festival takes places in October, for more information visit swnfest.com.

Green Man Festival, Crickhowell

Music in the heart of the Welsh Countryside

This award-winning festival has hopped around the Brecon Beacons National Park before finding its spiritual home in the lush greenery of the Glanusk Estate. The three-day event has a leaning towards artists tinged with acoustic folk and country elements, but is by no means confined to them.

“I went to Glastonbury for the first time when I was about 16. I hitchhiked there. The Green Man reminds me of that experience in some way, almost like it belongs to another age.

“The line-up is usually dramatically different from most festival line-ups, which are becoming more and more impersonal. You know you’re going to see some bands you’ve never seen before at The Green Man and that you’re going to find something new and exciting.

“The festival brings music to Wales that wouldn’t visit here otherwise and that’s very inspiring. The headline acts are never obvious – they take risks and educate people in the process.

“It’s also really good fun.”

Green Man Festival takes place on 17 – 19 August, for more information visit greenman.net.

Carry on reading

Read Gruff Rhys’ full article in the Wales View Magazine, download or request a copy now. If you like the festival atmosphere, find out what other festivals are taking place in Wales in 2012.

Gruff Rhys Image Credit: Liliane Callegari

Love adrenaline sports?

The ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup is coming to Cardiff, 8 – 10 June and it’s going to be a weekend full of action. In the heart of Cardiff Bay professional paddlers will ride a 300m rapid and speed through up to 25 gates in an adrenalin fuelled race of speed and skill.

Win tickets

If you like the sound of this action packed event and want to be in Cardiff to watch world class professionals tackle the tides, Visit Wales has two VIP tickets and one nights accommodation at the 5 star Celtic Manor Resort to give away for the first day of the event on Friday 8th June.

How to enter

For the chance to win two VIP tickets to the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Cardiff and one nights Bed and Breakfast at the Celtic Manor Resort for the first day of the event on Friday 8th June, simply enter your details below to be included in the prize draw.

Terms & conditions apply, click here to see full details.

Look out for the Razorbill if you're out walking the Wales Coast Path. Image Credit Dead Yankee

Wales Coast Path Bird Race 2012

Birdwatchers who took part in our Wales Coast Path Bird Race 2012 set a record of 140 different species of bird seen along the Wales Coast Path, on the day of its launch, 5 May.

Birders all around the coast reported their sightings via blogs and Twitter to collectively record the total, the first time this kind of activity has been organised on a national scale anywhere in the world.

Find out how the day unfolded by viewing our live blog featuring the story of the day as told by those who took part.

Highlights of the day included:

• A rare Dotterel making the first record of the day, reported at 5.57am from Great Orme, Llandudno
• A Red-rumped Swallow (normally found in the Mediterranean) at Newport Wetlands NNR, Gwent, as well as a Smew there (normally a winter visitor, and scarce in Wales)
• Sightings of our iconic Welsh birds such as Chough, Puffin and Arctic Tern.
• One birder reported walking 16 miles of the coast path and listing 71 different species – more than half the collective total for the day.

Julian Hughes, vice chairman of the Welsh Ornithological Society, said:

It was a great initiative to be involved with. Walkers and birders in Wales had a lot of fun creating a one-day bird list. Everyone enjoyed the immediate nature of the event, thanks to social media, as well as the fact it was a low-carbon activity, with people walking not driving. And we got to see some of the finest habitats and landscapes that Wales has to offer.

If you want to see how many birds you can spot when out walking in Wales, download our checklist of birds of the Wales Coast Path.

Wales is full of all different kinds of wildlife, see our seasonal ideas for watching wildlife in Wales.

Name: Kate Joynes-Burgess

From: National Trust

Picture your best day ever. Now treble it. How’d you fancy becoming king of Chirk Castle for the day? Or dining at a pop up restaurant on Barafundle beach where you’ll sample a bespoke tasting menu prepared by a top Welsh chef? And if that doesn’t capture your imagination, we’d love to hear what will.

Here at the National Trust we’re giving you the chance to create and win your Great British Day Out. Just visit our new Facebook app to create your own dream event - then promote it to your friends (you’ll need their votes!) to make it happen.

Wonders of Wales

Chirk Castle with topiary in the foreground ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

We’ve received some big ideas from Wales already. Sharon from Snowdonia’s set her heart on a family garden “party at Plas Newydd” while her kids embark on a tree climbing quest. Meanwhile Gavin from Ebbw Vale is dreaming of a “morning surf at Rhossili Bay” followed by a star-studded football match with his mates on the sands before feasting on a beachside barbecue.

Got an inspiring idea of your own? Visit our Facebook page, click on the ‘Great British Day Out’ tab and design your big adventure. Simply choose your theme, one of our unique places – whether it’s a lighthouse or an abbey – and which of your friends you’d like to invite.Then let your imagination run free and tell us why you’ve got the winning idea.

 Fancy fresh inspiration?

Here’s a sprinkling from us:

•  My best gig ever: My Great British Day Out would rock! Our band’s been gigging around Manchester & we’re ready to share our music with the nation.VOTE to help us launch our album somewhere really historic!
• High tea for hens: My Great British Day Out would be my hen do! No big booze up for me. I want an elegant 1940s tea party with dainty cakes and a tea-tasting class. Dress code? Tea dress. Please VOTE!
• Woodland wedding: My boyfriend and I think forests are the most romantic places on earth. For us, there’s nowhere we’d rather get hitched. Your VOTE would make our Great British Woodland Wedding!

 How to be in the running to WIN?

You have until 31 May to create your event and get as many of your friends to vote for you as possible. Enter today on our Facebook page and start dreaming about your happiest days of summer.

Discover more about the National Trust in Wales.

If you’re out walking today, join in with the Wales Coast Path Bird Race 2012 - we’re setting a new record for Wales! You can see the latest development below, and find out how how you can get in involved here.

Here are ten iconic Welsh birds and advice on the best places to find them.

Gannet

1. Gannet

Where to see them: Much of the coast, especially near Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire

These bright white seabirds are a common sight around the Welsh coast and you’ll know them for their plunging dives from great heights. One place you’re sure to spot them is around the coast near Grassholm Island in Pembrokeshire. That’s because this tiny piece of rock is home to the third largest colony of gannets in the world – roughly 39,000 pairs.

Manx Shearwater

2. Manx shearwater

Where to see them: Bardsey Island, Llyn Peninsular, North Wales

Anyone walking round the Llyn Peninsular should keep their eyes peeled for the Manx Shearwater – although they may not have to look too hard. Wales has half the world’s population, and Bardsey Island, just off the Llyn, is home to 16,000 pairs. This medium sized seabird is black on top and white below and has a distinctive ‘shearing’ form of flying, with stiff wings and few wing beats.

Puffin

3. Puffin

Where to see them: Puffin Island, Anglesey, North Wales

With their tangerine legs, monochrome plumage and unique beaks, we dare you not to fall in love with them. Wales is home to a large population of Puffins – one of the best ways of seeing them is on an RSPB tour of Puffin Island off the coast of Anglesey, but you can also find them at South Stack RSPB on Anglesey and around Pembrokeshire. Just don’t leave with one under your coat.

Arctic Tern

4. Arctic Tern

Where to see them: North Wales coast

White with a black cap, the Arctic Tern is also known by its local name ‘sea swallow’ and they really are extraordinary birds. Arctic Terns can live up to 30 years. And in their long life scientists reckon they make the equivalent of three round trips to the Moon. North Wales is the best place to spot them, particularly the Cemlyn Nature Reserve on Anglesey.

Chough

5. Chough

Where to see them: The West, from Pembrokeshire to Anglesey

The Chough’s Welsh name, Brân Goesgoch, literally means ‘red-legged crow’ – and that’s what it is. Usually seen along the coast, the Chough is the rarest member of the crow family. The UK has just a few hundred pairs, with three-quarters of them living in Wales. You may hear them before you see them though – they have a distinctive call. A great place to find them is at the RSPB’s South Stack nature reserve, in North Wales.

Bearded Tit

6. Bearded tit

Where to see them: Newport Wetlands

Despite its name, this brown, long-tailed bird is a ‘parrotbill’, not a close cousin of our familiar Blue and Great Tits. The ‘beard’ refers to the black markings on the male’s face (although they look more like handlebar moustaches). Found only in reedbeds, Bearded Tits have a small population of around 550 breeding pairs in the UK, mainly in the east of England, but recently the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve has become home to them – and part of the Wales Coast Path runs through it.

Red Kite

7. Red Kite

Where to find them: mainly in the West

Watching a loose congregation of Red Kites floating above the rolling fields, it’s hard to believe that this bird was hunted almost to extinction, leaving a tiny surviving population in mid-Wales. Thankfully there are about 1,800 pairs in Britain today. And although one of the best places to see them remains mid-Wales, they have spread from their stronghold out to areas of the coast, particularly Ceredigion. Keep your eyes open wherever you are, and if you want the quintessential kite experience, peel off the path and head inland to see them being fed at Gigrin Farm, or flying over the lakeside cafe at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest Centre.

Osprey

8. Osprey

Where to find them: Glaslyn Estuary or Machynlleth

The Osprey is one of the most recent, and certainly one of the most spectacular, birds to recolonise Wales. Your chances of seeing one along the route of the Wales Coast Path are much enhanced by publicly-viewable pairs at the RSPB Glaslyn Osprey centre and at the Welsh Wildlife Trusts Cord Dyfi Osprey Project near Machynlleth.

Stonechat

9. Stonechat

Where to find them: Anywhere along the cliffs – try the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

The size of a Robin, and sharing with it an orange-red breast, this little bird is a common sight on the Welsh coast as they thrive in coastal vegetation, particularly gorse. The adult male has a distinctive black head and, while the birds are sometimes shy, they do love to let you know they’re around. In fact, you may well hear a Stonechat before you see one – listen out for a sharp, loud call, like two stones being tapped together. Stonechats can be found along the cliffs and shingled stretches at any time of year.

Peregrine

10. Peregrine

Where to find them: Cardigan Bay

You’ll need all your wits about you to hone in on one of these beautiful birds of prey, Britain’s largest falcon. That’s because the Peregrine is one of the fastest animals on earth, reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour while diving for prey. Peregrine falcons thrive in coastal areas (as well as, increasingly, urban centres) – and while you might encounter one anywhere along the coast, the beaches of Mwnt and Llangranog in Cardigan Bay are great places to start.

Thirsty for more? Listen to five wonderful bird sounds of the Wales Coast Path or see our seasonal ideas for watching wildlife in Wales.

Have some fun outside this May Day

We all love a long weekend, so don’t waste your Monday off work this May bank holiday, go out for the day!

5 ways to spend your May bank holiday

1. For a free day out, visit the National Museums of Wales

Look out for the Roman's at National Roman Legion Museum

Located all across Wales, the seven National Museums of Wales provide a fun and educational day out.
Children can find out how the Romans lived, see huge skeletons of dinosaurs and discover Europe’s largest open air museum.

2. For an active day out, walk part of the Wales Coast Path

Walking the coastal path near Ceibwr, Pembrokeshire

The Wales Coast Path officially opens this weekend so take advantage of your extra day off and walk a section of the path. You’ll have glorious views of the Welsh coastline and green fields surrounding it, you’ll also discover hidden coves and beautiful beaches.

3. For a day out at the seaside, go to Tenby in Pembrokeshire

Visit the pretty seaside town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire

The harbour and seaside town of Tenby provides a wonderful day out on the Welsh coast. Spend the day on the beach, get some fish and chips for lunch and sit in the harbour and watch the world go by, perfect day out on a bank holiday weekend.

4. For art lovers go to Wales’ oldest art gallery – Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw Arts Centre

The oldest arts venue in Wales - Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw at Llanbedrog Llyn Peninsula

The gothic style mansion built in 1857, is one of Wales’ most picturesque art venues and stages a changing exhibition by premier artists from Wales and beyond. It’s free to enter, runs a programme of workshops and is family friendly. After you’ve viewed the gallery visit the tea room and craft shop.

5. For day out in the great outdoors, go wildlife spotting

Spot seals whilst kayaking in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire

If you’re looking for something to do in the fresh air on bank holiday Monday, take the kids wildlife spotting. Across Wales there are many outdoor attractions where you can walk and see wildlife in its natural habitat. Discover the best wildlife to see in spring and summer.

More May bank holiday day out ideas

If you need some more inspiration, here are 10 more day out ideas May bank holiday 2012.

Image credits: National Roman Legion Museum by MuseumWales, Tenby by CountryGirlatHeart and Seals by Kayak King

You can also join the Wales Coast Path Bird Race

Name: David Atkinson

Twitter: @atkinsondavid

Job Title: Travel Writer & Journalist

David is walking around the soon to be officially opened Wales Coast Path and writing exclusive blogs for us on the way.

Wales Coast Path – Part 5

The Wales Coast Path opens on Saturday.

The 870-mile path outlines Wales from the border outside Chester to Chepstow.

For the last of my day walks I’ve come to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a 14-mile section from Porthcawl to Aberthaw with special conservation status.

I start walking near Ogmore village, a short inland stretch by the ruins of Ogmore Castle. Just beyond the salt marsh of the Ogmore estuary lies the Bristol Channel.

This is coastal nature at its most visceral. The sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr are home to over 300 flower species, including rare, lichen-like Petalwort. A song thrush greets our arrival, repeating twice its signature refrain.

“I love the contrasts of this walk. You look across to North Devon, not a blank horizon of sea,” says Principal Ranger Paul Dunn.

“On a clear day,” he smiles, “You can almost reach out and touch it.”

We stop to survey the sweep of South Wales, the steelworks at Port Talbot to one side, Barry Docks to the other. But, despite the industrial envelope, the Heritage Coast is forged solely by the last ice age some 12,000 years ago.

Three alluvial fans, built on a base layer of carboniferous limestone, form a matrix of rocky outcrops, unique in their non conformity.

An exposed section, the northerly wind flattening the sea below us, then leads us towards Southerndown Beach, better known to fans of David Tennant-era Doctor Who as Bad Wolf Bay.

After a look around the visitor centre, the path climbs through the erstwhile deer park of the Dunraven Estate towards Traeth Mawr. This section includes a new public footpath unveiled in April, opening up a previously little explored section of the Glamorgan coast.

The final leg ushers me through maritime-ash woodland, awash with sea-salted bluebells, before bridging a gurgling brook. It feels like an enchanted forest, a magical kingdom through the looking glass.

We finish at Nash Point, twin lighthouses, now converted for self-catering accommodation, guardians of the sunset.

Paul has spent 34 years walking this coast. From tomorrow, new generations can discover his passion for a lesser-walked section of coastal Wales. As I have done today.

“I love the fact you hit the coast and now just turn left or right,” he says. “It’s a dream come true.”

Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of David’s Blog Series.

Discover more about the Wales Coast Path and Like Wales Coast Path on Facebook to keep up to date.

The Wales Coast Path officially opens on 5th May.
Find out about the launch events at the Wales Coast Path Website

You can also join in the Wales Coast Path Bird Race

The opening of the Wales Coast Path is capturing imaginations across the UK and beyond. Lots of the attention has been, of course, focused on what can be seen along the way.

But the magic moments we experience as we walk the coast are made as much in sound as in sight. And so in the run-up to the opening of the coastal path (and our record-setting ‘bird race’ along the entire route) we’ve selected five of the most evocative bird sounds that you might hear on your journey.

Curlew

Curlew by wcpbirds

[Welsh: Gylfinir] One of the most distinctive of wading birds, the Curlew prefers to breed on higher ground but can be seen and heard along the coast for much of the year. In spring, watch out for the similar Whimbrel, which stops off on its way North and gives a plainer, whinnying call as it flies.

Chough

Chough by wcpbirds

[Welsh: Bran Goesgoch] An undisputed favourite of many cliff-top walkers, the Chough is a crow with a difference or two – namely its curved red beak and legs. The West Wales coastline remains a stronghold for this scarce bird. Only around 500 pairs nest in the whole of the UK. And its characterful yelps are usually delivered as it tumbles along the cliff edge, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing just as quickly.

Kittiwake

Kittiwakes in Mumbles, South Wales by wcpbirds

[Welsh: Gwylan Goesddu] Named after its call, which is usually heard in chorus at a cliff-face colony numbering hundreds or thousands, the Kittiwake is truly a ‘sea gull’. Unlike many of its cousins, it hardly ever strays inland, and spends the winter far out to sea. It returns to its precarious nesting places in the spring, particularly the cliffs around Anglesey and Pembrokeshire.

Raven

Raven by wcpbirds

[Welsh: Cigfran] It’s the sound of a Raven that often gives it away, as it sails high above your head. No other crow croaks as deeply, and when you clap eyes on it you can see why – it’s the size of a Buzzard!

Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher by wcpbirds

[Welsh: Pioden y Mor] A familiar sound along rocky coastlines, where Oystercatchers like to hang out. They often call, in their rather panicky way, as they fly parallel with the shore – a stop-motion picture in black-and-white, with a long red beak.

Find out more about where to watch wildlife in Wales.

And if you’re out and about along the Wales Coast Path on 5 May, help us set a new record by telling us what birds you’ve seen. It’s as easy as posting to our Facebook profile or tweeting your records on Twitter with the hashtag #WCPbirds.

Vintage funfair rides at the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza

You won’t be stuck for something to do in Wales this May.  Whether your thing is music, comedy, culture, food, or just a great family day out, there is something to fill any day and here are a few ideas to keep you going.

10 of the best May events 2012:

Vale of Glamorgan festival, 1 – 11 May

The Vale of Glamorgan Festival, unlike other classical music festivals, solely celebrates the work of living composers, and this year marks two significant birthdays – Philip Glass’s 75th and Per Nørgård’s 80^th. There is a wide range of stunning venues, from medieval castles and churches to state of the art concert halls, and performances from symphony orchestras to chamber ensembles. Festival goers will also be given opportunities to experience the music of China, with traditional Chinese instruments played by the country’s finest exponents of them.

Machynlleth Comedy Festival, 4- 6 May

Now in its third year the Machynlleth Comedy Festival has quickly gained a reputation as a real hidden gem, with comedy acts including Stewart Lee, Jon Richardson, and Josie Long appearing at the festival this year. The town is known for its quirky venues that get filled with laughter over the festival weekend, which helps to make it popular with acts and comedy enthusiasts alike. It has been confirmed that the comedy legend Arthur Smith will be at this year’s Festival, wowing visitors and exploring the town.

Landed Festival of Music Arts and Entertainment, 4 – 6 May

Rhayader plays host to the Landed Festival, which promises 3 days of eclectic, inspiring and innovative performances. There will be live music on two stages, an open air cinema and a new stage for theatre, spoken word and comedy. There will also be a gallery, an activity packed kids area, digital art galleries, recycled gardens and an array of traders. Also on show will be new and returning art installations, a puppet shows from “Vagabondi Theatrical Arts”, circus skills performances and workshops, Craft workshops and a Star Wars themed fancy dress day.

Wales Coast Path launch events, 5 May

Marloes & Skomer Island from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

May 5 sees the official launch of the Wales Coast Path, with three events taking place in Flint, Aberystwyth and Cardiff. Members of the public are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting Welsh landmark project. The community celebrations will see local business, food and drink producers, community groups and entertainers, come together at Flint Castle, Aberystwyth Promenade, and Cardiff Bay to mark the opening of the 870 mile (1400km) coast path and promote what is on offer along Wales’ stunning coastline.

Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza & Transport Festival, 5 – 7 May

Over the bank holiday weekend Llandudno will be packed full of Steam Engines and Victorian Musical Organs, Vintage Cars and Costumes, Curiosities & Sideshows, people dressed as they were back in the Victorian days, and Victorian sideshows. There will be jugglers, stilt walkers, buskers, live performances, and a special double-headed Steam Train will be visiting Llandudno Railway Station on Saturday 5th May, bringing visitors to the Victorian Extravaganza from the Midlands. At 1pm each day there will also be a Grand Parade full of Marching Bands, Victorian Costume walkers, Steam engines and vintage vehicles, Britain’s best Town Criers, stilt walkers, street entertainers, and Star Wars characters. Also, Bodafon fields will host the annual transport festival. What’s more, on Friday 4^th May there is a Mad Hatters Tea Party where you can join in a World Record attempt for Jam Tart eating!

Also on Monday 7^th May, a couple of miles up the road, is Colwyn Bay Promenade Day 2012. A stretch of 2 miles of promenade will be transformed into a hub of activity with fairground rides and stalls, as well as a bike stunt show and performances by Kitty Brucknall of X Factor fame.

Conwy Pirate Weekend, 19 – 20 May

Shiver me timbers it's Conwy Pirate Weekend

On the weekend of the 19^th & 20^th May Conwy will be taken back to the medieval times when a villainous pirate crew will try and take control of the town from the revenue officers and the redcoats.

There will be treasure hunts, story telling, a longboat race, slave auction, pirate parade, smugglers market, as well as swordplay, cannon fire, and even a plank to walk! There will also be plenty of people saying ARGGH! and prizes for the best dressed pirates. Find out more about Conwy Pirate Weekend.

Olympic Torch Relays, 25 – 30 May

The Olympic Torch Relay route has been planned so that the Flame will come within ten miles of 95% of people in the UK, carried by 8,000 different people. The route and planned start times at locations can be found on the website.

The torch will visit South Wales first, travelling west as far as Haverford West before heading north up the West Wales coast, then east long the North Wales coast and down to Welshpool. The torch will spend 4 days between the 25^th and 30^th May in Wales. Places you can see the flame on its travels include the Millennium Stadium, Caerphilly Castle, Oystermouth Castle, Bay Rider Land Train, Kidwelly Castle, Ceredigion Cob Horse, and Beaumaris Castle. Furthermore, at the end of each day will be an evening celebration. The celebrations will be in Cardiff on 25^th, Swansea on the 26^th, Aberystwyth on the 27^th, and Bangor on the 28^th.

Caerphilly Food Festival, 26 May

Try Welsh cheese at Caerphilly Food Festival

Caerphilly is set to host its first Food Festival and the high street will be adorned with stalls offering a food market through the town and hosting a feast of entertainment for all ages. A variety of food stalls will line the street filling the town with delicious smells and sizzling sounds of a bustling food fayre. There will be cookery demonstration and an abundance of attractions for visitors of all ages to see with fun activities and entertainment enhancing the new street festival, bringing fantastic colour and excitement to Caerphilly.

Another new food festival in Wales this year is Holyhead food festival, planned for 5^th May. The Ynys Cybi Food and Produce Fair will take place in the centre of Holyhead with up to 20 stalls and cookery demonstrations planned for the inaugural event.

Enjoy Festival, 26 May

The home of The Scarlets will open its doors to thousands of music fans for the Enjoy Festival, featuring some of the UK’s most exciting pop, soul, classical and hip hop stars, such as Alexandra Burke, Starboy Nathan and Stooshe.

Billed as the music event with something for everyone, Enjoy Festival will have full programme of sparkling acts creating a festival atmosphere of music and a mix for everyone to enjoy a great afternoon of entertainment.

Global Village Festival, 26 May

The Merthyr Tydfil Global Village Festival was established in 2005 to celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of Merthyr Tydfil. Global Village is in its very essence about participation and a coming together of the various groups of people to celebrate diversity and difference. The festival uses music, dance, art, voice and performance in an inclusive and celebratory context. The array of activity means that there is something for everybody and people can develop their creative side and widen their cultural horizons.

More events & things to do

With the early May bank holiday just around this weekend it’s the perfect time for a family day out, here are 10 day out ideas for the early May bank holiday.

Search for more events.

Image Credits: Main image Llandudno Victorian Fair by Ruth_W’s, Marloes & Skomer Island image by Barrie Foster1, Pirate image by Conwy Pirates and Welsh Cheese by UK in Canada.